My Catholic Republican Mother Watches "Fire in My Belly"

by Ryan Creed

As noted yesterday, the National Portrait Gallery removed David Wojnarowicz’s video “Fire in My Belly” after denunciations from the Catholic League and incoming Speaker of the House John Boehner. Boehner represents Ohio’s 8th district, an area just north of Cincinnati, where coverage of the art scandal is completely absent in the local press — outcry is at a minimum if it exists at all.

Right now I just happen to be in Fairfield, Ohio, visiting my parents for the holidays. Who better to give some local perspective to liberal urbanites incensed by the seemingly jarring insensitivity and grandstanding of Boehner and the Catholic League than my mother, a 58-year-old devout Catholic and Republican in Ohio’s 8th district? I had her watch the video for the first time and recorded her carefully worded response.

Me: So before we begin, how often do you go to church?
Mom: Four times a week and I distribute Communion once or twice a week.

How many times have you voted for John Boehner?
Every time that he’s run.

[Mom watches video.]

So what are your thoughts on the video?
Obviously it’s very intense. The artist had in his mind the suffering that goes with the person who has AIDS as well as the gay man, I suppose. I wouldn’t have chosen to watch this, but having watched it, I can see the anguish. As a Catholic, I would question the use of Jesus and the crucifix to paralleling his anguish.

Did you think it was offensive?
I find anything offensive that uses a crucifix in a political agenda or any agenda that’s not spiritual.

Do you think the National Gallery should have taken it down?
I don’t know. John Boehner said the tax payers are paying for this…I don’t know. You know, I’m an accountant, not an art critic. I wouldn’t have chosen to see this. People who do know art and understand the details of art might find that to be an artful piece. I can’t judge art.

But you’re not so offended that you’re going to be having nightmares or are now blind?
No, I’m not blind. But I would never have walked into the exhibit if I knew that there was objectionable or pornographic content. I wouldn’t want to see it, nor would I want my family to see it.

Is it clear to you that this is art?
Yes. From my limited knowledge, yes.

Do you think your other people in Fairfield would feel this way?
I think most would feel the same. They would not have looked at or have liked it or gone to see it, but people in the art would have a different perspective.

Why isn’t the local press covering it?
It’s something the local people wouldn’t have any chance of seeing, and that’s probably why the press isn’t covering it.

But if you walked into a gay-themed art exhibit, would you expect to see this?
Would I expect it, no, but if it was there I wouldn’t be surprised about it.

Last question, do you watch “Two and a Half Men”?
I do! I’m embarrassed to say that I think it’s the funniest show on TV!

I’m offended!

Ryan Creed is an editor in New York City who writes a lot about gay stuff and early 90s indie rock.