Americn Airlines Shuns Gays

September 25, 2006

Apparently, you're not allowed to make out on American Airlines unless you're straight.

Page Six of The New York Post reports that Nicolette Sheridan and Michael Bolton couldn't keep their hands off each other on an American Airlines Flight last week. Which is fine, and sort of gross, but whatever.

But then last week, The New Yorker ran a "Talk of the Town" item about an American Airlines pilot and flight attendant nearly throwing journalist George Tsikhiseli and his writer boyfriend Stephan Varnier off a flight for showing romantic affection for each other.

According to the New Yorker, Varnier nodded off shortly after take off and leaned his head against his boyfriend's shoulder. Suddenly the flight attendant came over and told the couple: "The purser wants you to stop that." The couple didn't understand at first and asked "Stop what?"

"The touching and the kissing," the flight attendant said before walking away.

Like any good, red-blooded gay couple in 2006 should, the boys complained to the purser, and the pilot. But they were told to sit down and drop the matter or American Airlines would "divert" the flight.

Ooh, hiss, hardball!

Later when The New Yorker reached American Airlines for comment, the airline spokesman, Tim Wagner, said the reaction to censor the couple was appropriate.

"Our passengers need to recognize that they are in an environment with all ages, backgrounds, creeds, and races," Wagner said, "We have an obligation to make as many of them feel as comfortable as possible."

Oooh, hiss!

Homophobia and hypocrisy clear and simple. American Airlines, (and gays!) we have two words for you: Jet Blue.