There is some scientific evidence to support the popular view that outward hostility to homosexuality is sometimes a form of overcompensation. [Cornell University, August 2005. See also News Medical Net and Science NetLinks.]
However, even if this is not true, it is a belief commonly enough held that those who take strong positions against homosexuality may expect questions to be asked to their sexuality.
So consider the case of an unmarried elderly man who wears red Gucci shoes [Associated Press] and has a very good-looking male secretary [Daily Dish]. When this elderly man takes a strong position on homosexuality [BBC News, New Scientist], gossips around the world are not slow to see a possible connection [Olly's Onions].
Over and over again we have observed public figures taking up positions that turn out later to be jinxed. Politicians who rashly boast of their happy family lives, or celebrities who invoke the Curse of Hello [DailyMail, Guardian, Independent]. It sometimes seems as if they are unconsciously inviting attention to their secret vulnerabilities.
So shall we assume that all public statements have a secondary purpose?
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