What was it like being gay and in the closet in the 1980s indie/punk rock scene?
It was kind of like the don’t ask, don’t tell policy they have in the military except in the punk rock world it was don’t advertise, don’t worry. You didn’t have to be in the closet, but we had a bigger cause then that: the advancement of music. I am more comfortable in my own space talking about that kind of stuff where it’s my sole responsibility, but inside Husker Du I was only one person. Did you ever have any problems in the hardcore scene, which included a lot of skinheads, aggro dudes in mosh pits, intolerant people, mooks, etc.—did you ever feel threatened or encounter homophobia? My sexuality didn’t really enter into the picture. I mean it may have figured into the equation, but it wasn’t germane to what the goal was – to change people though music. Physically, I’m a pretty big guy. I don’t think I’m a tough guy, but I’m 6’2″ and 200 Lbs. I guess there was some of that, but it certainly wasn’t the prevailing sentiment. It’s the same as any high school locker room — guys will b
