My constituents are very understanding, remarkably accepting people. Many are the descendants of Dust Bowl migrants, and they brought with them the values of that part of the country. They also brought an openness and friendliness and work ethic. These are wonderful people, and I shocked them. I mean, I shocked them to the core with this revelation. Understandably they would be upset, they would be angry, they would be disillusioned, disappointed. The person they had supported and known and donated to — I was someone other than what I had always portrayed myself to be. And even in the light of that, most people have been very kind to me.
(Page 3 of 3)
Roy Ashburn: Out and about
PATT MORRISON ASKS
The state senator discusses California politics, his anti-gay legislative record before being outed and more.
You're divorced, with four daughters and grandchildren. So here's where I ask about your family, and you can tell me to buzz off.
The things we're talking about were my choices. It was my choice to keep it secret; it was my choice to be a gay man and be married and have children. It was my choice to build a life on lies in order to conceal myself. That obviously had a big effect on my marriage and my children in ways that I don't fully comprehend, but it's my responsibility and not something to be talked about in interviews.
Fair enough. What happens now?
I like my [Senate] job very much. I wish we didn't have term limits, which is also another really bad Republican idea we ought to repeal. I'm doing the things necessary for me to fulfill my obligation for breaking the law. I'm in DUI classes; I'm coming to terms with my alcohol abuse. At the same time, I don't know that I've ever felt more optimistic about the future for myself. I don't know what the future holds, but I think it's going to be incredible.
patt.morrison@latimes.com.
This interview was edited and excerpted from a longer taped transcript. An archive of Morrison's interviews is online at latimes.com/pattasks.
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