Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Meredith Baxter Had A Secret...but not anymore!

MEREDITH BAXTER CAME OUT, TODAY...on THE TODAY SHOW!
There had been a tease, a bit earlier on The Today Show, with the tag-line saying "Meredith Baxter reveals a secret."
I falsely assumed it must be something negative, or shameful, as that is what we usually associate with secrets.It was however, a secret filled with joy, and positivity, and gladness.....
Matt Lauer was trepidatious, saying, "Uh, do you want me to say it? How are we doing this?"
Meredith Baxter quickly blurted out,"I am a lesbian."
Matt gave a gentle smile and a nod of his head and said, "Okay, then."
Meredith Baxter, the woman I always longed to look like: Beautiful, blonde, with bright blue eyes, she played Alex Keaton's(Michael J. Fox) Mom on the iconic "Family Ties" series in the 1980's. I also recall her as the young, lovely, hilariously funny Meredith Baxter-Birney when she was married to David Birney(anyone remember "Bridget Loves Bernie" the rich Irish-Catholic girl vs. poor Jewish husband comedy in the 1970's?).
Ms. Baxter has been married three times, and has five children.
"I thought I was a bad picker, and I was...but it wasn't them, though they[the men she married] had issues...it was me."
She told Matt Lauer on The Today Show, that she went to her step-dad(her mother had died the year before) and said simply, "I date women." and he replied just as simply, "I do, too."
Her children, including her twin girls, have been immensely supportive. Her 42-year-old son claimed he "knew all along".
She is now partner to Diane, and recently took a cruise with 1200 other lesbians. When asked if she is happy, Ms. Baxter replied she is now "extraordinarily happy".
"I'm told this is a political act, even though it doesn't feel that way to me; I'm a very private person....I'm the same woman...but if I can be the 'lesbian you know', maybe it will mean you will think about rights for gay people..."
I think you rock, Meredith!!!
I'll be posting several entries later today, and catch all of you up on the "Queer Creativity" day I attended post-AQLF(Atlanta Queer Literature Festival, several Sundays ago),and an update on the most recent "Franklin Abbott and Friends" at Outwrite Books and More, three Tuesdays ago, as well.
And I hope everyone had a blessed and bountiful Thanksgiving. I was in Florida, visiting family for nearly a week, and it was grand!
Peace, kids.

10 comments:

jmsjoin said...

I thought that was pretty cool it sounded so natural and right, Excellent!

Lydia said...

Good for her. I've always admired her (and yes, I do remember Bridget Loves Birney!).

Anonymous said...

Good for her. That took a lot of courage. I'm glad she has found happiness!

Lisa Nanette Allender said...

Average Patriot--Hi there. Yep!
Headed to your blog, man.
Lydia--If you're on Facebook, check out the clip I posted just yesterday, from the pilot-episode of "Bridget Loves Bernie", with Meredith and David Birney.
Headed to your blog.
Selma--I know, she is a sweetie! Hope you're doing swell, Selma. I miss you, will drop in at your blog, soon!

Dave Dubya said...

Better late than never. It's sad to see our culture have such an imprisoning effect on people.

Of course there's a lot of people coming out and saying they are no longer Republcians, too.

Lisa Nanette Allender said...

Dave Dubya--re: "A lot of people coming out and saying they're no longer Republicans, too."
And I am personally, sooo pleased by that!:)

Harnett-Hargrove said...

You've NEVER told me wanted to look like her! -J

Rhiannon said...

I love Meredith Baxter! Like you loved your blond hair, cute dimpled smile and her blue eyes. I see her in those commercials for easy cell phones and such. She still looks great!

I remember her in that older show "Bridget Loves Bernie" and her marriage to that actor David Berney also.

I'm very proud of her. Some famous actors can make a difference in other people's life by having the courage to state "their truth"...it might help others to have the courage to do the same.

Good post Lisa. Hope your enjoying the Christmas holidays and have a great New year. Let "Change" keep on comin!

Love and Blessings,

Rhi

Rhiannon said...

P.S. sorry I did a major typo in my last comment there. I meant I loved "Her" blonde hair, cute dimples smile and her blue eyes..;o)

Lisa Nanette Allender said...

Harnett-Hargrove, aka Cuz Jayne:
Yeah, basically I wanted to be the love-child of her and Cybill Shepherd(my first favorite, when she won "Model of the Year" in uh, 1971, I think...). They were two of my favorite gorgeous women, growing up.
Rhi--Hi there. Yeah, I hear ya!
And yes--she IS making a difference, even at 62--coming OUT! :)