Anita Bryant Dead at 84
The Self-Righteous Queen of Homophobia Takes Her Final Bow
Anita Bryant, the former beauty queen and singer who managed to turn a thriving career into a spectacular dumpster fire of bigotry, died on December 16 at 84.
Once famous for saccharine hits like “Paper Roses” and her Miss Oklahoma crown, Bryant’s real legacy was her relentless crusade against gay rights. Calling homosexuality “an abomination” and positioning herself as America’s unofficial morality police, Bryant alienated fans, obliterated her career, and became a poster child for the phrase, “Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.” #FAFO
The cancer that claimed her life at her Edmond, Oklahoma, home was reportedly less malignant than her personality. Her son, William Green, confirmed her death, and the family dutifully placed an obituary in The Oklahoman, though one imagines the LGBTQ+ community won’t be holding a candlelight vigil anytime soon.
Let’s not forget, this is the woman who spearheaded the 1977 “Save Our Children” campaign, a thinly veiled excuse for bigotry wrapped in a faux concern for family values.
Spoiler alert: she didn’t save much of anything, least of all her reputation.
Despite her early success as a singer and runner-up in the Miss America pageant, Bryant will be remembered less for her talent and more for her tireless dedication to being a sanctimonious bitch.
Her fall from grace is a classic tale of what happens when hubris and hatred outshine humanity. Rest in whatever, Anita.
Source: MDG