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Schneider sticks up for gays
Written by Evelyn Hartogh   
Wednesday, 26 November 2008 16:45

In comedian Rob Schneider, king of Hollywood screwball comedy, lies a staunch ally of the GLBT community, discovers Evelyn Hartogh.

Rob Schneider stars and directs Big Stan, but found himself almost upstaged by the inter-racial gay couple supporting him.

“People have loved them. They are the favourite characters besides me, and people are happy to see they have found each other. That gay couple is so well loved. I am so proud of the audience".

In Big Stan, Schnieder’s character learns martial arts from David Carradine (Kill Bill, Kung Fu) to protect himself from rape in prison. Once inside, he unites the warring factions, bans rapes and encourages the men to form loving gay relationships.  

“Screwball comedy can still say things”, Schneider tell SX. “Stan is a selfish bastard who learns to respect himself and therefore respect others.

“It was important for me as a Hollywood star to stand up and say that rape is an act of violence and stand up and say that homosexual love is a beautiful thing ... You have to attack prejudice in any form.”

And the fight is not for gay people alone.

“Straight people have to stand up with their brothers and fight for the most ostracised and isolated members of the community and right now that is gay people."

The recent passage of Proposition 8 in Calfornia, which will limit the rights of gay people, requires further legal battles according to Schneider. “Sometimes a step back is a step forward. In California we didn’t fight the measure hard enough but we will now,” he says.

“It is hard to believe that you cannot talk about homosexuality to first graders. If talking about it makes one kid less uncomfortable about coming out, it is not insignificant because the reality is that bashing still occurs.

“Change needs to come in any form. We need to correct stereotypes and attitudes. Politicians, celebrities and comedians need to stand up. Anyone in the public eye needs to stand up and say prejudice is unacceptable.”

Big Stan is in cinemas now.

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