Arts & Entertainment
Joe Rogan defends same-sex marriage: ‘I’m a bleeding heart liberal’
The controversial host says he is not a Republican
In a recent Spotify podcast episode, Joe Rogan, describing himself as “a bleeding heart liberal,” directly addressed comments that he’s a “secret conservative.” He also defended same-sex marriage and claimed the conservative opposition against gay marriage is one reason he is not a conservative.
On the Saturday edition of Rogan’s podcast The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan interviewed comedian Andrew Schulz about his new comedy special Infamous.
When they talked about recent comments made by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) that codifying same-sex marriages was “clearly wrong,” Rogan blasted Cruz and the GOP for their oppositions.
“It’s not just abortion rights, but now they’re going after gay marriage too, which is so strange to me,” Rogan said in the podcast, as transcribed by news site mediaite.
“Gay marriage is not silly. It’s marriage — it’s marriage from people that are homosexual and it’s for them. It’s important. They want it. They want to affirm their love and their relationship. And the fact that they’re going after that now almost makes me feel like they want us to fight. They wanna divide us in the best way they can. And this is the best way for them to keep pulling off all the bullshit they’re doing behind the scenes is to get us to fight over things like gay marriage or get us to fight over things like abortion or it’s just like, why are you removing freedoms?”
Rogan continued and described the opposing attitudes against same-sex marriages as “homophobic.”
“It’s so homophobic. Because you’re saying there’s something wrong with being homosexual by saying that you are opposed to gay marriage. You’re saying you’re opposed to gay people.”
Rogan fought back to some critics claiming him being a “secret conservative.”
“People will say like, ‘Oh, you know, you’re a secret conservative.’” Rogan continued, “You can suck my dick. You don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about. I’m so far away from being a Republican. Just because I believe in the Second Amendment and just because I support the military and just cause I support police [doesn’t mean I’m a Republican].”
Joe Rogan comes out full-force, 100% in support of gay marriage. He even says GOP opposition to it is one of the things that keeps him from being a Republican. pic.twitter.com/XEY0fKXyKI
— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) July 25, 2022
“Like I was on welfare as a kid. I think it’s important. I think having a social safety net is crucial. We should help each other. We’re supposed to be one big community.” Rogan concluded.
However, earlier this year, in one episode with Jordan Peterson, Rogan indicated that accepting trans people was a sign of “civilization collapsing.”
Rogan has long been criticized for uttering controversial statements. He used to spread misinformation about COVID-19 vaccine and made inappropriate jokes about homeless people, claiming “just shoot them” may be the best solution.
Sickening. Joe Rogan, who’s worth millions, pontificates on the plight of homeless people, then decides the best solution may be just to “shoot the homeless people”. pic.twitter.com/mgBGmarzgP
— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) July 19, 2022
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
a&e features
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.
The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.
The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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