Larry Flynt's My Hero
Larry Flynt spoke here in Seattle on a book signing tour he was doing for "Sex, Lies, & Politics: The Naked Truth". I've always appreciated, both personally and as a pornographer, his history and success with fighting for freedom of speech rights, so I headed downtown to hear him speak.
The crowd was very plain, considering I was expecting more "seedy" characters to attend. It was just regular folks who shared the same feelings as me about Flynt's crusades. There was even a couple who brought their baby (well, I assume it was theirs ;) and a couple of cute boys that I tried to impress with the fact that I produce porn :)
When Flynt rolled in with his HUGE bodyguard/assistant, I didn't know what to expect. I assumed he'd spend the entire time trying to get coins from us buying his book and various other items for sale off to the side, but that was not the case. Instead he spoke about various topics that are addressed in the book for about 20 minutes. It was pretty rehearsed, but I guess it would have to be wouldn't it? The thing that impressed and pleased me the most, however, was the next 45 minutes he spent answering any questions the audience had.
I say I was impressed because he had no idea what anyone would ask, therefore it certainly wasn't rehearsed. I'm sure many of the questions were ones he'd been asked a bazillion times before, but his answers were very funny, quick, sharp, and unapologetic. He was laughing most of the time and it almost felt like I'd known him longer than the hour I was there.
I'm neither shy in public, nor do I have any problems with public speaking, but for some reason I was nervous about asking a question. When Flynt called on me to ask my question, I did without hesitation. I asked "What's your opinion about the recent changes to the 2257 laws?" He got an extremely serious look on his face, after laughing and smiling so much before, and said "It's wrong and just a ploy to rattle the chains of adult companies. I think the ACLU has just filed suit against Ashcroft." Then he went on to another question.
After he spoke, we all got in line to have him sign his book that we all bought. When I approached him at the book-signing table, I shook his hand and told him I appreciated everything he's done for me and the adult entertainment community. I hope you guys don't mind that I thanked him on your behalf :)
