Rosie's High Seas Entertainment And Gay Family Values

ABOARD THE NORWEGIAN DAWN -- If you've ever wondered what became of the belief in musical theater's power to transform lives, take note: for most of this week it could be found a few hundred nautical miles out of New York, chugging north on the way to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The 2,300 passengers of this R Family Vacations charter were on board for an annual week of swimming, frolicking, eating and building their own social utopia -- one in which musical theater plays an essential role. Really.

R Family Vacations is led by Rosie O'Donnell, the entertainer and talk-show host; Kelli O'Donnell, the pixieish entertainment executive who recently became her wife; and their business partner, Gregg Kaminsky, and caters to gay and lesbian families. But anyone who might have signed up looking for something sexy or even illicit -- for a Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name Boat -- well, that ship had left the harbor. Whatever their sexual orientation, this was an extremely straight bunch.

Read the whole story here.

Comments

[JohnBisceglia]

It is always fascinating to hear from people who do NOT like Rosie. They reveal so much in their comments, from the homo-hating rhetoric to the misogynistic tantrums; such STRONG emotions over a person they've seen on TV and in magazines.

Rosie's family deserves better from our government (yes, I beckon her from my blog to protest), and Heterosexual America should be ASHAMED that Gay Families have such difficulty legally when they want to adopt, love, and care for YOUR abandoned children.

[BigLib]

Rosie DEMANDS that men do not wear speedos on her cruises- doesn't want to view "packages"- yet her black spandex camel toe is full view day after day after day after day...

Why?

[Eric8869]

My friends have gone on a few of her cruises with their family. It is a great cruise and children of gay people get to see other families like theirs. It is a magical experience had by all.

[Checquoline]

Thank you Rosie for all you do for children.

[1will]

I know that you have to support your own but this woman has no talent. She was once described as fat, shrill and untalented. This is actually an improvement over my opinion of her.

[Eric8869]

She has been a popular comedian, a popular film actress, hosted her own popular TV show and made The View "must see TV". No one cares what you think.

When you have done those things - give us a call.

[donorman]

You said it in you 2nd & 3rd words. "Has been".

[1will]

Apparently you do since you took the time to write your prissy little post.

[protagonia]

Rosie is a good American.

[rzan1]

I respect Rosie's dedication to her family. I just can't stand listening to her.

[Alvin4NY]

Nice to read such encouraging words about Rosie and Kelli and all of their efforts to make a difference. There will always be a place for Rosie at the show-business table. She's earned it.

[marymansour]

I a straight woman who admires Rosie for the way she speaks out on many issues. She has made a difference.

[nirak]

Let her entertain on Cruise Ships. At least we don't come across her when switching channels.

[andvoodoo2]

Rosie (and Ellen) will go down in history as two of the biggest forces behind the mainstreaming and overall acceptance of gay Americans. They are true American heroes.

[awenyyds]

Rosie you are the best, thank you and are your talented wonder friends.

[troykendal]

Rosie's back on top.

[LiberalBuzz]

Ya gotta love Rosie. She lives her life to the fullest and includes all those who want to join who are disenfranchised by the rightwing fear baiting, homophobic, bigoted akcoffs, like eveready.

I watched her HBO special and if it didn't at least bring a lump to your throat to see all those happy children with parents who were more doting and fawning than the average family then....well...you're just like eveready.

Good for Rosie and it's a shame the costs seem to be bringing this to a close. Maybe the cruise lines can take a line from Rosie and help to defray costs so they can continue.

GOOD FOR ROSIE, the world needs more Rosies!!

[cinemaven]

I was at a book signing for O'donnell's newest book (I'm an unabashed fan) and she just shines. I've been to dozens of signings and I'm used to getting through the line quickly since you barely get 2 seconds with the author but O'Donnell talks and listens to everyone. She plays with every child and hugs everyone who wants a hug. She poses for pictures and signs anything you want and gives gifts of chocolate and craft supplies to everyone. She has a special area for seniors, moms with small children and handicapped people so they don't have to line up.... who else puts so much thought into a signing? Every person got a few minutes with her and a one hour book signing stretched out to almost 4 hours because she stayed to sign every last person's book even though she was going onstage an hour later. (Cindy Lauper's True Colors tour)

I don't think I'll ever experience another gathering like that book signing line. I was there with friends and family and we got to know everyone in the line. There was so much laughter that the wait was actually fun.

I've never understood the hatred directed at O'Donnell when she is such a positive force and such a genuinely kind person. If everyone making the kind of money she does were to donate 1/2 as much as she does, the world would be a better place!!

[Topfeeder]

The hatred directed at Rosie is homophobia and it is disgusting.

[donorman]

I'm not homophobic. Just "can't seem to ever shut her mouth" phobic.

[protagonia]

Truth-O-phobia is also a big problem.

[Quaoar]

It's hardly homophobia if people find her TV persona annoying and unfunny.

[PlantGod72]

As a steadfast fan of Rosie and her terrific blogsite, Rosie.com, your experience doesn't surprise me in the least. I've seen many youtube videos, as well as her own vlogs recorded at her book signings, and she truly is a generous, compassionate person. Glad you got to experience it firsthand!

That there are haters out there (like the one who posted before you) who don't want to take the time to get to know the targets of their venom and animosity is an unfortunate fact of life......details like truth, accuracy, and fairness are too bothersome.

What Rosie has done for the Gay community through her openness, support, and the 'R family' vacations, and the attention she brings to the arts, autism and any number of other issues is greatly needed and appreciated.

She is honest, open and accessible to a fault through her blog. BRAVO to her, always!