Kissy Kissy

The National Enquirer is running a full page photo in its current edition of John Travolta locking lips with an unidentified man, but the supermarket tabloid is being verrrrry careful not to specifically out the actor. The paper says the picture was taken on the tarmac at Hamilton (Ontario) Airport. Travolta is has been in nearby Toronto shooting "Hairspray" where he plays Edna Turnblad, the drag character made popular on Broadway by Harvey Fierstein.

The picture shows Travolta with one arm around the back of the good-looking male who sports a blonde buzz cut. The guy has his arm around Travolta's shoulder and the two are in mid kiss. An inset, purportedly taken a few seconds earlier shows the two with an arm each around one another gazing into each other's eyes. In big bold type the Enquirer says "Travolta and Pal Ready For Takeoff". The copy says the shot was taken at the airport on the steps to Travolta's private 707. But, the Enquirer's copy contains a caveat that it obviously hopes will keep it out of court. The very last line says "Was [Travolta's] wife Kelly watch as John and his buddy locked lips? It's possible! Kelly was already on board while the men kissed - and threesome jetted off together." It isn't the first time that questions have been raised about Travolta in the Enquirer. A few years ago the paper published claims by porn star Paul Barresi that he had a two-year affair with the actor. Barresi was reportedly paid $100,000 for the story but he later recanted it and then suggested he was right the first time. Now I don't particularly care what camp Travolta is in. He hasn't made a career of slagging gays. What I do care about is publications that use the gay factor to somehow suggest homosexuality is a bad thing. That picture wouldn't raise an eyebrow in Europe where straight men frequently kiss one another as a greeting. And, yes, on the lips.