One of the most important things I learned during the filming of Brokeback Mountain was tolerance for all people. Initially after my first kiss with Jake Gyllenhaal, I thought, “That is the most disgusting thing I have ever done in my life! Did he really just eat garlic and cabbage?” Upon further reflection, however, I realized this was just “bigot talk,” unwanted baggage from my barbaric Australian upbringing. No matter how disgusting or outrageous someone’s behavior is, we should never express any displeasure toward such person or his or her life choices. Such disapproval can only be perceived as mean-spirited, hateful, or worse yet...diabolically evil. Particularly in matters of the heart. Take this good bloke LeRoy Johnson of Mesa, Arizona. The man loves a lamb. He likes to “shank” his young ewe in the neighbor’s barn. You would think the Mesa community would celebrate this wonderful union of 2 body and souls. On the contrary, however, the savage residents of Maricopa County would like poor Mr. Johnson to lose his job as deputy fire chief for simply following his heart. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I would be proud to have a deputy fire chief who is willing to fight for his sheep. Damn what rationale or good taste may say! Johnson and his ewe have every much as right to happiness as any of the rest of us. Let not the tragic tale of Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist go for naught. Celebrate bestiality and all the beauty of life wherever you may find them.
Heath “My Ennis is Bigger Than Jake’s” Ledger
Tuesday, March 7, 2006