Following a short speech at the U-Store Saturday, former New Jersey Governor James McGreevey conducted a joint interview with reporters from The Daily Princetonian, Times of Trenton and Princeton Packet.
Is this your first time back at Princeton?
Yes, it's wonderful. I've had some opportunities to see some old friends. I shared a special time in Princeton.
Is there a specific reason why you chose to have Princeton on your tour?
It's very important to speak to young people. I also spoke at Rutgers and universities throughout America about self-acceptance so, frankly, future generations don't make the same mistakes I did.
What would you say to gay and lesbian students at Princeton who wish to pursue leadership or political roles in the future?
It's possible. America is changing and every generation in America has widened opportunities for all people — from the women's rights movement to the civil rights movement. The time will come when people are accepted for who they are. It's almost inevitable. It can't be stopped in the sense that it defies the nature of the American experiment from 1776 to 2006 of civil liberties and responsibilities. Gays want those same civil liberties, obligations and sense of community. I think I'll be the last generation that has to choose between a professional career and the heart.
Some people have suggested that the focus on your sexuality has diverted attention from issues related to your job conduct. How do you react to that?
My decision to resign was based upon an ugly scenario which I, myself, created. I both apologize and take responsibility. The book is so painfully honest in order to try to demonstrate the consequences of being untrue.
When you were in office you didn't support gay marriage. Have you changed that political view?
I rejected gay marriage because I was afraid of being discovered. For me, being in the closet was a sick place where I wanted to hold my sexuality as far away as possible. I look forward, hopefully, for a Supreme Court decision to embrace gay marriage.
Do you have any reaction to Golan Cipel [the man with whom McGreevey claims to have had an affair] denying the relationship?
It's sad. I stand by the integrity of the book. There's no advantage to writing a book this painful except to embrace a truth which has its own virtue. Truth in and of itself is powerful. I hope he finds peace. It has been a very difficult trail and I am in no place to judge another person's journey. I only hope that at some point in his life he finds acceptance.
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