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Former Congressman Barney Frank reflects on his work, wit and sexuality in new memoir

Former Congressman Barney Frank (D-Mass.)
Michael Halsband
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(Provided by the St. Louis County Library)

Former Congressman Barney Frank (D-Mass.) served in the U.S. House of Representatives for more than 30 years. In 2011, Frank announced he would not seek re-election in 2012.

“I was born with the ability to make people laugh and to enjoy humor. It has served me by keeping me sane,” Frank told “St. Louis on the Air” host Don Marsh during an interview recorded last Friday at the St. Louis County Library.

Barney Frank is the author of a new book, “Frank: A Life in Politics from the Great Society to Same-Sex Marriage.”

The memoir traces Frank’s realization as a teenager that he was gay, how he wrestled with his decision to reveal that he was gay, in 1987, as well as his work in Congress.

Frank became known for his humor, quick-wit and chairmanship of the House Financial Services Committee.

In terms of the LGBT movement, Frank said he thinks the fight is just about over. He draws on the example of what recently happened in Indiana with the so-called “Religious Freedom” fiasco. “When the business community comes in and says discrimination is interfering with our ability to make money, the fight is over,” Frank said.

Further, Frank said he’s optimistic and confident that the U.S. Supreme Court will decide in favor of same sex marriage.

Marsh and Frank also discussed the upcoming 2016 presidential election.

St. Louis on the Air discusses issues and concerns facing the St. Louis area. The show is produced by Mary Edwards and Alex Heuer and hosted by veteran journalist Don Marsh. Follow us on Twitter: @STLonAir.

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Alex is the executive producer of "St. Louis on the Air" at St. Louis Public Radio.