Ricky Martin steps out of the closet

[MrScorpio]

http://www.tmz.com/2010/03/29/ricky-martin-comes-out-gay/

In other news late breaking news... Water is wet.

[hlthe2b]

1. Why was this necessary?

:eyes:

Ricky, we knew. We knew... Carry on.

[MrScorpio]

5. You know, as I think of it, he may be the last person in the world to admit it

But really, I glad that he finally had the courage to do it.

[Lex]

8. Because "acceptance has to come from within and that this kind of truth

gives me the power to conquer emotions I didn't even know existed"

is why.

[Bluebear]

14. But it WASN'T NECESSARY!!!1

:eyes:

[hlthe2b]

22. I should think you'd find it more refreshing...

that his big announcement is being met with an enormous collective yawn.

Now, THAT is acceptance, IMO.

[Lex]

26. A scoff and an eyeroll from you

is the same as a yawn? Okay, if you say so.

[hlthe2b]

27. Don't seek offense where it is not present...

Frankly, this is an announcement timed to announce his upcoming memoir, something I also find to be unnecessary. But, as I said earlier, carry on, Ricky. More power to you.

[FreeState]

28. "to announce his upcoming memoir, something I also find to be unnecessary."

While you might find it unnecessary there are thousands and thousands of fans and GLBT persons who do not. His coming out is going to change the landscape of GBLT Latins for a long time coming. Scoff or yawn all you want, but the reality is it is a huge deal until the day no one needs to come out because GLBT persons are seen as 100% equals with their counterparts.

[hlthe2b]

33. Guess what..

this is an opinion forum. I'm glad you are a tremendous RIcky Martin fan. I'm glad you are so looking forward to his upcoming memoir. If I had extra funds, I'd buy you an advanced copy. I hope it is well written and provides you the tremendous read that you deserve.

And, I wish Martin nothing but a happy life, living as he will.

Now, go pick a fight elsewhere.

[hlthe2b]

51. the scoff and eyeroll is over him making such a big deal about it.

As Bluebear similarly attests, it was really unnecessary.

[Iggo]

29. That is a goddam excellent point.

[hlthe2b]

34. I thought so...

But, unfortunately, my comments are being totally misconstrued by some here. :shrug:

[Iggo]

37. The dream is that it's not supposed to matter.

As the reverend doctor said, "I may not get there with you...", but that is the dream.

[JackBeck]

18. Because we need more visible LGBT people of color. n/t

[FreeState]

19. Until kids stop killing themselves and gay people are not seen as less than - yes its necessary

n/t

[greencharlie]

38. +1

[Toasterlad]

65. +2

[eShirl]

43. Because he wanted to.

Maybe in part to show his child/children by example that its OK to be who you truly are.

[Drunken Irishman]

2. Next thing you'll tell me he's Latin...

[Quantess]

3. Good for him!

[dchill]

4. Wow!

Nice closet, Ricky!

[pitohui]

6. ricky martin? he still alive? crikey!!!

seriously i thought he came out of the closet years ago when he was still famous...is this some kind of publicity stunt?

[Bluebear]

7. 'In other news late breaking news... Water is wet.' - whatever.

Coming out is a personal decision, I'm glad for him.

[MrScorpio]

16. I'm glad for him too

I really am.

I believe what Harvey Milk said is so true, paraphrasing; that the day that every gay person comes out of the closet is the day that the gay rights movement would end.

When more people who were in the closet like Martin and who seems to be the last person to admit that he is gay, leave that closet, the sooner we'll have universal acceptance of LGBT people in America.

[terrya]

44. Good for Ricky Martin

Coming out is a different process for everyone. For some, it can be relatively easy. For others, it can be a process that takes years.

I'm not going to make any "well, WHAT a surprise" comments about Ricky Martin coming out. Good for him. I'm glad he's now an openly, happy gay man. And if his coming out can help others be inspired, motivated to come out themselves, then that's a good thing, isn't it?

I'm reading the same kind of comments on Facebook. "And in other news, water is wet". Jesus Christ. Our progress is helped immeasurably by more and more people coming out. Harvey Milk, decades ago, said it is vitally important for our community....for getting our equality and our civil rights...if we all come out. Well, here's one more out gay man in our community.

I thought I'd post here again after an absence. I see nothing here has really changed.

[Bluebear]

49. Not a thing but it's good to see your name.

[Toasterlad]

66. +1

[MrScorpio]

58. Tell me one thing, please

Are you in the least bit surprised that Ricky Martin, of all people, announced that he came out of the closet?

I mean, hasn't this been an open secret about Martin for years?

Some of us are wondering what took him so long to come out!

Are we supposed to respect his transparent closet, when so many others are harmed around him?

Where the hell was he when Prop 8 was up for a vote, or when other states decided that gays were too much a threat to the precious "sanctity of marriage"?

And you're absolutely right about that Harvey Milk quote... But I think that there's much more behind it. In that the closet harms all LGBTs and prevents their acceptance in the general community as well.

But I look at some of the comments here and I wonder, what do LGBTs actually want, Celebratory Exceptionalness and Just Plain Accepted Normality?

As long as there is the closet, LGBTs have every right to use Celebratory Exceptionalness as a way to stand up for themselves against the forces that are out to get them.

But that really isn't the ultimate goal, now is it? Because with acceptance, you'll have to eventually take the blase' attitude that comes with it,

Really, I think that the situation will be a lot better when an announcement that someone is gay gets to the point that they're telling us something that patently obvious.

Don't get me wrong, I'm really glad that Ricky Martin has finally stepped forward. I'm just saying, about freakin' time.

[Toasterlad]

67. "Are we supposed to respect his transparent closet,"

It's not Ricky Martin's responsibility to be a gay poster child. Coming out is an extremely personal decision, even for the rich and famous. He doesn't owe anyone anything, and he didn't betray anyone but himself by staying in the closet as long as he did.

Yes, very few people will be shocked by Ricky Martin coming out. That's not what coming out is about. Coming out is about being yourself publicly, showing the world who you truly are. It's about not hiding anymore. It doesn't matter if everyone you've every met guessed you were gay, coming out is always a brave act.

Coming out is not done for the benefit of the world. It's done for the benefit of the person coming out. Any benefit to the world is appreciated but incidental.

[Mojambo]

9. I honestly thought he was already out. n/t

[XemaSab]

10. My world is shattered

:P

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

11. Didn't we know this way back when he was in Menudo? n/t

[Bluebear]

He was 12 when he joined Menudo, did you 'know' it?

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

36. I was being sarcastic. Chill the fuck out! n/t

[Bluebear]

39. Who can tell anymore? Pottymouth.

Sorry! :)

[RadicalTexan]

12. Good for him!

[Matariki]

13. "Water is wet"

exact phrase that ran through my mind when I read your subject line ;-)

[Javaman]

15. This is news?

I thought he already came out years ago.

:shrug:

[Edweird]

17. I wasn't aware he was 'in' the closet.

[Chulanowa]

20. That's not so strange

The strange part is that now I know Ricky Martin has a sexual orientation. I always took him for, like, a ken doll or cartoon character or something, someone you just don't think about getting it on. Bwuh.

Well, good for him. And good for all those guys out there who were looking for a kickass salsa partner.

[Behind the Aegis]

21. Good for him.

As for some other comments, it matters because whether you or others suspect it doesn't mean it is true. It is important for gay youth to have positive role models who are openly gay and not afraid and feel they must hide in the closet. So, a suggestion, instead of treating this announcement with derision, sarcasm, or some other negative emotion/comment, try to express something nice and positive, not just for Ricky Martin but for all those who have or do look up to him as a role model.

[MrScorpio]

24. But, but... He's a pop star!

That right there alone is enough for a little funning.

But in all seriousness, I congratulate his decision.

[FreeState]

25. +1

Its always amazing to me how people don't see how such comments diminish our whole existence and experience - coming out is a huge life step regardless of what others suspect or know about the individual. Ricky Martins statement says it best:

http://rickymartinmusic.com/portal/news/news.asp?item=114532

"Enough is enough. This has to change. This was not supposed to happen 5 or 10 years ago, it is supposed to happen now. Today is my day, this is my time, and this is my moment. These years in silence and reflection made me stronger and reminded me that acceptance has to come from within and that this kind of truth gives me the power to conquer emotions I didn't even know existed. What will happen from now on? It doesn't matter. I can only focus on what's happening to me in this moment.

"The word 'happiness' takes on a new meaning for me as of today. It has been a very intense process. Every word that I write in this letter is born out of love, acceptance, detachment and real contentment. Writing this is a solid step towards my inner peace and vital part of my evolution. I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am." - Ricky Martin

[tishaLA]

23. Good for him. And good for younger Latino LGBTs for whom he's a positive symbol

I wish him great happiness.

[SidDithers]

30. Good for him...

I've never really been a fan of his music, but I'm glad he'll be able to publicly live his own life.

Sid

[DevonRex]

31. Good for him. It must have been the right time for him to do so. And

it's not an easy thing to do. Is he Catholic? If so, it's even more difficult and therefore more brave.

[MrScorpio]

32. You know, I didn't even think about what impact his religion has had on him, if any

That's a good point

[xultar]

35. His closet had a glass door. But good for him anyways.

[Lost-in-FL]

40. About damn time!!

Congrats Ricky!! Be free now and be merry!! :party: :party: :party:

[MrScorpio]

41. +1 n/t

[Feron]

42. In other news..

Anyway I am happy for him. The letter on his website is wonderful.

[Bluebear]

45. You know, your little animation really isn't funny.

I'm sure you don't mean poorly, but saying you can "tell" someone is gay as a bear shits in the woods really is too much.

[Cirque du So-What]

46. If you ask me, a closeted existence

is truly living la vida loca.

[MrScorpio]

54. Exactly!

[joeybee12]

47. I thought he'd already come out...seriously...a few years back...n/t

[VMI Dem]

48. What clues did people use to come to the conclusion that he is gay,

before he made the announcement?

[Bluenorthwest]

50. Good for Ricky!!!

And brave and honest.

[postulater]

52. Who is Ricky Martin?

[omega minimo]

53. LOL

:rofl:

[HughBeaumont]

55. File under "The Worst Kept Secrets Ever"

Applause to Ricky for his decision to come out of the phone booth. Let's hope it inspires more.

[Hugabear]

56. Just curious...why was this "obvious"?

Yes, I've heard the rumors for years. Same thing with Clay Aiken before he came out of the closet. But I still have a hard time with the whole "we knew all along" mentality. How so? Because someone fits a certain stereotype?

[inna]

57. Gorgeous kids, too!

Wow.

[Liberal Veteran]

59. I haven't been this shocked since Clay Aiken came out.

Next thing you know, someone will tell me that Adam Lambert is gay.

[piratefish08]

64. i'm still trying to recover from George Michael......

[Swede]

60. I hope he has a good life.

Way to go Rick.

[Sebastian Doyle]

61. My only question for Ricky is....

Why, in the name of all that is holy, did you ever perform at a Chimp inagural? :evilfrown:

[MrScorpio]

62. Damn good question n/t

[inna]

68. money and fame, obviously.

[Lisa0825]

I am glad that he decided to be who he is openly...

and that he felt comfortable coming out. It must have been really difficult for all those years that he denied or would not address the rumors. I hope that he feels a sense of freedom from letting that go.

[Eg-ptiangirl]

63. my mum said that to me

i didnt believe her :(

[Touchdown]

69. She must've Banged someone else, then.

:shrug:

[Forkboy]

70. Hats off to him.

I'm sure all three people left wondering will be happy as well. :)

[Kablooie]

71. Oh no! I'm crushed! Now I'll never get him!

Wait a minute.
I'm a guy. That means my chances are better than ever!

Yay!

...


Wait a minute.

I'm not gay.


...


Damn.

[OneBlueSky]

72. elaborating the obvious . . . but good for him . . .

joins Neil Patrick Harris, David Hyde Pierce, and a host of other celebs who are no longer afraid of declaring their sexual orientation . . . a good and long overdue trend, imo . . .

[Zech Marquis The 2nd]

73. this is NEWS???

Next thing you know, someone will prove that the Earth isn't flat :evilgrin:

[Metric System]

74. Those who are flippant about Ricky Martin's coming out should check out the nasty homophobic posts

on his IMDB page. We don't live in a society where being gay is no big deal.

[Catherine Vincent]

75. I must be out of the loop because I don't know who Ricky Martin is

But he must be popular judging by the number of comments here. Good for him I suppose.