Amazing! James Randi is Gay (Sylvia Brown didn't predict THAT, either).

[Ian David]

"Well, here goes. I really resent the term, but I use it because it’s recognized and accepted. I’m gay. From some seventy years of personal experience, I can tell you that there’s not much “gay” about being homosexual. For the first twenty years of my life, I had to live in the shadows, in a culture that was — at least outwardly — totally hostile to any hint of that variation of life-style. At no time did I choose to adopt any protective coloration, though; my cultivation of an abundant beard was not at all a deception, but part of my costume as a conjuror.

"Gradually, the general attitude that I’d perceived around me began to change, and presently I find that there has emerged a distinctly healthy acceptance of different social styles of living — except, of course, in cultures that live in constant and abject fear of divine retribution for infractions found in the various Holy Books… In another two decades, I’m confident that young people will find themselves in a vastly improved atmosphere of acceptance.

"Before publishing this statement, I chose to privately notify a number of my closest friends and colleagues — none of whom, I’m sure, have been at all surprised at this “coming out.” I’m prepared to receive the inevitable barrage of jeers and insults from the “grubbies” out there who will jump to their keyboards in glee to notify others of their kind about this statement, which to them will be yet further proof of the perfidy of the rationalist mode of life that I have chosen. Those titters of joy will be unheard over the murmur of acceptance that I confidently expect from my friends." - Famed magician James Randi, coming out at the age of 81 after seeing the film Milk. "The Amazing Randi" was a frequent guest on Johnny Carson and now spends much of his time debunking paranormal and supernatural claims.



More:
http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2010/03/homoquotable-james-randi.html

See also:

James Randi comes out
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=221x157726

[onager]

1. His critics have hinted at that for years.

Here's one I found on YouTube very quickly ("James Randi & the Psychic Chemist"): i dont think randi has ever been married or interested in females.

While entertaining myself reading woo forums, I've come across quite a few comments like that: "never married," "always surrounded by handsome young men," etc. etc.

When skeps are allowed to post in these places, they always point out the obvious: whether Randi is eroticly interested in women, men, or livestock, none of that has any bearing on his ability to debunk frauds.

Long as I'm here...rumors are still circulating on the internetZ that the Million Dollar Challenge was discontinued on March 6, 2010.

Not so:

On January 4, 2008 it was announced that the prize would be discontinued on March 6, 2010 in order to free the money for other uses...

However, at The Amaz!ng Meeting 7, it was announced that the $1 Million Challenge prize would not expire in 2010. This was also confirmed in the July/August issue of Skeptical Inquirer, where Randi is additionally quoted as saying: "It was going to terminate...but now it will continue." The Foundation issued a formal update on its website on July 30, 2009 announcing the Challenge's continuation, and stated more information would be provided at a later date on any possible changes to the requirements and procedures.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Randi_Educational_Foundation

[semillama]

2. I am just surprised I haven't seen any jokes yet

such as a name change to the Fabulous Randi.

[Ian David]

4. He can be Amazing AND Fabulous. n/t

[Ian David]

3. UPDATE: James Randi Comes out at age 81 (Podcast Interview)

UPDATE: James Randi Comes out at age 81 (Podcast Interview)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=221&topic_id=157841&mesg_id=157841