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News and commentary about the anti-gay lobbyMarch 29th, 2010
After more than a decade of speculation, Ricky Martin finally announced that his is “a fortunate homosexual man.”
In a statement posted on his official web site, the Puerto Rican heartthrob known for his hits “Living la Vida Loca” and “She Bangs”, Martin said his announcement was prompted by his sitting down to write his memoirs:
A few months ago I decided to write my memoirs, a project I knew was going to bring me closer to an amazing turning point in my life. From the moment I wrote the first phrase I was sure the book was the tool that was going to help me free myself from things I was carrying within me for a long time. Things that were too heavy for me to keep inside. Writing this account of my life, I got very close to my truth. And thisis something worth celebrating.
Martin went on to say that for many years, the only place where he felt he could really be himself was on the stage. But with the memoirs looming, Martin decided it was time for the unmarried father of twins to himself off the stage as well as on it:
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.
Congratulations and welcome out, Ricky Martin! Now that you’re finally and officially out, you’re hotter than ever.
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Pomo
March 29th, 2010
I was in the closet when he was popular so I didn’t think much about this but I never assumed that he was or wasn’t. At any rate, good for him!
Priya Lynn
March 29th, 2010
Since when do young whippersnappers right memoirs? Memoirs are something people in their 60’s or later do.
Priya Lynn
March 29th, 2010
Ooops, that should be write, not right – brain fart.
Leonardo Ricardo
March 29th, 2010
I´ve lived in Puerto Rico on and off for over twenty years…Ricky Martin has always been at Notable Citizen and I find that now he enhances that standing in the community even more by being open and self-honest and more honorable. Far reaching pueblos, often not so Gay Friendly, throughout Latin America will hear the good NEWS regarding another successful fellow spirit/traveler who no longer will accept the burden of unnecessary and unjustified shame and guilt. Heads up WORLD!
Tommy
March 29th, 2010
I was in highschool when he hit it big, and I had the most obsessive crush on him.
Soren456
March 29th, 2010
Wow! Who ever saw this coming?
AbsoluteTom
March 29th, 2010
Next Headline – EARTH IS ROUND ???
Emily K
March 29th, 2010
This is me being surprised. -_-
Cole
March 29th, 2010
Great for Ricky! Former Menuedos member Angelo Gracias ia also gay.
anteros
March 29th, 2010
ignoring the lyrics, i always thought livin’ la vida loca was his coming out song. lol.
very brave of him… i’m glad he came out… gracefully… and in his own time. sounds like it’s been a very positive thing for him.
i wish him peace, happiness and millions of new fans.
Eddie89
March 29th, 2010
Congratulations Ricky Martin!
Glad to have you as an out and proud member of our community!
andrew
March 29th, 2010
This is a man coming out in a Latino culture — I’m sure not easy. Not being Latino myself, I wonder what effect this has culturally in that region, and on Latin culture generally?
Eddie89
March 30th, 2010
As a Hispanic myself, this is extremely huge news not just for the gay community in general, but for the entire Hispanic community as well.
Being gay or even perceived as gay is still extremely looked down upon from a societal stand point and religious.
So, considering that Ricky Martin has risked alienating his fan base, his Hispanic community and his religion (I’m not sure how or if Ricky Martin is religious) this is certainly a big, bold step!
One thing is certain, that if I was a young, gay Hispanic teen today, knowing that Ricky Martin is an out, gay man, would certainly give me more strength and courage to accept myself as gay too.
Richard W. Fitch
March 30th, 2010
Perhaps we are on the brink of a celeb’s sexuality being a non-issue. Wouldn’t that be tremendous!!
Mortanius
March 30th, 2010
It’s amazing how many Celebs “come out” years after their peak while pretending to be Straight or at best ambiguous. Just goes to show you, people will sell themselves out for money and fame and hide who they are. Nonetheless, thanks for finally coming out and encouraging others who are celebs to stay in the closet till they’re done. /yawn, the sun coming up this morning was more breaking news.
Priya Lynn
March 30th, 2010
Mortanius said “It’s amazing how many Celebs “come out†years after their peak while pretending to be Straight or at best ambiguous. Just goes to show you, people will sell themselves out for money and fame and hide who they are.”.
Lots of people who aren’t rich or famous stay in the closet until later in life. Ricky may have done so for the same reasons those people do rather than because he was selling out for money and fame – we just don’t know.
Tommy
March 30th, 2010
Wow, what an American/English speaking centric view you have Mortanius. What can’t be made a little better with ethnocentrism?
Ricky Martin may not be a major star in the English speaking portions of America, but his popularity in Latin America hasn’t waned at all.
Swampfox
March 30th, 2010
Social pressure still is still so severe is that we are sometimes forced to deny while others continue to speculate. I can only pray that this brings some inner peace to him.
Regan DuCasse
March 30th, 2010
I can’t argue with any of the posts, especially since I am lacking experience with such social pressures a gay person, especially a gay person who got famous as a teen.
I do have a very good friend, a former child actor, who was outed while he was in his 20’s and I know what trauma that caused him.
But one thing is a fact: Ricky is f**king HOT!
He’s all kinds of gorgeous. What’s not to love? He’s avoided the many tiresome scandals we’ve heard regarding OTHER celebrities, or celeb wannabes.
Which says a lot about him being a classy person.
And I’ve seen pics of his twins, he is blessed to have such beautiful babies!
I simply wish them all continued health, wealth and the blessings that love bring.
Jason D
March 30th, 2010
Priya has a very good point. For my own example, it took until I was 22, my entire college career for me to finally come Out just to myself.
The assumption is that Ricky knew the past 10 years, when it’s possible he may not have been that self-aware. I can remember all the tortured explanations I had for myself, my attractions, my lack of interest in women, etc.
And I was a theatre major surrounded by gay men in a supportive environment. I can imagine if I were in Ricky’s shoes how much harder it would’ve been to just be honest with myself, let alone anyone else.
Andrew
March 30th, 2010
I agree with the comments on Ethnocentrism & the burden of coming out. I have seen so many stars struggle with this over the years, & can only imagine that the journey is even harder if you are being defined by millions of people daily. And yes, being a star in the USA is only a prerequesite for being a star in the USA. How many stars have lived childishly stunted because of their closeted experience? & how many have reached a trajic end without experiencing the power & maturity that comes with cominng out.
Burr
March 30th, 2010
As far as difficulties in the Latino community, it probably depends. Speaking for myself as a Latino, I’ve had ZERO problems with my immediate and extended family, and from what I can tell it’s not really a big deal at all in Argentina. I’m sure the story is vastly different from country to country. We really aren’t all that alike aside from language (sometimes not even that!) and some shared history..
paul j stein
March 31st, 2010
It is not like it was a secret, he just didn’t talk about it or address it. You Go GUY!
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