Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are

I came out five years ago, and I was never on the cover of a magazine or tabloid. In fact, most of the people I told, responded with “Yeah…and?” Of course, I’m sure it came as no big surprise to anyone who really knew me, since I’ve been a huge Cher fan since I could walk and talk. But let a celebrity say the words, “I’m Gay,” and journalists around the world can’t type fast enough.

I know what some of you might be thinking, “That’s the price they pay for being a celebrity,” but let’s save us both the time, by pointing that argument in the other direction. Just because a person is well known for a certain talent, doesn’t make it any of our business what or who they do behind close doors. Does it matter if your doctor dresses in drag? Not really. And when was the last time you worried about your mail carrier’s sexuality?

By now, you must have realized that this article was inspired by the current hype regarding Adam Lambert’s “coming out” in the new issue of Rolling Stone. But I don’t want to talk just about him–because to be perfectly honest, I didn’t watch one episode of American Idol this season.

I can remember the day that People magazine hit the new stands, and on the cover was Ellen, with the caption I’ll never forget: “Yep, I’m Gay!”  It seemed that people couldn’t stop talking about it, and Saturday Night Live had a field day with her coming out. Not too mention, how many women were heartbroken when George Michael was forced out of the closest. While Elton John has become synonymous as one of the many Gay Icons (who is actually gay!), is considered old news.

What amazes me even more, is the fact that there are many actors and actresses that are enjoying a very successful career, which could easily be shattered by coming out. For some reason, once a celebrity comes out, they are automatically tossed into that giant “gay pool” and treated as if they are lepers. Even though society seems to be moving in the right direction of coming to terms with those of us who happen to live “fabulous” lifestyles, there are still some lingering habits that don’t appear to be broken. And to best illustrate my point, think about this: When was the last time you saw a gay actor portraying a straight character? But how many straight actors have you seen portray gay characters?

Interesting.

It seems to me, that people want to think the worst about celebrities for a self-esteem boost. How many people have you heard say something negative about Angelina Jolie, after the end of Brad & Jen? Look at the covers of all of major magazines…is it me, or does anyone really care about this Jon & Kate drama? Since it doesn’t affect our lives, what should it matter? Britney Spears has had more bad press than she’s had fan mail, and hell, even Dolly Parton has been accused of being a lesbian on more than one occasion, after she’s said for years, that “if she wasn’t born a woman, she would definitely be a drag queen.”

The fact of the matter is, believing what you want about celebrities is one of your American rights, but that doesn’t give you the right to feel you deserve to know the truth. If Adam Lambert didn’t come out, would it change his talent in the slightest…who knows? Doubt it, since Liberace, Rock Hudson, Richard Chamberlain, and so many other actors and singers have been able to live their lives privately when it came to their sexuality. Speculation are as dangerous as land mines. You never know where to go, because everything could easily blow up in your face by taking the wrong step.