On one hand we have people demanding that being gay not matter positive or negative. Sexual preferences really only matter to the sexually preferred.
On the other hand we have celebrities declaring they are gay with as much fanfare as they can muster.
If it's a neutral condition, then why have a press conference about it?
I mean it either matters or it doesn't.
Right?
Ideally? It doesn't matter.
ReplyDeleteCurrently? It matters less than it used to, but it does still matter. By coming out publicly, those celebrities are trying to change that by putting a "someone you know" or "someone (you think) you can relate to" face on the issue, along with trying to show through their own actions that gays shouldn't have to be afraid to be as open as straight people about who they are attracted to.
There is, also, a great deal of pent up frustration from being in the closet for years that is suddenly free of restraint once the decision to be open is made. Since celebrities tend to live in the spotlight, that's where that frustration is most likely to be released. Thus, a press conference.
I am reminded of when Rob Halford came out. He was so worried how everyone would react and on the whole it was, "yeah we knew."
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