Lance Bass is gay. When I read the article online I thought to myself ‘Wow. How cool is that? Someone who based their career on being a pop-music heartthrob to millions of teenage girls had the courage to come out of the closet.’ Career (or what’s left of it) be damned. I was awed, although not really surprised at his revelation.
Then I read a little bit further down… “He is in a “very stable” relationship with model-actor-Amazing Race winner Reichen Lehmkuhl, 32, [sidenote: total freaking hottie!] and is developing an Odd Couple-inspired sitcom pilot with [Nsync bandmate Joey] Fatone in which his character will be gay.” Thankfully for Lance, the acting won’t be too much of a stretch… unless of course, he’s a playing a top.
Seriously? WTF?! So for Lance it’s really not about courage, or about being true to yourself for YOU and disregarding what others may think; it was about publicity. Coming out as a trendy way to generate some buzz about a sitcom you’re developing where your character is [Gasp!] Gay!
Is it just me, or are other people getting Ellen flashbacks? Her show was quirky and funny, then she came out and you could feel the comedy being forced out of the room by one Lesbian Agenda episode after another. Is it that hard to be funny when you’re standing on the soapbox? Apparently she’s learned her lesson. Her next foray into sitcom television will feature her character as a lesbian, but not feature that as the main focus. “I don’t think we’re focusing on it as much,” DeGeneres said. “‘Will & Grace’ is about what that life is.” So it’s gay, but not THAT gay. [Sidenote: IMHO, W&G was far more entertaining than Ellen. It tackled tough issues, yet still remembered it was a sitcom and remained funny.]
I guess the point I’m trying to make is that I don’t feel ‘coming out’ as a device in which celebrities can extend their 15 minutes of fame and promote their new book/tv show/movie deserves as much praise and fanfare that we as a community give it. I’d have a hard time calling someone making a PR move, even one that bold, a positive gay role model. I don’t see your average, everyday, closeted homosexual saying “Gee! Lance did it and I can too!”
I have far more respect for people like Sir Ian McKellan, Freddie Mercury or Elton John who did it just for themselves; more as a declaration of “This is me, like it or not. I’m going to be true to myself and don’t care about what other people think.”
THAT is inspirational, and THAT is what makes a role model.
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July 27, 2006 at 10:01 pm
despite the fact i’m not fully a fan of music along the lines of Britney Spears or N Sync or Backstreet Boys, this does in fact hit a formal milestone of sorts.
the fact that more gay people like Elton John are coming out of the closet, who are professional entertainers as their career line, is beginning to increase. in the closet politicians and famous celebrities coming out is indeed a strong point people should value permanently and never think “that’s cool” then let it slip out of their mind and think “oh…”
the idea of celebrities coming out of the closet only will in two ways settle more score. if the fans respect that, they’ll stick around and support, and more people will begin to realize that there may be gay people in the media that we listen to and watch on a daily basis. on the other hand, some people may see it as another person to poke jokes or look down on like a nothing, a has-been, when indeed that is not the true point in itself entirely.
his name is in the news again, yes. this proves that he still exists, either as a celebrity, or as a professional entertainer, or both. despite this, he in a way, now represents the majority of those who are out of the closet and those still in the closet. only, hopefully, those who are in the closet will see it as a step up to allow them to not fear to come out. as well, hopefully, it will allow those who are out of the closet to not fear who and what they are, and to continue going for their dreams or to live their lives out regardless if someone tells them to tone it down or try not to be too “flaming”
to me in retrospect, this is further evidence that indeed, there have to be more famous people who are in the closet. not for hopes that i’ll sack up with them, but ultimately, that if they don’t come out, we the people out of the closet can represent them, and they, the people who get notoriety for coming out of the closet, can be the strength to hold the door open for those who wish to take that opportunity. it is like an army, a stronghold… when attacked at the core, every possible defense outside and in are available. though, there is the ability to go to war to fight for your freedom.
as long as nobody fucks up, it’s all good. helps me realize that i’m still able to have the chance to hit big and if someone tells me to tone it down, my response would be: “elton john, rosie o’donnell, lance bass, ellen degeneres… names of very big celebrities, who are out of the closet. for what they do, i highly respect them. but to ask me to stay in the closet for what i do? isn’t that kind of discerning, disrespecting? would you want the fans to know what you want me to do? would you want to let the fans down who appreciate honesty, truth, and the openness that i provide for them that you often don’t?”
there we have it.
July 29, 2006 at 10:53 am
It may be kinda tacky to extend kudos to the author of a post, and commentor… but both merc and leo presented delightful reads. kudos!
The concept of “coming out” (to anyone but one’s self) is a curious one. On the parenthetical insertion, the “i was soooo drunk last nite….” is renown… as the denial is real for many, and can endure for years spanning a life time. I never felt compelled to “come out” to most anyone, let alone the world… the latter being the option afforded by celebrity which, alas, makes no claim to me. Without having ever formally announced my homosexuality to my parents, my partners (that reference always reminds me of square-dancing) (and no, they were Not legion!) were welcomed into the family, for what that is worth, and the relationship was treated with dignity and respect. Granted, we did not kiss on the family couch, but i did not feel enourmously compromised for the lack of display of public affection. well… yes i did
At one point I did so declare to my brothers. The event was sort of cathartic for me… and probably merely redundant for them. I am not sure what the declaration of being gay is meant to convey. “i know i am not particularly cute, nor clever, and lack all flare for decorating… but i am sexually attracted to men”… okeeeee… good for you! Perhaps the declaration is in truth so unprofound that it is reasonable to parlay the unveiling into the realm of lucre, if one is afforded the opportunity.
Yeah, it would be nice if every faggot-doctorlawyerandindianchief were to proclaim to all listeners their homosexuality… but it aint gonna happen… and i am not sure the world would be a noticeably better place were it so. It would have to be a different and better world for that to happen in the first place. I was listening to Air America yesterday whilst gnoshing a Zesty Chicken Bowl in the car, when a lady from Portland called in, a closeted Democrat who owns a flower shop… and refused to plug her business by revealing the name, for fear of losing customers. insert smiley face.
i am not an nsync fan. nor do i dislike em. if their collective talent is reflective of their individual character, they are not people i would want to make the effort to get to know. i would like to think that every time Anyone Comes Out, an angel gets her wings… but i imagine the first thought sprung from the soul of countless red-blooded all-american and well-intentioned fathers throughout the land upon hearing the declaration of their son’s homosexuality: dear god i pray he is a top.
July 30, 2006 at 10:14 pm
Lance Bass is cute.