Ricky Martin On Being Gay, Inspiring Others In Parade Magazine

He's no longer Livin' La Vida Loca -- in fact, Ricky Martin is very happy with who he is, and how it's helping others.

The Puerto Rican singer, who announced that he was gay in May, opened up about his sexuality and how it's inspiring people across the world in a new interview with Parade Magazine.

"The other day, I was in a store and there was this 13-year-old child who he told me, 'Ricky, you and me, we are the same! You like boys. Well, you know what? Me too! And this is my mom and she's happy with me today.' Are you kidding me? I had to give him a hug and I had to give his mother a hug because unfortunately -- because of society or faith -- parents struggle. It's all about love."

And it wasn't just an isolated incident -- Martin gets thanks from people all over.

"After I wrote the book and went on Oprah Winfrey, so many people have come to me, telling me, 'Ricky, thank you because I understand what acceptance is today,'" Martin remembered. The praise often continues, he said, with, "'Ricky, thank you. I feel better about myself because you have a very beautiful family and the words 'dysfunctional family' don't exist in your life.'"

Two other youth he's inspiring -- his twin sons, born via surrogate in 2008. For more on those children, as well as his career, click over to Parade Magazine.

Comments

[Mudbones1]

12:41 PM on 02/02/2011

He's always been a class act

[ethiopia1a]

12:15 PM on 02/02/2011

The New Ricky Martin's audiences will replace the old audience of young hot single women with a lot of sweaty scented rectum's ready for use.

[tbrdfx96]

12:13 PM on 02/02/2011

Didn't read the article but yes he is inspiring. Imagine the generation of kids who had Anita Bryant on the TV every day. I wonder to this day how many suicides she was responsible for?

[dre31]

12:01 PM on 02/02/2011

Im so happy for him. He is a great guy. Very nice looking, sexy, and has talent. Great story.

[Kamen Gullberg]

11:40 AM on 02/02/2011

This is a cool story, awesome! :)

[goodmarina]

11:04 AM on 02/02/2011

Ricky Martin inspires me ... he is a gorgeous & talented man to look at.

[boscobear]

09:57 AM on 02/02/2011

Wonder why he waited so long to come out? His coming out probably didn't surprise too many people.

[goodmarina]

11:03 AM on 02/02/2011

why is it any of our business when Ricky Martin chose to come out -- surprised or not ... I think he has and handled things at his pace.

sadly -- consider the anti-gay rhetoric faced by  people who are NOT gay ... simply because they support gay rights ... starting with Christian organizations such as the Westboro Baptist church.   i don't know what consideration, fear and plain ol' self-doubt a high profile person experiences when making such a decision.

[Mudbones1]

12:41 PM on 02/02/2011

well said

[Jdaddy1951]

09:32 AM on 02/02/2011

What can I say? My avatar tells how I feel about Ricky.

As a single gay father of seven kids --- six boys and a girl, including twin sons --- Ricky Martin inspires me. We all have our own versions of La Vida Loca. I'm glad he's found something that centers him. Kids'll do that for ya.

Sigh. Ricky, call me!

[Lexi Suarez]

09:02 AM on 02/02/2011

I simply adore him!

[GreenSpot]

08:56 AM on 02/02/2011

Love Ricky Martin and his new album "Música + Alma + Sexo"!

[RedBirdy]

08:29 AM on 02/02/2011

I heart Ricky. He's always been sincere and genuine... and handsome as all get out! LOL!