Fans Not Going to Work Because Clay is Gay?
This is a comment posted on Clay Aiken's blog by a fan, or ex-fan I guess, after he announced he was, surprise, surprise...gay.
"This is really shocking news as I had no idea he was gay and now I have to deal with this. I am not sure what to say to people who know I was a fan. I didn't go to work today and am not answering the telephone."
Seriously? I am still laughing out loud and shaking my head. Give me a break here. This person obviously is oblivious to the fact that the unemployment rate is 5%; the highest it has been in five years and they are skipping out on work and not answering the phone because Clay, someone they probably never even met, is gay. Unbelievable...the things people do and say to get out of having to work these days is mind boggling! Simon Cowell said it best when he blurted out, "It is like finding out Santa Clause isn't real. So what and who cares. It's 2008!"
Although I have never been a big Clay Aiken fan, I am a huge fan of honesty and self-love and seeing people as human beings and not for their sexual orientation, color, religion or gender. I am a straight single mom with a very homophobic ex-husband and I am so glad her dad's toxic influence on the topic is not something she is growing up with. I have been telling my daughter for years that love is love and when you find it, when you have the opportunity to experience that kind of deep love for another human being and receive it in return, you embrace and cherish every single second of it.
She has been talking to me about gay issues since elementary school when she made friends with a boy that is gay. He has come out in high school but even back in 4th grade, it was evident that he was gay. It led to some great discussions as to whether people are born gay or choose to be gay. Knowing this boy from such an early age, the answer for us, at least in most cases I believe, is clear.
And as I read about how Clay came out to his mother and how painful that was for him in the car when he began to bawl after years of an at least somewhat painful facade, I imagined him in his private moments being deeply torn because of what others may think or say or what societies role has been in making those who are gay not want to come out due to shame or humiliation and fear. People not wanting to show up for work or answer the phone because someone they supported for their "talent" is gay certainly demonstrates that, although we have come so far, we still have a very long way to go.
And so to Clay I would say your honesty is a great way to start your new and amazing life as a parent. Loving yourself is a measure of how deeply you can love another. Keep loving yourself, keep loving your son and keep shining!
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I wonder why it should make any difference whether one chooses or is born gay. How is it a concern for anyone other then those in the relationship?
Great post. Thanks for it.
Nice piece, thanks. You prompted me to message my daughter and tell her that her birth father was not homophobic.... we'd never discussed it. He was conservative, but of the "butt out of others' business" kind.
Plus ca change, Plus c'est la meme chose.
When I came out in the early '80's, it was scary and painful on a personal level and people were shocked when a celebrity came out - think Rock Hudson or Boy George.
25 years later, it's easier to be openly gay and people, in general, are more accepting, but it's still personally scary and painful and there are still those shocked when a celebrity comes out.
How can anyone be surprised? Even the girl with no gaydar knew this was coming.
gawd, do you people vote too?
Love this, Michelle! There is a misconception that most of Clay's fans are homophobic conservative Christians due to the overzealous actions of a relentless few. Fortunately, reactions of this type on all of Clay's fanboards this week have been a small minority. Unfortunately, the ones complaining loudest are really over-the-top. I suspect some will get over it, some will disappear & some will remain to judge his every move. We are not completely out as a country just yet. My father was prejudiced against everyone & it's a miracle that didn't rub off on me or any of my 5 siblings. Clay was raised a Southern Baptist, but he is a liberal Christian (another misconception - yes, there are plenty of us out here). His own mother is still struggling with it after knowing for 4 yrs, tho he says she has been mostly supportive. But if it's any consolation, the vast majority of fans have been nothing but positive & very happy that he's being true to himself & has fulfilled his dream of being a father, when his own was so neglectful. Both he & his son's mother have posted in superlatives at his official fanclub - it's clear they are overwhelmed with the massive support. The fandom did not implode!
So he bawled when he 'came out' to mother. How did mother respond? Or doesn't she matter in the slightest? I mean, people are skipping work because of something shallow and frivolous -- whoops, that's typical for many Americans; I sincerely apologize!
WELL IM GONNA TAKE OFF OF WORK WHEN RICKY MARTIN TELLS EVERTBODY HE IS GAY
Too late, he who often said it's of nobody's business, interest, or concern, decided it was in everybody's interest to know what he does behind closed doors about 18 months ago.
That's like saying you're not going to vote because you found out McCain was a liar.
or McCain not going to work because he postponed his work go work on his real job that is not reallly his job ...or something like that.
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