I saw today that Ricky Martin ended years of speculation when he finally told the truth about himself. Underwhelmed, that would be the word that most appropriately describes my feelings on this so-called news. I try to be a good spirit, non-judgmental, all that good stuff. But if people like Mr. Martin actually came out when they were relevant, then maybe there would be some young people who don't consider suicide just because they like people of the same-sex. Similar to athletes who come out only AFTER their careers in the professional leagues are over, these potential heroes lose a fair degree of their potency by revealing the news after the fact.
I wrote HERO for many reasons, but one of those reasons, and it's a reason so many of you have been generous to point out, is that you can discover who you are and come out and face the world -- with all its many challenges for gay people, straight people, hell just people -- and you can not only survive, but you can contribute and survive. You don't have to wait twenty-some years to stockpile a couple of million in the bank so you can prance around beaches with a body built by personal trainers and professional chefs on your staff.
So please take it to heart. Make news now. Loud, out and proud. For being you, for being human, and not for being defined by your sexuality.
On a political note, I found it horrific that Mr. Martin supported George Bush, who stacked the Supreme Court against the progression of gay rights. With regards to the law, the courts are where equal rights are historically decided. Makes you actually thank the capitalist pigs who now seek to aggregate us as a marketable quality. At least then, we have some reason to believe we won't be rounded up and gassed...so long as we are a viable target audience for them to hawk their goods.
Be your own HERO. I've learned that progress sometimes comes in small increments. I'll close by encouraging all of you who are young to aim for the stars. Mr. Martin's increment is indeed...well, small.
Write back, discuss, I'm here and always interested in what you have to say.
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