On Monday, singer Ricky Martin announced to the world that he is gay, or in his words, “a fortunate homosexual man.” This wasn’t huge news, since many people had suspected it for years. He also hasn’t had a hit or been in the spotlight for quite some time. And there are far more high profile gays and lesbians (in show business and other fields) than in 1999 when Martin became known to mainstream American audiences. So, put those three together and his announcement wasn’t huge news.

On his website, Martin addressed why he didn’t come out sooner:

Many people told me: “Ricky it’s not important”, “it’s not worth it”, “all the years you’ve worked and everything you’ve built will collapse”, “many people in the world are not ready to accept your truth, your reality, your nature”. Because all this advice came from people who I love dearly, I decided to move on with my life not sharing with the world my entire truth.  Allowing myself to be seduced by fear and insecurity became a self-fulfilling prophecy of sabotage.

Back in the late ’90s, it actually was big news that Ellen DeGeneres was saying “Yep, I’m Gay,” both in real life and as the character on her show. Singer George Michael revealed he’s gay after getting arrested for a “lewd act” in a Beverly Hills bathroom, and Matthew Shepard was brutally murdered for being gay. So, it’s understandable that Martin and the people around him were reluctant to be open about his sexuality. And whatever the context of those times, Martin had to come out on his own clock, whenever he felt the time was right.

It makes me wonder about how much or how little times have changed. If a seemingly unknown singer wowed the audience with a performance at next year’s Grammy’s and was the talk of the show, like Martin in 1999, would it hurt their career if they told the world they were gay? If Martin had come out or had been outed during the height of “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” what effect do you think it would’ve had on his career?

There was the risk of a professional backlash, but because many people believed Martin was gay anyway, I don’t think it would make that much of a difference. And as far as a singer who publicly announced they’re gay early in their career, remember the collective shrug at this Adam Lambert interview?

What do you think? Leave your thoughts below.

One Response to “Ricky Martin Announces He’s Gay”

1. Sofia Singh says:

   May 27, 2010 at 8:57 pm

   George Michael is also a great singer and was quite famous in the 80′s era.-`.