Comments on: Corvino: Why it matters that Adam Lambert came out

By: Yhitzak

Yhitzak — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:30:50 +0000

Sorry, Mr. Corvino, I just don’t share your view that yet another American Idol loser has made his/her claim to fame by making some outrageously predictable statement about themselves, and that this claim somehow helps the rest of us queers. It doesn’t. In fact, the more representatives like Lambert that we have, the less likely it is that society on the whole will see our group as anything more than (to quote another commentator) a whole lot of mascara and hair-dye queens. Adam Lambert is a walking stereotype, he does not represent me, my type of gayness, and I do not want his type of representation. Good for you if you *do* want it, but don’t make it out like what’s good for the goose is ALWAYS good for the gander. Or like there’s something more connecting us all other than our sexuality. My mantra: the only thing all gay people have in common is being gay. It might do some of you some good to consider that idea.

By: John

John — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:07:47 +0000

Oh boy, what news, another mascara and hair dye queen “comes out”; as if he could ever have been mistaken for being “in” in the first place. Well, at least he wasn’t wearing a dress to proclaim “himself” to be a proud gay “man”.

By: David Gibson

David Gibson — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 15:57:47 +0000

Goodness. I couldn’t be happier on two significant fronts: I applaud Mr. John Corvino for his most thoughtful article and my heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Adam Lambert for his superior handling of the gay issue while a contestant on American Idol. . . he was constantly gracious and kind to his audience and the judges, as well. His most adult handling of the issue in Rolling Stone was superior and extremely honorable. Congratulations to both men.

By: Jon Markle

Jon Markle — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 15:19:58 +0000

John, you’ve composed one of the best commentaries. level headed, sane and balanced, on this subject I’ve seen in a long time. Very well thought out and written. Thanks.

By: Jeff G

Jeff G — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 02:47:37 +0000

I’m disappointed by Adam’s resistance to getting involved with activism. However, celebs like Ellen and Lance Bass more or less communicated the same type of resistance about activism yet they eventually came around and started to speak up and get involved.

Like it out not, if you’re a celeb, you can’t try to sell yourself and your sex appeal on one hand and on the other not expect people to want to know about your personal life.

We should expect LGBT people in the public spotlight to do all they can to promote the ideas of equality and acceptance. For Adam to go out of his way to express his disinterest in activism sends a lousy message to his young followers.

Hopefully he’ll wise up soon enough and realize that ALL LGBT people share the responsibility of trying to better things for our community.

By: RJligier

RJligier — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 22:38:44 +0000

There is nothing more offensive to me about the LGBT community and its incessant need to belong is the major league fashion faux pas of wearing black socks with shorts. All of you look like gay dweebs.

By: john k.

john k. — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 07:25:22 +0000

the reason why adam was able to make it a non-issue is because of all the people that came before him that fought and gave up so much. it’s news now because it IS AN ISSUE. if it was a now issue, why would Rolling Stone even ask the question. Did they ask Chris if he was straight?…’cause that’s a non-issue!
Stand up Adam and be counted, if not for you, but all the kids that will follow in your footsteps.

By: Phebe

Phebe — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 02:17:45 +0000

You got this analysis exactly right! So fulfilling to read it. Thanks.

Phebe

By: Daniel S

Daniel S — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 23:41:28 +0000

What matters is that Lambert didn’t pull a Gaiken and make all kinds of denials that he subsequently had to recant.

It was pretty clear to most people that Adam was gay. I mean HELLO, it was suggested on the cover of Entertainment Weekly! But rather than spew lies to cover up he just made no effort to squelch the speculation so that when he finally did put it into print formally it had a sort of “so what” feel to it.

I don’t think that one of the first things out of any gay public figure’s mouths needs to be a formal coming out, and Adam was not in the national consciousness for very long before he actually did come out.

The closet door was open anyway so it wasn’t all the dramatic when he stepped out of it. Which is a refreshing contrast to others who have spent years on public denials only to come out (or not) after a long time.

By: Aurora

Aurora — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 23:04:19 +0000

Nice article. Glad to see some props from the gay community as so many (Perez Hilton…yes I know people don’t take him seriously, but he has an audience, and Richard Lawson over at Gawker…just to name two) have been lambasting Lambert for too long…

One little note I’d like to add, which I think may make another one of those subtle differences…women, like myself, are simply nuts about the guy. Apart from appreciating his insane talent, we are VERY ATTRACTED to him…despite everything…so there’s this blurring of the lines. Gay, straight, bi…it’s all good. Sexy is sexy.

I think David Bowie had the same effect on both sexes at the time…but it’s been sooo long and sooo Republican around here, that it just seems revolutionary now. Plus he looks like a young Elvis and Bowie never did…