Gay's Anatomy

An insider's look at gay culture and identity.

by Joe Kort

Joe Kort, LMSW, is a psychotherapist and author of books on gay male development, gay male couples including Gay Affirmative Therapy for the Straight Clinician:The Essential Guide. He is a gay and lesbian studies adjunct professor at Wayne State University.

September 30, 2008, Gender

Comments on "Why Clay Aiken’s Coming Out Matters"

Why Clay Aiken’s Coming Out Matters

By Joe Kort on September 30, 2008 in Gay's Anatomy

Before the 1980s, being openly gay in Hollywood made you a target of homophobia. You were shunned and considered to be unemployable and doomed to a life of loneliness, depression and isolation. So especially if you were a celebrity, you kept your sexual and romantic orientation to yourself. Most of your colleagues-including other gays and lesbians- respected your choice and preferred that you remain in the closet. Read More

hi

Submitted by Taufik on October 2, 2008 - 6:05am.

I always personally feel that a person's professional life shouldn't be confused with his or her personal life. Whether or not Clay Aiken confesses to be homosexual, it still doesn't matter because he is still a great singer.

Private vs Public

Submitted by Donyae on October 5, 2008 - 11:47am.

I think that a person's private life is their private life. Although it's nice when celebs come out and become role models and what not it's really none of anyone's business what they do behind closed doors or who they do it with.

I think that it would be great if everyone got to the point where it was no big deal for someone to come out openly or for them to stay secret about their sexuality.

As long as they're doing their job, what does it matter who they sleep with?