Today, under increasing scrutiny stemming from allegations that he covered up sexual abuse, the Pope announced that he is, in fact, Catholic. Wait, wait, wrong story... Today, after coming to terms with the fact that he is a wild animal without access to modern plumbing, a bear confirmed, that yes, as we all expected, he shits in the woods.
Sorry, we keep mixing up our canned obvious news ledes. Ah, here it is: Ricky Martin announced on his official website and twitter that he's gay.
Yes, Ricky is finally living la vida open. In a long post on his official website, the popular latin singer and Miami resident announced in the final line that "I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am."
Martin explained that those around him had for years said that disclosing his orientation could derail his career and said that he only feels confident expressing his emotions publicly on stage.
If someone asked me today, "Ricky, what are you afraid of?" I would answer "the blood that runs through the streets of countries at war...child slavery, terrorism...the cynicism of some people in positions of power, the misinterpretation of faith." But fear of my truth? Not at all! On the contrary, It fills me with strength and courage. This is just what I need especially now that I am the father of two beautiful boys that are so full of light and who with their outlook teach me new things every day. To keep living as I did up until today would be to indirectly diminish the glow that my kids were born with. Enough is enough. This has to change. This was not supposed to happen 5 or 10 years ago, it is supposed to happen now. Today is my day, this is my time, and this is my moment.Martin originally rose to fame as a member of boy band Menudo, before setting off on a successful solo career in the late '90s. He hasn't released a studio album since 2005, and in recent years has retreated to raise his twin sons (born with a surrogate mother) and perform humanitarian work through the Rick Martin Foundation.
These years in silence and reflection made me stronger and reminded me that acceptance has to come from within and that this kind of truth gives me the power to conquer emotions I didn't even know existed.
What will happen from now on? It doesn't matter. I can only focus on what's happening to me in this moment. The word "happiness" takes on a new meaning for me as of today. It has been a very intense process. Every word that I write in this letter is born out of love, acceptance, detachment and real contentment. Writing this is a solid step towards my inner peace and vital part of my evolution.
Martin had denied rumors about his sexuality earlier in his career, stating, " If I were gay, why not admit it?...I am a normal man. I love women and sex. I am a real hot-blooded Puerto Rican, but I have never been attracted by sex with a man."
No, but seriously, good for him. Hopefully this will inspire some of his fans to be more accepting and help others come to terms with their own sexuality.
