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On the ABC show Brothers and Sisters, one of the main characters (a brother) is gay, and currently dating a soap star. The soap star is keeping his yen for a boyfriend a secret at all costs as he's sure his fans will revolt if he's exposed. I keep wondering if the plotline is a serious examination of daytime television fans and their bigotry or the writers are just poking fun at the ridiculousness of any star in today's climate hiding homosexuality. It seems that many stars have increased their bankability by coming out, from Ellen DeGeneres to her gorgeous girlfriend, Portia de Rossi.And today, the news that Cyndi Lauper is launching her 'True Colors Music Tour' to support gay and lesbian equality appeared in my inbox and I have to wonder, is Cyndi Lauper gay? (As far as I know, she's not; she's been married to a man for years and they appear happily heterosexual.) Or is her association with the gay audience simply a marketing tool?
Let me start out by saying that (a) I support GBLT rights and only got the news because I had clicked to back gay marriage and (b) I really, really want to go to Cyndi Lauper's tour. But the point is that I've been beginning to wonder if being gay has gone from anachrony to characteristic, and an attractive characteristic at that, kind of like being from a small town in Oklahoma, or being connected in the tabloids with the hottest, youngest actor of the moment.
I like to think that it's true, that coming out could be a thing to involve PR agents in the same way that announcing record sales or your huge engagement ring might be. I'm afraid, though, that it might just be a product of my insulated liberal environment and not -- well, not the kind of people who watch daytime soaps. So I wonder: what is "being gay" for you -- does it increase the attractiveness of the "package" or is it still scandalous? Is homosexuality cool?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-12-2007 @ 1:54PM
Tomaso said...
Your questions about Cindy Lauper's real motives are valid, and easily answered as well: Cindy's been a strong and vocal supporter of equal rights for gays for many, many years. When she was a 'hot ticket', and when she was not such a 'hot ticket' anymore.
I think she simply believe that all people should have the same rights.
3-12-2007 @ 2:05PM
David said...
I agree with the first comment. If it were anyone else I might question. Cyndi Lauper's been at this fsince day 1 - I saw her at an AIDS event in Boston in the mid-80s - and she's worked tirelessly for tolerance for years. It's a very good thing she's doing. I like that she's hitting some conservative cities.
3-13-2007 @ 2:58PM
Vikki said...
Cyndi Lauper's sister is a lesbian. I think this is why she has always been an advocate for GLBT rights.
3-12-2007 @ 2:11PM
Depity Dawg said...
As for the moment, I believe that homosexuality is strictly in "buzzword" status. Honestly, why should an individual's sexuality affect that person's social or professional ranking in any way? It's fashionable to be gay right now and I think that stems from our nation's infatuation with the victimization mindset. Gays and lesbians can wear the badge of minority (be that rightly or wrongly applied)and that self garnered minority status gives them undue leverage and attention within the political realms.
As soon as being homosexual retreats from the status of being "cool" it shall rest in private peace with the rest of the individual sexual inclinations, as it should.
Be gay, we don't mind. What you do with your own sexuality is your own business, but please don't think it entitles you to anything simply by it's own virtue... not any more than does my special attraction to leather.
To each his/her own.
3-12-2007 @ 2:33PM
Carlo said...
"What you do with your own sexuality is your own business, but please don't think it entitles you to anything simply by it's [sic] own virtue."
This is the problem, and I don't mean the poor grammar.
It's not about "entitlement." It's about basic rights. That's the whole point.
Being gay can get you killed. Still. In 2007.
Wake up.
3-12-2007 @ 8:19PM
Alta White said...
Anybody else's sexuality is of no interest to me at all; however, "coming out" is unnecessary unless the specific question arises. It is no badge of courage anymore and seems egotistical and silly. Who cares? Cool it!
3-12-2007 @ 11:31PM
Tom Farrell said...
Cyndi Lauper's sister is gay. Cyndi is not. She is married to a man and they have a child.
3-14-2007 @ 9:04AM
Leona said...
Before writing articles you should do a little research. Cyndi has always been an advocate for gay rights. Her sister is a Lesbian.
3-22-2007 @ 11:32AM
Sharon said...
I totally agree with the last comment. If you are going to question someone's motives, do your research.Cyndi has been in the trenches of GBLT rights for many years. She was there when the cameras and the journalists weren't. I have to also comment about you wondering ,is Cyndi Lauper gay? What does it matter? I guess by your standards,the only sincere supporters of the GBLT basic rights have to be gay. Otherwise, you are just someone trying to make money off the backs of GBLT citizens.I believe you owe Cyndi Lauper an apology.I believe you owe anyone who reads this article an apology.
5-26-2007 @ 7:17PM
Stacy said...
Cyndi Lauper is great! Marketing ploy? Gosh!What a sad thing to say about one of the few artist that supported us for so long. When was the last time you heard Madonna supporting our community? Cyndi Lauper has her heart in the right place! San Diego tickets are almost sold out!