Once again, Michael, well said. I am not an American, but I would definately vote for you if you ever ran for public office of any kind. The entire world needs more poeple who think like you and take the stand on gay related issues that you often take. I wish you continued success in all you do.

Dear Michael,

Great post. You do know your history. I told friends years ago that the "Christian right" would love nothing better than gays in camps. Falwell, Robertson, Wildmon, just Nazis with clerical collars. Didn't Buckley suggest that AIDS patients be tattooed.

When you mentioned the Weimar Republic, it rang a few bells. All during the republic, right wing protestors (including assassins) were sentenced to light sentences for speaking against (or even trying to overthrow) the republic (hence Hitler's 4 years in Landsberg Prison in Bavaria, nothing more than a hotel) where he wrote Mein Kampf.

The Weimar Republic was also known for something else, as I'm sure you know. Homosexuals were allowed a greater freedom than in any other country, by constitution. Thus the cabaret scene, which was why Isherwood & Audin expatriater to Berlin in the late 20's early 30's.
Dietrich used to have many a drag queen in the audience when she appeared in clubs near (I think)
Alexanderplatz section.

When I see what has happened to this country since 9/11, I worry. In 34, after Goering & Himmler set fire to the Reichstag Building, the Nazi party had the members of the Reichstag (after arresting &/or killing members not agreeing
with them) pass an Enabling Act. This act restricted all freedoms in Germany, & allowed the government to arrest people without warrants, limit freedom of speech, the beginning of the end of labor unions & a free press. It was at this time that Socialists, Communists & Conservative Germans (who disagreed with the act, admittedly not many) to be arrested. Someplace was needed, hence Dachau, outside Munich, & Oranienber, north of Berlin. This reminds one of the Patriot Act, does it not?

As for outing dear old Clay, tough. Who couldn't tell he was a queen. Good Grief. (If I'm being politically incorrect, so what, he's as nelly as
Mrs Astor's pet horse. If he wanted to stay quiet, why does he kowtow to those Evangelicals. He's hypocritical, like Joan Edgar Hoover, Cardinal Spellman & Roy Cohn.

You didn't out him. He outed himself the first time he went on the internet for sex. What happens after that, his problem.

If someone speaks against gays, & is gay themselves, there should be a special room (closet?) for them in hell. Politicians, athletes, actors, or just minor celebs like Ms Aiken who do harm to others, when they are the same are worse than the outfront bigots.

So keep up what your doing. I think you are making people think, as well as jerk off.

Sorry I "ran on" as Ms Scarlett used to say.

Love ya,

Russ

THANK YOU MR. LUCAS FOR CLEARLY DESCRIBING THE CURRENT STATE OF THIS DECAYING COUNTRY. I WAS VERY DISTURBED BY THE FACT STATING THAT THEY(STRAIGHT AMERICA) WILL HERD US ALL UP AND MURDER US ALL. THAT SPARKED A FIRE IN ME THAT IVE NEVER FELT BEFORE. I PRAY THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN, BUT YOUR RIGHT BY SAYING THAT IF WE HAVE NOT THOUGHT OF IT, WE ARE NAIVE. YOU ARE CORRECT. GAY AIKEN NEEDS TO COME OUT. I SAW HIM IN WEST HOLLYWOOD IN THE BACKSEAT OF A LONG BLACK TOWNCAR LOOKING AT US GAY BOYS WHILE I WAS WITH FRIENDS AT OUR LOCAL BAR. THE LONGING HE HAD IN HIS EYES TO BE THERE WITH US IS EVIDENCE ENOUGH TO OUT THIS ALBINO PRICK. ENOUGH OF HIS INCESSANT DENIALS. ME AND 6 OTHER PEOPLE SAW THIS QUEEN WANT TO BE OUT AND PROUD. IM PROUD OF JOHN PAULUS FOR HAVING THE COURAGE TO TELL HIS STORY.

Do you hold all closeted celebrities to this high standard or just the homely ones with careers on the descent?

from towleroad 12/10/04
George Clooney's "charisma" involves practical jokes implying gay people and their hope for equal rights are worthy of ridicule. "I...put two bumper stickers on the back of [Brad Pitt's] car. I put one on that ran for about three days that said, 'I’m gay and I vote.'...Then it was 'small penis on board,' and that ran for a few days too. So as he drove home through LA rush hour traffic, people were honking at him and waving, and he thinks it’s because he’s Brad Pitt. So he’s waving back..."

Clay Aiken is asked what he would do to change the world--from his book
There would be global acceptance of all different types of people. Society puts too much emphasis on what any category of person should be like- this is what a black male should act like, this is what an Asian female should act like, this is what a Frenchman should act like, this is what a Southerner should act like. Those stereotypes harm everyone. They are simplistic and reductive, and they need to go.

Why is outing any different from publically humiliating another person? You certainly make the case that it is proper. But is that virtuous? People who publically humiliate other people? Look in the mirror, and who do you see?

I think that is a valid question which you do not consider in your extremly complicated analysis.

Your post brought tears to my eyes. I have a son who is gay and had the courage to come out at 15. If he can do it, surely adult men and women can as well.

I don't know if it is the best thing in the world to out people. Everybody needs to come out at their own time. When the media outs people, I'm undecided on how I feel.

With that said: I find it extremly boring and annoying that actors/singers whatever try to pretend they are straight when they aren't. It's a sad situation. Dates back to Rock Hudson and James Dean.

Clay is no James Dean. He won a reality show.

I would imagine that he is a very sad, confused homo who doesn't have the sense to realize what he COULD do. It must be a lonely life. Perhaps he's getting pressure from people who tell him that he can't do this and he's lost. Or maybe he has a mother who he loves and he doesn't want to break her heart. Everybody has a coming out experience. We probably won't know his till he stops selling records to those scary claymates.

The other day I had an arguement with someone who said he was friendly with Ricky Martin and he said that Ricky lives a gay lifestyle, but doesn't feel the need to come out. THAT pissed me off.

If Clay has his issues or any gay man does, I hope he/they work it out. If someone tells me that Ricky Martin has a boyfriend and lives a great gay lifestyle where his nearest and dearest come out, I am annoyed. He's in the closet to sell records. That's gross.

A closested young gay man has the right to discover who he is via online sex or whatever he needs to do. Having a boyfriend and your whole inner-circle know you are gay and you hide it, bluck.

It makes me have more respect for the Billy Porters, Scissor Sisters, Rufus Wainwrights of the word. They might not sell as many albums, but they are the shit. And I buy their albums because their music is better anyway. That's the important thing.

But for the record: I think Clay Aiken (the performer) is a loser with a big L. He is a Red State star.

awesome blog, I'm really enjoying it.

Ditto, Michael. Great point.

When one chooses to become a "celebrity," one chooses to "out" oneself in one way or another. Audiences don't worship Madonna just because she is a singer, and she doesn't want that, either. If so, all the good singers would just record songs anonymously, take a good little paycheck, and stay at home with the husband and kids.

Sorry, but I don't have a lot of sympathy for someone who uses notoriety for all the good it provides to him, but is unwilling to accept the bad (e.g. responsibility, criticism, lack of privacy)that comes along with it.

I used to have a lot of respect for you Mr. Lucas and while your words do hit home you're not stating any actual facts to back up the outing of this particular celebrity. There has never been any proof positive that Clay Aiken is gay, John Paulus's story has not been proven beyond a shawdow of a doubt, so the excuse used to out this man just doesn't jive with me. When I came out three years ago many of my family and friends stood behind me, and while I want the world to give us our rights as much as the next homosexual all the John Paulus story's in the world can't make a man gay that isn't. My boyfriend has been a huge fan of Clay's since he was on american idol and he has even met him twice. He swears the man is not gay, personally I don't care but if anyone I know wants Clay to be gay it's DK. In the end after he too has listened to the Howard show and read all of John's testimonies, he just doesn't believe this story is true. I'm only telling you this because you have lost two customers because you insist on outing a man that hasn't been proven gay yet. Now, the only time I will get to enjoy your films is when I'm alone...to bad really that you needed to stoop this low Michael - I hope JP was worth it.

In response to:

"Why is outing any different from publically humiliating another person? You certainly make the case that it is proper. But is that virtuous? People who publically humiliate other people? Look in the mirror, and who do you see?

I think that is a valid question which you do not consider in your extremly complicated analysis.

Posted by: Desslock at February 14, 2006 07:31 PM"
---------

What you're saying implies that being gay is humiliating. If a person is humiliated by people thinking he's gay, I believe that person is a homophobe, and if that person is gay, then he must hate himself.

It's like when someone says "You do --- like a girl". Well I didn't know that being a girl was such a horrible thing! And I don't think being identified as gay is a horrible thing either. You either are or you aren't. You'll know we've made progress in the world when being outed isn't even a big deal anymore, because being gay is no longer enmeshed in feelings of shame and hate.

I am sure it is hard to labor under the burden of a double-digit IQ, but the idiots who have lambasted Michael in the comments here seem to have not understood the message, and it is just amazing, because the message could hardly be clearer.

As Michael wrote: "Whether Clay Aiken is gay, when asked about the question in a published or broadcast interview, he should at the very least be stating and reaffirming his support for gay rights."

The point is this: There is a tremendous social battle taking place. On one side are the people who believe homosexuals are human beings deserving of rights, on the other side are those who believe homosexuals deserve endless disrespect, harassment, abuse, and oppression.

Every person who does not state their support for homosexuals as human beings, and demand for the government to give gays full rights under the law, is abetting the oppressors.

The problem isn't so much that Clay Aiken doesn't declare his sexuality; it's that when the subject of homosexuality arises, he denies he is gay and then says nothing about the importance of giving gay people their rights.

I'm sure the double-digit IQ crowd STILL won't get it; but at least it's been explained to them.

"Clay is no James Dean. He won a reality show."

He never even won....lol...

Booya! Michael has it dead on! The stakes are waaay too high to dick around with these freaks...it's kill or be killed (metaphorically unless otherwise necc!)...fuck the red states, the closeted fags, and the fucked up freak republicans....nail em all! I propose we actively seek out closeted married "str8" dudes that like to suck dick (we all know we can find them on any cities craigs list) and out their asses! snap a pic while they are sucking your dick and email drop it off on the happy homeakers doorstep...let's see what happens when hypocrisy is exposed...everywhere!

Very well said, Michael.

I see so this is all about payback. Clay doesn't openly support Gay rights so you get to punish him. Who appointed you as judge and jury?

Sweet Jesus. Mr. Lucas, I'm gonna have to start buying your vids, because you clearly have some big, big balls.

The only problem with your logic - aside from the teensy one mentioned already, that of Aiken's possible non-gayness - is that it's more ruthless than the Right Wing bullshit you're out to combat. No one has the right to make a moral decision for anyone else, for Christ's sake. And don't tell us that, as this is WAR, all bets are off and sacrifices must be made.

This isn't war. If gays are violated because they are gay, the law must be turned to. If the law reveals bias, that must be fought against as the blatantly unconstitutional shit it is. But when you think to circumvent the foundation of a republic through recruiting those who should perhaps be on your side, but who adamantly do not wish to profess it, you do nothing but endorse the same, bully-by-volume strategies of gay oppression.

I am NOT going to get my freedom at the expense of the unwilling exposure of others. I am NOT about to enjoy increased liberty by walking on the necks and the rights of anyone fucking else. Joe Star may be a closeted dick who maintains his straight, public persona for shabby reasons. But that's his right. Is he hampering us? Maybe. Our job, then, is to continue working toward the place when it will be pointless for him to do so. Which is happening, more and more.

Your view, Lucas, is as means-to-an-end skewed as the worst Republican dogma. Shame on you.

I can't say that I'm all for outing. I also can't say that I'm against it. My feeling is that whether you're in the public eye or not, your sexuality is your business, and no one has the right to intrude upon that. However, if you're one of those people who try to act "holier that thou", saying you in no way participate in that kind of behavior, when in actuallity you do. Then you deserve to live in a glass house with all the windows shattered, because that is sheer hypocrisy.
I was just thinking today before reading your blog, while working on my own about bi-sexuality, how bi-sexuality is not as accepted as much as homosexuality because not enough people have come forward to say "Here I am, a bi-sexual". I've noticed that's why it seems to get a worse wrap than being totally gay. Because more people have said over these past decades, "Here I am, a homosexual". So you're right the more people stay in the closet, the harder it makes for us to progress. But if the person wants to live quietly with it, who are we to intrude. After all remember, "Karma's a BITCH". It may not be about your homosexuality, but something you want kept private is going to get to the public, and it is going to feel worse for you, than it did for that person(s) that you unjustifiably outed. This advice comes from personal experience. Not regarding outing, but other matters. So I strongly suggest, you having your position, but think in more detail as to when it is justified to out someone.
Unfortunately, especially with this gay-hating Bush-era we live in, we have taken a step backwards where we have to say "We're here, and we're queer". And humanity becomes "true humanity" when we all realize and embrace the fact that we are not, and cannot all be the same.

Dear Mr. Lucas,
Thank you. You words about the road this country is going down are right on target. Living in SC, with my partner of 14 years, we have begun to feel the stench of oppression build every day.
We need some hope. Today your blog gave us a bit.

PS Mr. Rose, if we are to expect as our due that every celebrity - gay, closeted, straight, whatever - ensure that the media knows he or she supports gay rights, we are in for some serious trouble. When you encourage the highly fucked-up absurdity of media stars actually impacting on social issues, you waive the right to limit their usually uneducated - and certainly unvalidated by anything save InStyle magazine - opinions to the one cause you want them to support.
After Aiken declares his gay support, will you be as glad to hear him insist that Bush continue to bomb the shit out of Iraq? When you give a celeb power and credibility for one issue, you'd better pray that he isn't a jackass about all the others you've empowered him to speak out on. Because, if he is, your paper-thin strategy of exploiting his name and impact blows up in your face.

Courage?? John Paulus was NOT courageous for telling his story about his encounter with Clay Aiken...he was merely being opportunistic. In a nutshell, he had a hook-up with a trick that went badly...we've all been there, and none of us ran to the tabloids or the bosom of a porn director with our stories.

From his very first audition, it was pretty apparent what team Gay Aiken batted for...only his growing legion of fans chose to be oblivious. If he wants to live in the closet and in denial, it's his right. If he wants to maintain his open secret and limit himself to hotel romps with random tricks, let him do it.

How is this any better than the humiliation a young person faces in school because he "runs like a girl" or she a little "too butch to be prom queen"?

No person, celebrity or not, deserves this type of public humiliation and degradation. Outing is wrong...how would any of us feel if something we've struggled with for so long was just dragged out into the open for all to see? We came OUT on our own terms (for the most part), and every person who finds himself struggling with the same personal crisis deserves the same opportunity. I'm sure there isn't a single one of us who hasn't an interesting set of stories about what we did on our journeys out the closet.

To air someone's dirty laundry like this is incredibly shady. And to stand behind such an action as important step in the fight against the oppression of the Conservative Right is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.

John Paulus, get off the cross, you're not a victim.

Michael Lucas, stick to making hot movies and leave the in-depth personal interviews to Oprah and Barbara Walters.

When I commented the other day, saying that people with double-digit IQs would not understand what's at the heart of these issues, I did not reckon with this truth: beyond double-digit IQs, there are absolute drooling idiots out there.

Anybody who thinks Clay Aiken has been "outed" by John Paulus obviously did not follow Aiken's biography in the past 2 years. He had a long-term romantic relationship with another man. That relationship was kept hush-hush from his Claymates, but it was not exactly classified government information either.

So anybody who attacks Michael Lucas for "outing" Clay Aiken has to be drooling.

Furthermore, Michael made it clear in the above post; he doesn't especially demand that a person declare their sexuality in public; he demands that a public person, when asked about homosexuality, speaks in favor of our being given our rights under the law.

Any gay person who would take exception to that notion should rethink their position, because it is contributing to our oppression. Drool is gross, you idiots, wipe it up.

Man.....am I glad I stayed out of this one.

I don't believe anyone's mentioned this point yet (at least not in response to this post...I haven't read all the others), so I'd like to get it out there:

I'm opposed to outing because it's counterproductive: It makes people respect gay people less, not more. Time and time again, people (amazingly) see the person being outed as a victim and the person doing the outing as a selfish bastard. Whether this is the case or not (I'm with you on not), it is how the action is perceived.

Example: Earlier this year, vehemently anti-gay pastor Lonnie Latham was arrested for soliciting oral sex from an undercover police officer. There were about two minutes of "serves him right!" before most bloggers and people I spoke to started instead asking, "You can be arrested for asking for oral sex!?" The feeling of outrage at his hypocrisy was completely muted by outrage at this evil cop who arrested a man who had done nothing wrong in the eyes of what people hope is the law.

This isn't a precise example, but given the extreme negativity you've seen toward Mr. Paulus, I think it's hard to deny that there's some truth to this: people hate the outer much more than they hate the hypocrisy of the outee. They see the person being outed as a victim.

And this is bad for the person who did the outing and often feeds the image of any group they're associated with (gay people, here) being catty, gossipy publicity whores, not kind, good, average Americans.

Moreover, Americans appear to have the bizarre notion that a man who has sex with men is not necessarily a gay person. "W-w-what?" you may ask. But Michael himself posted on the shocking dearth of the word "gay" in advertisements and editorials surrounding Brokeback Mountain. There really have been comments (I wish I could find the URLs right now) saying that the protagonists in the movie aren't actually gay, they're just in love with each other. When someone outs someone else and demands that the person be seen as gay, they label themselves as gay, but people sometimes believe that label is thrust upon the other person, an unwilling victim, and may not actually apply.

Comments?

Well said, Michael Lucas. And kudos to Heather Reznor!

When I first saw Clay Aiken, my gaydar went haywire to a point I had to destroy it outright because it was aggravating my sanity.

It certainly did not surprise me at all that John Paulus took this somewhere else. I'm on John Paulus' side since he claimed that Clay pressured him into barebacking. That automatically lost my iota of respect. I care less whether if he has the right to keep his sexuality private.

It was not the first time that he denied being gay, that is a lie, first and foremost of all. You do not lie to others like that. So screw him and out him.

Cheers,

R-

I generally agree, but Clay Aiken is no David Dreier... and while he doesn't help the case by remaining possibly closeted, he isn't actually hurting our case just by being androgenous and nelly. It's people like Ken Mehlman and David Dreier that should be outed - they are the ones actively working hypocritically to squelch gay equal rights, having their cock and eating it too.

Michael

I think Clay Aiken made a very astute career decision in deciding not to acknowledge his homosexuality. You are in a different kind of industry and social life where being gay is acceptable. Clay Aiken is struggling to create a career and financial success in a mostly straight world. Let him make his way in the world without being "outed". To harm a person's career in the interest of some gay acceptance agenda based on Hitler's crimes is not proper.

Clay Aiken should have the right to come out when and where he wants. Luckily he had some time to create an image and career before this outing. I hope he is financially set by now. People in show business should take heed of the way Rosie O'Donnell did it: create an image, make money, invest well, then u can live your life the way you want and come "out".

John in Miami

Michael, this might be a stupid question and the answer might be (no: IS) obvious, but: is this the America you wanted to live in when you lived in Europe/Russia?

I have been reading this highly informative and entertaining blog for quite some time now. No matter whether or not I agree with Michael's opinions, he has his right to them, and he is at least thought-provoking with his presentation of them. This argument is getting so heated and emotional that a few things are being forgotten. First and foremost: MICHAEL did NOT out Clay Aiken. That was John Paulus's doing. Michael saw an opportunity to get some press, sell some videos, and give an opportunity to someone that he felt was slighted. After all he may be a media whore, but he is probably one of the shrewdest businessmen in ALL of the adult entertainment industry and God fucking bless him for it. Yes he may lose a few customers here and there (as has been previously stated here) but the many he will gain out of the sheer curiosity factor alone will make his decision more than profitable. Then there is the whole issue of "virtue." Well, virtue is relative. This issue is being debated on the website of A PORNOGRAPHER. Although I see nothing wrong with that, others would find that FAR from virtuous. So as you see, virtue is different things to different people. On to Clay, there is a Latin phrase, "noblesse oblige," (literally translated to "Nobility has its obligations") which is basically saying that with great power comes great responsibility. With the amount of celebrity that Clay has, there is also a great deal of power to affect positive change. For example, if Clay wanted to keep his private life private (which he, in theory, should have every right to do) then he shouldn't comment on it AT ALL. But by stating that he is NOT GAY, he is giving the message that his personal life is not off-limits, and if it comes out that he is in fact gay, then that opens up a whole other can of worms. He comes across as a liar and a fraud. It's no different than someone who claims to not smoke being photographed puffing on a ciggie. It also gives the subconscious message that there is something so shameful about being gay that he wouldn't want to admit it publicly. This doesn't help our case AT ALL. When he goes online trolling for dick, yet publicly asserting his heterosexuality, he is having his cake and eating it too, at our expense as a community. I personally don't feel bad for Clay because public scrutiny (along with papparazzi, excessive wealth, and privilege) are part and parcel of being a celebrity, and if he wasn't interested in being a celebrity, he wouldn't have gone on American Idol in the first place. (He is very talented and would be more than able to make his living at his chosen craft out of the public eye, like on a Carnival cruise ship, for example, but that is not the road that he chose.) Do celebrities deserve the added public scrutiny? Maybe. Maybe not. It is what it is, but I'll tell you one thing, as long as people buy Us Weekly and the Enquirer and hit up gossip sites on the web, it will continue to be, and in this day and age of "Behind The Music" and "E! True Hollywood Story" anyone going into that business should know full well what they are getting themselves into. Now as for John Paulus, he has every right to tell his story as Clay does. Do you keep quiet about every trick that you've had unless you get the trick's permission to do otherwise? My guess is no. Just because his trick happens to be a celebrity doesn't change that. (Whether or not people believe him is another issue....) If the story is indeed true, then maybe if Clay had been a little nicer to Mr. Paulus and parted amicably with him, then things wouldn't have come to this. After all, revenge might not be the loftiest of human emotions, but it is definitely relatable. We have all been there at one time or another. Damn, I'm sorry I went off on a tangent, but I just felt the need to point some things out. Sorry for taking up so much of your time, but thanks for reading my post if you got this far, and thank you to Michael for always being entertaining, whether or not we agree with you.
PS When I was working retail in Canoga Park, Clay and a little girlfriend (read: faghag) came into my store, and let me tell you: the boy is fruitier than an orchard in Florida. People who think he is straight probably thought Liberace was straight too.

I remember back in the early 90s when Outweek ran an issue titled Why I Hate Straights. This was during one of the outing crises that happened a lot back then, largely having to do with celebrities who have (in many cases) come out since. The difference between now and then is that THEN, there were more vocal activists -- not just straight-appeasing lobbyists like HRC -- agitating about recognition, safe sex, hate crimes, etc etc etc. We were all a lot angrier then because so many of our friends were dying. Now everyone is all up in arms about gay marriage... I don't know. It seems as if the gay community, or most of it anyway, got really complacent for a while. And now suddenly it's like we've all been surprised by the bigots and morons.
I teach at a junior high school in Queens, NY, and every day I hear dozens of kids saying, Oh my god, that is so GAY. As if gay is a synonym for stupid, annoying idiotic, etc. And every time I say, I don't think it's really GAY, I think maybe it's just annoying. They are not the same thing. The girls do it, the boys do it. A lot of the more manly male teachers (you know the type, the big swaggering guys who lace every sentence with profanity to make their points) get on the boys' cases about stuff (varied and sundry) and it always ends with a comment about the boy being gay, or something. Last week I heard myself making one of those comments and I was appalled. The next day I apologized to the students, for having set out to create a safe environment and failing, and furthermore, for making it worse myself. I felt like an idiot and was completely stunned that it had been so easy to get swept up in it.
So my feeling is that gay celebrities have a responsibility to come out, whatever line of work they're in. Straight people need to see gay people in a variety of contexts so that they can get past the stereotypes and open their minds. I know there are all manner of terrifying (not to mention expensive, if you're a huge straight-appeasing star) possible consequences. I've had my ass kicked by skinheads, I've been called names, I've been threatened. But... But the more exposure that the mainstream has to us, in all our various shapes and sizes and flavors, the more they can get used to us. Those of us who complain about the stereotypes could do a lot by demonstrating to the rest of the populace that there is more to it than that.
Anyway. Thank you Michael, for putting yourself out there. Your blog is one of the only ones I bother with anymore, for any number of reasons. You should come talk to the Russian boys at my school in Queens sometime about how they should act, instead of being such boneheads most of the time (ha ha ha ha ha, THAT would be a fun day at school).

Had to comment on this posting. Im starting to become more and more interested in you. A hot stud who actually uses his intellect, what will Russia come up with next? And as far as the Clay Aiken - John Paulus thing, all I can say is: How sad for John, I could not even imagine getting my little fine ass naked for a night with Clay Aiken. noooooooooooooo thankyou.

Clay Aiken isn't a "red state star" my friends; he is a registered Democrat who advocates for education and inclusion and testifies before Congress on behalf of UNICEF. A large portion of his fan base are politically liberal.

Also, he nor his publicist ever said Clay would never give an interview to a gay magazine; he said Clay wouldn't give an interview to one specific magazine. Being that Clay's publicist is gay, he is obviously familiar with this publication and had his reasons.

Just thought some actual "facts" should be included in your story. Knowledge is power.

I know Clay is actually gay because he tried to pick me up online with the very same screen name he used with paulus. I have the emails saved therefore whatever he says he isn't gay I know the truth. I am a person who doesn't like to kiss and tell but Clay is a public figure who is hiding and not forcefully like Mary Cheney's girlfriend. Homophobia is a disease that can be cured. I believe Paulus 100% and I have been approached by the tabloids. I am glad he came outr and expose this hypocrite. The world needs more whistleblowers like Paulus. Especially the gay world in it's battle againts homophobia and hate mongers. Thanks for the great blog and great words!

You know, the last time I checked this was still a free country. Personal freedom is what this country was founded on. Personal freedom to do and be and hold private those things we so choose.

You should know that fact better than anyone else here Michael.

Incredibly literate, thoughtful analysis. If anyone should be ashamed of his behavior in this matter, it isn't John Paulus.

From Clay's book, page 222-223:

My Aunt Dianne frequently sends me emails. The notes are heartfelt and inspirational. They are persistent reminders of the importance of relying on God. A recent letter asked, "Are you attending church or doing a study on your own? How is your walk with the Lord?" They are always signed, "Take care and have a Jesus day."

However, in one recent submission Aunt Dianne shared that she was very unhappy that I chose to apopear on Ellen DeGeneres's talk show. She felt that by doing her program I was condoning her lifestyle.

Sometimes I think Aunt Dianne worries about the wrong things.

=====================================

This isn't a guy who is out to hurt anybody. His being a Christian (like John Paulus also claims to be) isn't harming anyone. He's just a guy trying to live his life. Maybe he's conflicted. Maybe he's got a lot of family issues. But the weight of the world should not be placed on this kid's shoulders!

And, despite his possibly anti-gay upbringing (if his aunt is any indication), he has friends IN PUBLIC who are gay, and gay-supporting (like Kimberley Locke), he's politically liberal on social issues, and if he truly was in the process of coming out to his family, as John Paulus has stated repeatedly, he should be commended for that, not forced out through the keyhole.

Rob, you make sense. I think I've changed my mind about this.

I have to wonder how John can be a born again Christian, and a porn star, yet Clay as a Christian is not allowed to have Christian fans. That doesn't make sense. Hypocritical much?

Besides, I am a fan of Clay and I am neither female, old, conservative, straight or religious. And I'm not the only one either. Fan or not, this is a piss poor way to treat family.

I found this at another blog. I searched, and the poster is from a performance back in 2004. I also found an auction where Clay donated some Kenneth Cole wardrobe that brought over $15,000 to certain charities, including AIDS charities.

"A Clay Aiken and Heather Headley signed poster is for sale at eBay - this is a fundraiser for Broadway Cares, Equity Fights Aids.

BC/EFA is an organization whose mission is:

- to mobilize the unique abilities within the entertainment
industry to mitigate the suffering of individuals affected by HIV/AIDS

- to ensure direct support specifically through the social services and programs of the Actors' Fund to all individuals in the entertainment industry affected by critical health issues, including but not limited to HIV/AIDS

- to support organizations across the country which provide treatment or services for people specifically affected by HIV/AIDS and their families.

- to increase national and international public awareness and understanding of hiv/aids through the creation and dissemination of educational materials and the provision of support thereof,

- to promote and encourage public support for programs and services which benefit people living with HIV/AIDS

- to facilitate the fundraising capabilities specifically of the theatre community, in order to address and support an urgent crisis or need in the name of the theatre community, as directed by the board of trustees

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7596073542&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1

Spread the word!"

Clay is educated, and has been doing something to help all along. There is NO WAY he would have gone barebacking. What are you doing?