Boards
Gay or straight he’s still Jacob to me. | Credit: Lia Toby/WENN.com
* “Talks gay,” says homosexual source. “Fashion-obsessed,” says another.
* Dined with legendary gay superheroes Gus Van Zant and Dustin Lance Black.
* “Looks gay,” says heterosexual source.”
This is hardly evidence, just gossip. What I don’t understand is why Gawker or anyone else thinks this is any of our business? As far I am concerned it’s super gross and intrusive. I understand that it’s always significant when a celebrity comes out (like the awesome Neil Patrick Harris) because it sends a very positive message to those struggling with their own sexuality. It makes being LGBT seem more common, less scary, and certainly less big of a deal.
However, if someone wants to keep their private life private that is none of our business. What if Taylor is gay? Maybe he would be more likely to come out, which would help lots of people, if there wasn’t all this drama and gossip surrounding it. Media speculation of “possibly gay” celebs turns them into circus freaks. It’s pointing a finger at them and instructing others to do the same–it’s a kind of bullying.
Even if Gawker is saying Taylor might be gay and that being gay isn’t bad, they’re still sensationalizing something that really wouldn’t be that big of a deal. Not to mention they’re insinuating that there is a list of qualifications that make you gay. Talking gay? Really? Looking gay? WTF? Way to make someone feel self-conscious when they’re just being themselves.
When people play a guessing game about your life it will inevitably feel like they are judging you. Which is the last way you want someone who hasn’t come out yet to feel. Never mind the fact that he very well may not be gay at all. If he isn’t, what is he supposed to do? Butch it up so people will stop gossiping about him?
At the end of the day which actors are gay makes no difference–their job is to act like someone else not themselves. What they do off camera is no one’s business as long as they aren’t hurting anyone else and happy.
If you’re young and gay and dealing with nasty bullying or rumors, never be afraid to reach out for help. The awesome counselors at The Trevor Project are a fantastic resource, and will keep whatever you say confidential. Check their site here, or call the Trevor Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386.
Do you think it’s OK to speculate whether someone is gay or not? Let us know in the comments!
Just have to say… THANK YOU. Why is this even a discussion anywhere? I’m so over this kind of thing… unless you are currently in a relationship with Taylor Lautner, it’s NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS which way he swings. PERIOD. I’m so glad there’s someone writing articles like this one and standing up for privacy. Everyone has the right to be who they are… pursuit of happiness, remember?
NO! It is not okay at all to speculate over ANYONE’S sexual orientation. and to do it on tv is to publicly single a person out is definatly bulling. moral compass says: WRONG WRONG WRONG!
Ooh, I see. That one does seem a lot more like an actual article and not as satirical. Thanks for clearing that up!
I really appreciate what this article is saying.
Um, yeah. Read that Gawker article, and while you do make some good points, Gawker seems to be insinuating throughout the piece that its a joke. It didn’t seem like they seriously think the evidence they used was legit. Just throughout the whole thing I got the idea that they weren’t being serious.
In fact they seem to be making points similar to the ones you made in this article, Emerald.
“This is a new series that names people who are not publicly gay, but have been shackled by rumors throughout their careers which warrant further discussion. The evidence provided has been gleaned from various Gawker sources enamored with this sort of outing process. If you have any evidence proving their gayness or their heterosexuality, please share it in the discussion system. Hooray.”
That whole paragraph certainly sounds they don’t like the fact that so many news outlets focus on rumors about a celeb’s sexuality. And the “evidence” they gave was trying to parody those outlets and the fact that they dont even give a lot of real evidence for why a celebrity is gay or not.
I’d think you were right if Gawker didn’t have a history of doing this kind of thing. http://gawker.com/5909343/sources-robin-roberts-feared-obama-interview-would-out-her-as-a-lesbian