While it would be lovely to live in a world where this sort of thing didn't matter, we just aren't in that world. And it's always courageous to stand up for who and what you are in a world where hate and intolerance are so institutionalized, even if it takes you into your 80's before you do it.
Now again, compare how positive and life affirming such outings are in the case of Randi, Neil Patrick Harris, and other prominent figures who have recently done so, to how negative and fraught with anguish, self-loathing, and confusion it is in the case of conservative and religious figures whose delayed moments of self-awareness have to clash with a lifetime's indoctrination in the ideologies of fear. I think people ought to be much more worried about catching teh God than teh gay.
I guess my comments are going to be much the same as everyone else's... while some of us might wonder why it took him so late in the game, he'll always be a hero to us skeptics and his sexuality is a non-issue.
ReplyDeleteThat said, bravo to the big guy for having the courage to come out... here's hoping he feels like a weight has been lifted off his chest!
We love ya, Randi!!!
p.s. Reading the comments on Swift yesterday, I was not just proud of Randi, but proud of the skeptic community as all the comments were enthusiastically positive across the board... but I guess that's kind of a no-brainer for us rational thinkers!
I had the honor of meeting the "amazing one" a couple years ago. He had been one of my personal heros for some time and actually meeting him was no disappointment. Randi is one of the smartest people I have ever met and an outstanding human being.
ReplyDeleteIt is not possible for me to harbor negative feelings about gay people when so many of the people I admire most in this world are. This was not always the case but over time I have come to realize that people I share this life with are here to be themselves not to live up to my likes and dislikes. I hope Randi's announcement will allow some people to feel better about themselves.
It's good to see Randi breaking this illusion and showing the truth behind it, for himself and for us. I'm glad for him, but as any good magician would, he sure had me fooled.
ReplyDeleteI'll be honest though, at this point Randi could tell us he eats live gerbils and I'd still love him.
Elsewhere someone asked if anyone else was completely apathetic to this. He felt that Randi's sexuality never even crossed his mind. My response:
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts exactly. I absolutely adored and loved him both for what he has done in advancing skepticism and rationality and for his ever-friendly and funny personality and demeanor.
And nothing has changed.
So not only is James Randi trying to indoctrinate our good Christian children to think for themselves, but he's GAY!?!? Bar the doors, sound the alarms, he's an agent of the DEBBIL!
ReplyDeleteKidding aside, I feel pretty much the exact same way as everyone else. He's been a hero of mine for many years, and his sexuality never once crossed my mind.
Since this coming out will almost certainly make him a happier, more fullfilled person, the only thought I have is "hurray."
What was also interesting were the number of comments from Gay and Lesbian skeptics, thanking Randi for everything he's done to entertain and educate and more importantly, explaining how their sexual orientation lead them to a more rational way of thinking.
ReplyDeleteI also remember Don briefly mentioned something about it the comments on a previous article. Perhaps an idea for an AE show?
He's gay?? But he always seemed like such a pleasant chap and everything.
ReplyDeleteBut in all seriousness, Randi's sexuality was pretty much the last thing on my mind (and i'm content to say always has been) so I thought that the story was about him coming out as an atheist whilst I was reading it.
Which was highly confusing, because I was quite sure he'd been pretty vocal about that in the past. I was starting to question my sanity.
will the content be available online?
ReplyDeleteWishing the very best to James and that his public announcement and expressed self-acceptance will bring him deep contentment and peace and the rousing support of his critical-thinking fans (and maybe even provide strength to others who struggle). As a bisexual man in a faithful, loving, accepting, and productive gay relationship, I know the peace it can bring to represent yourself honestly. Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteAwesome!
ReplyDeleteThat explains the top hat and cape.
ReplyDeleteOh come on, you weren't really buying that "stage magician" story, were you?
Ok, goofing aside, I'm with the first poster:
We love ya, Randi!
Here's hoping each and every coming out builds a world (movie announcer voice "In a world...") in which nobody has to come out, because it's such a non-issue that no gay person needs to hide or pretend otherwise.
When someone first told me that Randi had come out of the closet I asked if it was chained and padlocked and barricaded first. Cause you know, if it's not part of his act its not an issue or my business per say.
ReplyDeleteBut I'm thinking that yeah, metaphorically it was sealed shut, making this his greatest escape act!
I'm not really sure how to respond to this; I don't care and I am of the opinion noone should care. By making an issue of it, he's not helping the case it seems.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand it is brave of him to do come out. And it may help the gay movement. So I'm not sure what to think.
Although I have never met him, it seems to me that Randi is a class act. While his sexual orientation should make absolutely no difference to anyone, my opinion of randi has nonetheless been elevated as it must have taken some cohones to do. I hope I get to meet the man in person at TAM this year.
ReplyDelete