Quote Originally Posted by Squirt View Post
Oh you're changing topic. Yeah if someone wants to be an actor and lie about who they really are to the world that is up to them. Hell I'd probably lie to the world for hundreds of millions of dollars too - that is what A-listers make these days over a carreer, and we are talking about A-listers.

Lots of people lie, cheat, steal etc. to get to the top. Actors are no different but you said "Anyway, I think it's funny to hear someone say "Who cares if John Travolta is gay?" Everyone cares. Celebrities in that league -- the A-listers league -- coming out would have a pretty big impact on how the world at large views gay people based on their "personas." See YOU are the one who puts A-list actors coming out on a pedastal as making "a pretty big impact on how the world at large views gay people".
I'm not putting them on a pedestal; I'm just recognizing how the REST of the country thinks. If Tom Cruise were to come out as gay -- or rather, if he had come out when people still respected him -- that would have had a huge impact on how lots of people in the mainstream viewed gay people. He's a huge international sex symbol for men and women. Every big, tough, macho buff guy who blows up buildings and gets the girl in the movies who came out would, by and large, have some kind of influence in how society views gay and lesbians.

However, as much as I think it would be AWESOME if Tom or John or whoever would come out of the closet, I don't think they have an obligation to do so. I don't judge them or look down at them for not doing so. I simply recognize that they have their own paths to walk, and their own choices to make. And to me, that's the end of it. All the best to them.

disagree. I'm not attacking them or their decission, but I don't feel their decision is a noble one, as I don't feel coming out after you've reached the top is noble either. Usually it's done out of desperation and to protect losses, or they've simply reached the top and have nothing to lose now.
Just like Ellen did. Just like Rosie did. Just like Melissa did. Just like Elton did. Just like Ian McKellen did. These are our role models, but it's worth noting that not a single one of them was out at the beginning of their careers. Had they been, it would have been a much different story.

Nobility is a luxury that you can't afford when you have a goal that is unattainable due to a sexual preference you didn't choose to be born with. Gay or straight, we're all entitled to the same things.

Let's face it. If you're looking for people with strong moral character and conviction, the acting/entertainment community isn't the first place you'd look.
You don't see the irony in this statement -- coming from someone in the, um, PORN business?

People will do what they do and when society is ready for change it happens.
Exactly. I can definitely agree with that. Until then, let's not look at those who walk their own paths as being "less noble" or as having "a lack of integrity." It's not up to the rest of us to place those kinds of judgments on them. We've all been there. Most of us weren't out in high school. We lied to get through. It was simply a matter of necessity. Hopefully, one day the world WILL change, and gay actors, musicians, politicians, etc. etc. will all have the same opportunities as their straight counterparts. I look forward to that day.