And yes, this tribe is traced back to one of the original 12 tribes of David (Israel).

Oh, no! Did they catch the guy who did that to your college friend? As for the other person, you should encourage your friend “who knows of someone that beats up transvestites” to turn this person in. The police (if they care) will set up a sting operation and bust this person.

I’ve seen those videos and they are downright disturbing. Did you comment at that site? I’ll look for you there. I’m sorry to hear about your friend and I cannot agree with you more that security is a top priority for him right now, especially because he’s gay. There are homophobes and sick gay haters, and oftentimes, they express their hatred violently. I had a gay college friend who was murdered in his apartment–stabbed multiple times–by someone he’d just met at a bar who pretended to be gay. Another friend of mine knows of someone who’d occasionally pick up gay transvestite prostitutes, then proceed to beat them up in the motel room. I can’t even begin to articulate how I feel about these things.

You are so right. I’m a non-conformist too and so is Adam.

And I would like to add due to the last video of Adam I just had the displeasure of witnessing is that Adam needs to focus on his career until he can get himself a body guard. The reporters have gotten downright disrepectful ever since he revealed his boyfriend, Drake.

Did you see the reporters corner him in the stairwell of a parking garage? These pap reporters acted WORSE than any of his fan girls ever could. They were giggly and mindlessly taunting Adam while Adam begged them to let him get to his car. If that homeless lady named quween hadn’t been there, would they have physically assulted him or something? In another video they chased him in their car while he was driving his new car.

Makes me very nervous and outraged. It reminds me of what happened to my young gay male friend when he was in highschool. Can anyone tell me why a straight male jock would spend all his waking hours verbalizing how much he hates gay boys only to later on rape the poor guy when he’s walking home alone?

I know these two incidents are miles apart different but the relentless taunting is what came first in his ordeal.

Secondly, when I say I choose to see people as people and that equal treatment regardless of the differences should be the ultimate socio-political goal, it is not to promote the homogenizing of society or a disregard or non-appreciation of differences. On the contrary, I am a staunch individualist and non-conformist–on top of having been born with a rebellious mind, I have spent years consciously ridding myself of whatever programming and conditioning have been foisted upon me by society that I may have unconsciously adopted; I denounce groupthink at whatever level it occurs. When I say “people are people” it simply means that at the very core is a person’s humanity, plain and simple. From that fact alone proceeds fundamental rights and certain things are naturally observed (initially, at least)–basic respect, decency, fairness, etc. Whatever qualities and acts spiral out from an individual due to personality, culture, alliance to various groups, sexuality etc. are seen by me as interesting colors and facets of the individual. Basic rights and treatment on the basis of humanity, then, is the limit of my “irrelevance in terms of how people see and treat one another”. It does not extend in scope to homogenizing people.

From a legal standpoint, it is easy to see why a particular group would seek recognition as such, i.e. that certain differences amount to valid, substantial distinctions, so as to place them within the purview of the Equal Protection Clause. Precisely because of the present social reality of existing discrimination against homosexuals, bisexuals, and lesbians, this emphasis on ‘difference’ is necessary. However, if the social milieu were sufficiently advanced, would it still be necessary? This is why I said *ultimate* socio-political goal.

On the political level, much of the preceding paragraph applies. There is also the all-too important factor of volume — both in the numbers sense and in terms of *voice*, in how a group makes an impact upon political players in order to further their agenda. I therefore understand why gay advocacy groups would want a celebrity or public figure to openly and unequivocally declare themselves as gay. As you said, “Those who have racial, gender, or heterosexual privilege need to realize that claiming an identity publicly is a very important political act.” In this regard, people in the gay community are therefore free to attempt to convince a celebrity to politicize himself and his sexuality, in order to further their cause. If Adam does do it in Rolling Stone, then they certainly have reason to celebrate. However, what if he doesn’t? I hope the members of the gay community do not lambast him for choosing to remain ambiguous, and realize it’s his right to remain apolitical, and to choose how he presents his truths or himself to the public. Respect the individual, right? Otherwise, people would be guilty of criticizing him for exercising his basic rights, and of trying to impose conformity to their group, when they would use the very same arguments (rights and non-conformity) to advance their own agenda. I should think the gay community would be more openminded and accepting, since these are the same attitudes they would have the rest of society have towards them.

One last matter: Is Adam’s being gay relevant to what he does and to my appreciation of him? I think you misunderstood me. First, what is not relevant to my appreciation of his talent and performances is what he does in his private life, i.e. his being gay. In other words, I can and do appreciate what he shows onstage or on camera as a performer and artist without having to look into his private life and person. I make a distinction, I see a boundary between public and private. For instance, I can like a person’s performance in a movie without bothering to find out the actor’s sexual preference. It’s irrelevant. If I subsequently discover he’s gay, would it alter my admiration for his acting, whether positively or negatively? No. Because it’s irrelevant. Second, is it relevant to what he does? It depends on what it is he’s doing to which we’re referring, and the areas, levels, and criteria of evaluation and criticism we’re discussing. Let’s take his singing. Is his being gay relevant to his vocal skills on a technical level? I’d say no. His musical interpretation/artistry such as his phrasing, modulation vis a vis the lyrics, et al.? I’d still say no. Emotive qualities and personal meaning that he internalizes and then projects? Perhaps, if the subject matter to which he relates or finds meaning in is germane or related to his being gay. If he were to sing about the plight of whales, his being gay is irrelevant. Finally, you wrote about the creative process. Without belaboring certain points any further, I’d say it still depends on what he’s doing or creating in the first place, and what aspects of his personality and experiences he’s drawing from in creating, writing whatever. People have different levels and facets of being. The very notion of a singular, totally and always integrated identity, acting at all times, in all contexts, is an illusion. Many truly artistic and creative people are in fact those who resist being pinned down to a single identity or dimension thereof. They are the sort who have no need to conform not only to society at large, but no real need to identify with any group therein whatsoever. In fact, to conform is death. I suspect Adam is of this breed. On a final note as regards the creative process–in art and literary criticism, there is a school of thought that holds that once a work is produced by the artist/writer and “out there”, it no longer belongs to him. That is, it is solely the reader’s response to the work that is relevant in the construction of meaning and the reader’s experience of the piece. Under this theory, whatever Adam does, once he’s done with it, belongs to the person perceiving and experiencing it. If the person finds relevance in Adam’s being gay vis a vis the performance or piece, then his being gay is relevant. If the person doesn’t, then his being gay isn’t relevant.

Some points to the person who made a comment on straight women “spamming” this site:
1. Under the law, SPAM refers to unsolicited pornographic and marketing.
2. If you simply mean “unsolicited comments/participation”, then please suggest to the webmaster to post a notice that this is a gay site and that heterosexual females are not welcome to comment.

Alexa, I don’t care if you find me obnoxious. I say what I say, I am what I am. If some people get turned off towards Adam Lambert because of his fans’ opinions, it’s the undiscerning people’s loss and a glaring illustration of their level of judgment.

Thank you, all.

Another reason for that my post to Barbi is because the Media HAS gotten out of hand. Did you see the video of TMZ reporters hounding Adam and Drake as they walked down the street? Towards the end they were asking them to “Smootch for the camera” and all that. Not that it wouldn’t be cute or anything, but people ARE crossing the line. That pissed me off (they won’t even let them walk down the street or eat lunch without them asking the poor guys “who likes the top” or “kiss for us,” or “could you give us a repeat performance of last night when you were holding hands as you came out the club?”

Those questions that I asked of Barbi are not because I want to know them per se, it’s the only way to get her to see why it’s not good to pry.

If you reread my comment you’ll see I’m not trying to confuse gay identity w/ sexual behavior.

Those questions are asked of a specific person (BARBI) who doesn’t understand why it’s not okay to pry into someone’s personal life. And I wanted to see if Barbi would actually answer these questions or tell me to F*** off. Because if she tells me to F*** off, then I will know that she is being a hypocrite and that she thinks its okay to pry into someone’s private life as long as it’s not her own.

SORRY if my post offends you in anyway. It is meant as a lesson to those who think the very way you are complaining about. Ok?

Please. “What is with the America hate?” Do you even have to ask? I’m American and I can see that. In the world’s eyes, we’re hypocrites in what we’re supposed to stand for–freedom, the pursuit of happiness, equality. We are not the barbarians but sometimes I wonder. Thanks to Bush and others that’s how we are seen now.

Get a load of one of BBC’s news casts if you want an echo of what the world really thinks of us.

As for being curious and inquisitive? “Is it really so bad?” Are you kidding me? Even though wondering what Adam may do behind closed doors is sexy and exciting, would you find me asking me asking him about it to his face or worse yet, ASKING HIS MOTHER OR FATHER about it?

How about this? Please answer these questions in your reply to me and see how you like it.

1. Do you have sex with a man or woman?
2. Do you like it on top or bottom?
3. How many times a day, week, month do you like to do it?
4. What song do you like to listen to while you’re getting it on?
5. Do you scream when you’re getting off?
6. Do you like me asking you these questions about your sex life?
7. Do you like having to broadcast it on this blog post?
8. Now do you see what’s wrong with being curious and inquistive?

Also about the Clay thing. We did not ruin Clay’s career. Did you buy every CD Clay put out? I don’t think so.

Oh, I feel an opinion coming on so let me give it. (And I can give an intelligient one because 1st, I have a college degree and 2, I am a songwriter and guitarist so I know something about the music business.)

Reasons more than likely Clay’s career is ruined (or almost ruined).

1. 19E sucks. They can’t put together a decent album even if the Gods of the Gods of Pop or Rock came down and put the album in their hands.

2. Clay doesn’t get any airplay. At least he doesn’t in my neck of the woods. There’s not enough press about him. I find out he put a new album out a year after the fact. Pathetic.

3. Clay got wise and broke things off with 19E and helped Kelly Clarkson to do the same. That pissed the f*** out of 19E the “Powers That Be” that can make you or break you from blacklisting you in the industry. This is done to artists everyday for various reasons less than directly defying your record company. Do you know how powerful 19E is in the industry?

4. Now Clay is going to struggle much like a new artist because of this. Did you know he tried to attend the studio audience at one of this season’s american idol shows? He nearly got tossed out on his head. Thank God he’s light on his feet. Read up on these facts will you? If they won’t even let him near one of their events what else do you think they are doing to stop him?

5. Clay needs to get his star appeal back. Is he Country or Pop? He needs to loose his weight, style his hair, wear stylish clothes and make sure the music he picks on his album is what is fans expect out of him. HE HAS TO BRING IT especiallly now that Adam is on the scene. Linkin Park is the only band I know(Adam will be the other) that can successfully change genres and their fans still love it.

6. Every star, gay or straight or green, blue or purple has fanatical fans that say and do crazy sh** all the time. THE FANS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH A STAR’S SUCCESS OR FAILURE UNLESS THEY ILLEGALLY DOWNLOAD THE ARTISTS’ STUFF WITHOUT PAYING FOR IT. So All Adam’s fans and Clay’s, Please, for God’s sake, please PAY for your artist’s music and DVD’s instead of bootlegging. This will ensure that your fav artist stays around for the long haul. If they are not making any sales, they will be dropped from their record labels even if they are popular. Money talks Bullsh** walks. Remember that.

This is insufferable_know_it_all. This time I’m posting under my original name because either you’re put off by my obnoxious name or that I’m straight (reverse discrimination).

Do you want to know how I earned insufferable know it all as a nickname? By battling Danny’s bigoted fans online whenever they said vile, harsh, vulgar things about Adam before the voting. You will never see some of those things that they said because blog sites immediately delete them. Hence you are ignorant of what was really said. Now Christian bigots can claim they never said the things they did and go on to claim that Adam lost only because Kris was more mainstream. But Adam didn’t lose because Kris is more mainstream.

It got ugly out there. Downright shameful to the point I’ll never set foot in another church again. I know I saw these posts before they were deleted because I was online 24-7 along with Adam’s truest fans battling the “gay insult” comments with real facts about gay people not being able to choose their orientation. Christians killed Galileo when Galileo tried to inform his community the earth was round not flat. I still believe today that these same people who are discriminatory towards gays based on religion still believe the world is flat because they do not respect modern science. They hide behind their bible and think that’s the only knowledge they need.

So please, stop blaming me for Clay’s demise, Adam’s possible demise. Don’t you see it’s the media destroying Adam as well as the Christian bigots? Google Adam and you will see a very disturbing article where the Author claims he’s only joking about his choice of words “You are a disgrace” and of course I commented on that too.

I’m here to tell you that your way of handling things are no better. You are alienating all the straight people who love and support Gays not because gay people are gay but because everyone deserves the same respect and I give everyone an equal opportunity to be my friend except for people wielding daggers for the purpose of backstabbing. I’m predjudiced of backstabbers.

So here it is. Does this statement work? I have no problem with Adam being Gay. Is that better than “I don’t care that he’s gay” or “I don’t mind that he’s gay?” If you have a problem with that then you have some self introspection to do. You need to find out if you are the one who is self-loathing.

Remember, I’m not the enemy and top believing those Christian people with the gentle voices telling you that every thing is alright. They in the senate, the house and the courts right now doing everything they can to take away all “Gay” rights and you want to argue with me?

@TheBigotBasher: actually, Will Young was the winner of Pop Idol.

@Obsidian Eye: @insuffferable_know_it_all: Calm down. Seriously. You really are becoming as tiresome and annoying as the Claymates. Right now Adam is popular, please don’t become so obnoxious that people get turned off him because of you. It happened with Clay, it will happen with Adam if you don’t stop.

Look, it’s fantastic that straight people love Adam, and you coming to gay sites and supporting him is cool, but you have to understand that to many in the lgbt community a popular openly gay artist who comes out at the start of his career is a big deal, especially right now. It does matter. And we are different. So stop yelling and behaving like children, and try to understand our POV, please. Go back and really read windyloo’s posts.

Also, when we start pretending that we are “all the same” or encouraging people to “just be people” we have to be very careful to ask who gets to decide what that will be. This is the classic “acting white” concern of the great W.E.B. Dubois. Why should African-Americans (or any other category that has distinctive cultural practices) give up their distinctive speech, music, food, way of practicing religion etc. so that they won’t be seen as different? If they give them up what do they start blending into? Can you remember your past if you no longer see yourselves as a unit? (No I am not suggesting that every member of a category is the same but there are patterns).

Finally, how can we not notice differences if they actually are there? The issue is that they not limit peoples rights or life chances. And while some people may argue that the fact that a person is gay does not affect what they do (say a Matthew Mitchum in diving) I think that is a stretch when talking about an artist. A person’s life experiences are extrememly relevant to the creative process- what they choose to write and sing, how they perform it, the selection of words they use in the song etc. This is especially true in rock or pop where romance, relationships, and sex are one of the main topics.

Acting like it “doesn’t matter” really does come accross as dismissive even if you don’t intend it to. The reality is that a person’s sexual orientation really does matter in this country right now. As many have pointed out, Adam’s relationship, which he is clearly proud of, was not mentioned in the same way those of other contestants were. How then can anyone suggest that it doesn’t matter? I can say race or gender or sexual orientation don’t matter (i.e. I am colorblind or whatever) but those are still very important categories in our lives and not everyone wants to see them completely obliterated.

I DON’T CARE BECAUSE IT’S IRRELEVANT TO WHAT HE DOES AND TO MY APPRECIATION OF HIS TALENT AND PERSONA AS A CELEBRITY.

I DON’T MIND THAT HE’S GAY. TO SAY I DON’T MIND DOES NOT MEAN I THINK IT’S SOMETHING I SHOULD. IT SIMPLY MEANS I’M NOT CUT FROM THE SAME CLOTH AS THE PEOPLE WHO OBVIOUSLY MIND.

IT DOESN’T MATTER TO ME THAT HE’S GAY BECAUSE IT’S IRRELEVANT TO WHAT HE DOES AND TO MY APPRECIATION FOR HIM. THIS DOESN’T MEAN I DON’T THINK THERE AREN’T SOCIO-POLITICAL ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED. IT SIMPLY MEANS I CHOOSE TO SEE PEOPLE AS PEOPLE, IRRESPECTIVE OF DIFFERENCES IN RACE, GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, ETC. ISNT THAT THE SOCIO-POLITICAL GOAL IN THE FIRST PLACE? EQUAL RIGHTS AND EQUAL TREATMENT REGARDLESS OF THE DIFFERENCES? WHICH MEANS THAT THE ULTIMATE SOCIO-POLITICAL GOAL IS THAT THE DIFFERENCES BECOME IRRELEVANT IN TERMS OF RIGHTS AND HOW PEOPLE SEE AND TREAT ONE ANOTHER? ISN’T THIS THE KIND OF SOCIETY YOU’D WANT? SO WHY DID I JUST READ THIS:

‘no one wants a society where important parts of our identity “don’t matter”.’

VIVE LE DIFFERENCE. THE FRENCH ARE SO COOL.

Amen!

Someone mentioned President Obama up thread and I think he is a good illustration. Yes, he is bi-racial, but it really doesn’t matter since, in today’s society, he is still seen as black by the vast majority of people who would pass him on the street and they would react to him as they would a black person. That would, unfortunately, often include stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination. This is still reality even if we wish it were not. So every successful minority person who proudly claims their identity and proves the bigots wrong helps. Denying or not claiming an identity others will assign you anyway helps no one.

The same is true with LBBT people. Hiding does not help to change things. Being open and talking about your personal life just like any straight person would is an important step. For a celebrity to do that carries even more weight. This type of public example of success by racial minorities and women were essential to gaining rights and the same is true for LGBT people. Those who have racial, gender, or heterosexual privilege need to realize that claiming an identity publicly is a very important political act. It isn’t playing a card or prying into someones life- it is recognizing the reality of our current socio-political situation instead of living in some fantasy of the future. Besides, no one wants a society where important parts of our identity “don’t matter”. We just want to be treated equally despite our differences.

Many cities have a drug rehab program. You should join one. You’re even more insufferable than I am.

Stop being so sensitive about the “I don’t mind” or “I don’t care” thing. I do care. I care about Adam (and Clay) that’s why I cringed when Clay said what he did. I care about their well being. I care about them as human beings, I care about their careers. I’m proud of Adam for being himself and being able to go out on the town with his boyfriend proudly.

What the heck do you think we mean when we say we don’t mind or don’t care that he’s gay. If you have a better way of expressing how we are supposed to say that, please right and tell me.

You are just like some black people I know. They get mad when you call them Black so then you call them colored they get even madder and say they want to be called Black. You can never win for loosing there. Don’t call me a racist, I am black so I can say that. So go ahead with your protest comments about that remark too. I only call it like I see it instead of pitching a bit** fit on a post only so I can hear my own self rant and rave (talking about you Alexa, Bradsa).

I don’t need to buy a clue but I have some I can sell to you.

I didn’t cause problems for Clay and I’m not causing problems for Adam. And I didn’t say I stopped being Clay’s fan. I still play his CD’s despite the stares I get. You better take a good look what’s really causing problems for both Adam and Clay.

1. The media.

2. The Christian Coalition, they are liars and hatemongers who sit on sites like this and spread hate, and try to divide and conquer their fans. Take BRADSA for example. He or she said that he/she didn’t like/love Adam. So what’s he doing here for? Doesn’t he have something better to do.

Hey BRADSA, don’t you have something better to do? Uh oh, you must have burnt out the last 2 brain cells you had writing a reply to my post.

3. I bet even the FBI infiltrates comments on places like this to cause people who have not formed an opinion or who are too weak minded to think for themselves and stand up for what they believe in unwaivering to sway towards hatred.

BRADSA, Did I even mention Spencer? If you can’t figure out why a community who are oppressed shouldn’t sit and make comments about each other in public especially when so much at stake was going on when it was said, then I suppose you got your kindergarden degree from a Loopy Loo’s cereal box. You know, Prop 8 was going on then.

I’m sorry you’re so dumb. Maybe you’ll be smarter in your next life. BTW, do you also think its ok for black people to shoot each other up or do you think they should find a way to get along. Just some food for thought. Oh, yeah, I forgot, you can’t think.

love your comments totally awesome thank you!!!!!!!

I am so impressed with him in his interviews. He is very respectful of others. It makes me sad when people blast him in the blogs, but, this is a nation with freedom of speech.

I think he looks very happy with his friend at Guys and Dolls and I wish him the best.

American will show their love of Adam with their wallets!
Go, Adam! You Rock!

The reason we are all reading this trivial “news” stories about Adam is because we cannot get enough of him! He needs to be on TV doing something, doing anything! Can he host SNL? I’d die to see him on that. He’d be great on Dancing with the Stars, too. I’d watch a reality TV show of his life. Might be interesting to have a new twist on a new kind of couple.

WHATEVER!!! DON’T BE SKARED!!!!!

No, we don’t need to know that….however, if somebody asked Obama if he was black and he replied “well why should I answer, isn’t it more fun not to know?” Don’t tell me that the black community wouldn’t have one huge collective intake of breath.

You keep saying that it is all personal, well Danny Gokey’s wife’s story wasn’t personal, Kris’s hetrosexuality was on full display every time he spoke about his wife, Allison talked about dating etc… the ONLY person who didn’t say anything about things like that was Adam. When one particular group is either afriad or prevented from discussing something that every other person or group in a situation is askked about and speaks about, you can’t claim that it is because that topic is personal or private.

Speak for yourself. We don’t all love Adam, not by a long shot.

Spencer Pratt and his insufferable wife are ripe for vilification. They deserve it because of their own actions and are getting a lot of heat for being the entitled assholes they are.

What you suggest is that the straight people of the world hold back their disdain because Spencer and Heidi are straight like them? Ridiculous!

Aiken has no more obligation to stifle his opinion of a performance by a gay man than a straight man. That is true equality, when gender preference is not an issue and it is about the singing.

I’ll call a truse. You are right. It will take us all. That’s why I’m so mad at my other idol, Clay Aiken. He’s been a naughty boy, but I’ll get over it.

I’m from Alabama (Born here not raised here but now miserably back here, Arrgh) and you should have seen how everyone acted every time I told them I wanted Clay to win, not Rueben, also an Alabama native.

http://justjared.buzznet.com/

Space..space…space…

Still think we need to look at the big picture of being out, when, how, whatever..whomever is willing to be publically speaking up for equality, in all forms, should be welcome. It’s gonna take us all. Division helps no one…