Last summer after the American Music Awards controversy, where he kissed a male bandmate on stage and received mock fellatio, Adam Lambert remained defiant and unapologetic to the 1,500 who filed official complaints with ABC, and the untold number of other viewers who found his conduct offensive, or whatever. “I remember thinking to myself,” the singer said in June, “as proud as I am to be a member of the gay and lesbian community, itâs not my job to paint a picture of the community. Iâm only responsible for painting a picture of who I am as an individual. It was a confusing time, because as proud as I am, Iâm not here to represent a group. Iâm here to be an artist.” Now that’s all changed.
In an interview with Canada’s Entertainment Tonight, Lambert says his fame is “an amazing opportunity to be able to help people. It is more than the music. It’s a lifestyle thing. There isn’t a ton of viability for gays and lesbians.” Does that mean Adam is going to pick up where Lady Gaga left off? Hardly. For now, expect him to walk a few more red carpets for Gay Inc. events and deliver plenty of soundbites whenever the news cycle calls for them.
But his position that he’s not on this earth to make the gays look good appears to be softening.
omg
Adam Lambert in no way represents me…
BeachBuddy
How, pray tell, could Adam Lambert ever, EVER make the gay community look like anything but costumed frivolity? He’s a joke, not to mention one of the reasons I identify myself as “homosexual” and not “gay,” simply because I don’t want to be affiliated with individuals such as Lambert. God help us if he’s our new ambassador.
Teresa
What????? Adam doesn’t have to “represent” anyone. WHy should he have to “represent the gays”. (It’s not “the gays” btw, it’s “gay people”?) Adam represents only himself and he happens to be gay. It’s not possible to represent all gay people, they are a diverse and varied tapestry of people. And Adam is first and foremost a musician/singer/songwriter/actor NOT a politician or community representative. All Adam’s saying, in that Canadian interview, is that now he’s come to grips with being a bit famous he has realised how much he can help people. Which he does very successfully through his various charity efforts – not all of which are for gay causes and through his efforts to prevent bullying.
Adam just needs to keep doing what he’s been doing, staying true to himself and doing what feels right to him. If that results in conveying a positive image of GLBT people – which it undoubtedly will – then that’s just a bonus. He doesnt “deliver sound bites” he just says what he thinks with no filters – always straight from the heart. And I’m sorry, he’s not here to make “gays look good”. What a silly statement. No-one is here to do that and nobody can be expected to.
Note – please fix your quote – it’s “visibility” not “viability”. And when did Lady Gaga EVER represent gay people???
Linda
I don’t know if your readers are aware that Adam has recorded a dance version of his moving song about self acceptance, AFTERMATH. It is being released soon, with proceeds going to The Trevor Project. We in the #LGBT community should join forces and stop eating our young, IMO, and allow, and accept, our LGBT celebrities to be comfortable with how much, or little, they wish to be activists for the community.
Jacki
Adam has already “represented” gays- he’s an out gay man pursuing a music career in a country full of people who feel threatened by gay men. He represents gays without trying just by being a young gay man who is not afraid to be different, to challenge double-standards and stereotypes and even to challenge the complacency of the gay community itself. Adam doesn’t conform to the narrow “socially acceptable” friendly “just like us” concept of “gay men” that mainstream American society can patronisingly tolerate. He is an in-your-face, rude, unapologetic talented and sexy individual who doesn’t give a damn if the straight or gay community can deal with him or not (and I see from the comments here that some of your readers fall into the “not able to deal with it” category LMAO).
Adam stands out as “different” in both the straight and gay communities – he is so hard to define and pigeon-hole – AND he is bridging the gap between them in a way that’s never been done before – and without even meaning to. And that’s just one of the things I admire about him.
But other than that, Adam is not in the business of being a “spokesperson” – he is a singer. So stop trying to make him into one.
Mark
Adam wrote a song called Aftermath that is really a ‘gay anthem’. It is beautiful. Listen to it on his Live Acoustic EP, many, many young people have commented to him that it has saved their lives and made them strong. This song is now being redone and all the proceeds will go to the Trevor Project. Also, he has done a wonderful video for It Gets Better while he was touring overseas. It Gets Better actually tweeted it again yesterday. Many of Adam’s fans now help promote and donate to LGBT issues.
So whether some people do not like Adam for whatever reason, he is helping out already.
ophu
Seriously, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I just hope if he decides to be a role model, he stays true to the person he is–whoever and whatever he is–or it’ll all be for nothing.
Harbo
We should just leave Adam Lambert alone. He has no obligation to represent anyone but himself. Each gay can project his own image. That’s the way it should be.
PopSnap
Leave the role model job to Ellen. Everyone seems to love her, even people who I would normally asume to be homophobic, because she’s such a sweetheart and a generous person. Plus, her influence will only grow larger when Oprah leaves.
Not that we can only have one “leader”; if it’s anyone, though, it should be Ellen.
Shannon1981
I don’t think Adam or anyone else should have to represent anyone or anything they don’t want to. While I am a proud activist, I know many who are not…and I respect that. However, if his ‘i don’t want to be a poster boy’ position is shifting, I am all for it. The best thing about Adam is he is unapologetically ADAM.
justiceontherocks
“It’s a lifestyle thing”???
He makes about as much sense as Justin whatever his name is.
Let the poor guy just be an entertainer and enjoy his life. He’s not cut out to be a “gay rights leader” and we shouldn’t demand that of him.
KarenPendragon
@Teresa: I agree with everything you said Teresa. xxx
raepat
Adam is a positive role model for everyone. He is all about love, being true to himself, NOH8 and in addition he is proudly out and gay! Adam was thrust into the spotlight, by succeeding on a TV reality show, as a singer not as a LGBT activist, and had NO idea how much emphasis would be put on his lifestyle.
I have watched him change and adapt to this new realization and he is doing it beautifully.
For those within our community who say that he doesn’t represent them; I ask what exactly do you mean That he is happy wearing leather or lace, make-up and rhinestones? That he is happy in himself is the MOST important character quality needed in a role model. He makes it clear when talking about this issue that he doesn’t want anyone to emulate him; he wants everyone to be happy and at peace with who YOU are.
As someone who has been a lesbian activist for over 40 years I have one thing to say to Adam…Thank you!
Marie
Wow! one would think that hate from the gay community towards a gay artist would be the last thing one would expect. Adam is such a nice person and because of Adam I have joined forces with the LGBT for equal rights. A lot of Adam Lambert fans are heterosexual females and some males. You guys wonder why things have not changed much for you guys. Stop hating on each other because of life style differences and stand up for what is right. Adam Lambert is not Anderson Cooper but he deserve the same respect. Only Adam Lambert would bring me to a gay site. Only Adam Lambert would motivate me to right letters to congress to request change in laws for equal rights for the LGBT’S.
JAACKSONp
I LOVE HOW WHEN BLOGS POST S**T HOW THEY SET THE TONE FOR THE READERS..HE IN KNOW WAY SAID IT LIKE POSTED.YOU TOOK A SNIPPET OUT OF THE WHOLE ENTIRE INTERVIEW(AND FROM ANOTHER ARTICLE) THAT INFERRED THAT THE WAY U WANTED TOO. YA SNARKY BASTARDS!
I THINK WHAT HOLDS TRUE IS THAT SOME OF THE CONSERVATIVES FEEL HES TONED DOWN (OR THEY HAVE GOTTEN USED 2 HIM ENOUGH 2 SEE HE IS AN ACTUAL OKAY DUDE) THAT HE CAN SOMEHOW REPRESENT NOW, WHEN HE HAS BE REPRESENTING FOR THE NON PLAY IT SAFE GAYS ALL ALONG.
HE HAS BEEN A REPRESENTATION FOR ME BY JUST BEING HIMSELF. nOT ALL GAY PPL ARE CONSERVATIVE. IM KINDA OTT MYSELF, SO HE PUSHES ME TO BE MORE OF MYSELF INSTEAD OF HIDING AWAY TO FIT IN WITH THE NORMALS..WHY SHOULD I CONFORM AND BE LIKE EVERYONE ELSE CAUSE U SAY SO. WHY THE DOUBLE STANDARD?
f**K THAT , I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING ALL MY LIFE 2 BE WHO I WANT 2 BE. JUST CAUSE A GROUP SHARE THE SAME SEXUALITY DOES NOT MEAN WE ARE ALL ALIKE, YOU ACTUALLY HAVE 2 TAKE A MINUTE 2 SEE WHAT LAMBERT IS ABOUT INSTEAD OF READING OVER SENSATIONALIZED NEWS HEADINGS.AND I ACTUALLY LIKE THE GUY..MUSIC? SOME, I THINK HE IS REALLY TALENTED, BUT NEEDS BETTER SONGS. SO I WILL CONTINUE 2 SUPPORT.
HE HAS BEEN PUSHED AT 2 BE SOMETHING ONLY A FEW PEOPLE ARE BORN 2 DO, WHETHER GAY OR STRAIGHT, TIME WILL TELL IF THE ROLE FITS HIM.OR MAYBE HE WILL HAVE TO DO IT IN A WAY COMFORTABLE FOR HIM.
THANK GOD HE IS ACTUALLY ARTICULATE AND HAS A BRAIN.
BUT FOR ME BEING OUT THERE AND HIM SAYING THIS IS WHO I AM? TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT? TAKES SOME BIG HAIRY ASS BALLS. GIVE THE MOFO HIS DUE.
S**T CAPSLOCKS MUCH HUH?
Shannon1981
@Marie: I am a huge fan of Adam, Ellen, Neil Patrick Harris, Chris Colfer, and other gay celebrities. I also appreciate that Adam has made you more aware of the LGBT plight. However, I think you need to realize that being an Adam Lambert fan and writing a few letters does NOT make you an automatic authority on the gay community, nor does it give you the right to come in here and say what we should and should not be doing or saying about Adam or any of our own.
Again, appreciate the support, but you are obviously new to this, and, as far as I am concerned, by coming in here with statements like what you just said you seriously overstep your bounds. You might be able to be a little outraged on our behalf, but you will never be able to walk a mile in our shoes. Internet voyeurism at best, and it shows.
For the record, I agree with you that Adam doesn’t need to do anything but what he is doing…but I disagree with your thinking you have the right to come to a gay site and tell the gays what to do. Can’t speak for everyone, JMHO.
Chris
Adam is a parasite. He’s been successful because of the tireless work of gays before him, and now he just wants to make money and not give back. It doesn’t matter how much he protests, he will still be viewed in a different way by society because he is gay. He can either be helpful, or harmful.
And I’m sorry, but doing an S&M themed song as part of an album written by just about every other artist in the business is not “being yourself”.
We don’t live in a dream world where he can only be seen for his “talent”. It would be nice, but one shouldn’t tact based on how one wishes the world would be.
jay
Well Marie, I guess “we” are just so very fortunate you watched American Idol, aren’t “we”? It wasn’t enough that the discrimination went on/goes on in unknown to the public lives, it wasn’t enough that bullying in press, schools, churches, etc., went on prior to the Glambert emerging, it wasn’t enough that LGBT persons were treated like less than humans…it WASN’T ENOUGH to notice and get involved prior. All hail the awakening and thank gawd he tried out for fame and fortune and he was FOUND.
However, given all that and whatever original reason for your recognizing the need for support of LGBT issues the contribution is commendable. I just hope it doesn’t disappear when/if Lambert does or if he does something to change your perception of him and his persona. It really is a cause that should be joined because it’s the right thing to do not necessarily because of admiration for a single person.
Ah, this article had quite the response, now didn’t it?
Shannon1981
@jay: I’ll try this again, to elaborate on what Jay said. Queerty, why are you flagging me?
Marie and other one issue posters: While I appreciate the interest in our plight, even if it is only due to your obsession with a singer, you cannot nor will you ever understand what we go through. To come on a gay site and tell us what we should and should not being saying about Adam Lambert or anything else to do with gay issues is completely condescending and reprehensible, obnoxious, condescending behavior, and furthers my resolve that many fans of gay stars(and the women who flock to gay idols in particular) don’t know or care to understand anything about gay culture. The best you can do is perhaps be made aware, and maybe feel a little sorry, but that’s it. Don’t come here with rhetoric about what we shouldn’t be saying. Not your right or your place.
Right Wingers Are Socioptahs (John From England)
@Shannon1981:
That’s not fair at all, Shannon. As a black person, I will never kick out someone who helped or stuck up for me when I was being abused, even though they were White, middle class and thei idea of danger was travelling around Thailand.
Would they have taken an interest if I wasn’t their friend? No but if somewhat clumsy, they are there.
With people quoting MLK, do I get angry because they’ve never been call n*gga or lost jobs because of their skin colour? No because I least they somewhat care.
If you can LOVE, OBSESS over a non gay female attention seeking artist like lady gaga who can say she loves kissing women-oh titillating-but has only gone out with men from not just her current bruiser boyfriend but in the past, the get a grip about Lambert.
Marie et al, it’s really amazing that music has made you able to move outside of your world and discover another world. As is the beauty of life, culture and people.
Life is about finding things out and understanding what you don’t know. I may not be French but heck, why I fell in love with my French writers at University, it made me want to be, live and understand la vie Francais!
Good for you!
Shannon1981
@Right Wingers Are Socioptahs (John From England): We’ll agree to disagree there. Some of the stuff I have seen on this site and others..well…it just indicates that unless it revolves around their chosen obsession, it doesn’t matter. Sorry, I take issue with that.
If they came here and posted amicably instead of in an attack style way, I’d be ok. But that just doesn’t seem to happen. Adam and all these other stars are adults. They can do as they please and I will respect them for being out and proud. That is enough for me. But some of the comments from their fans regarding what we should and shouldn’t be doing or saying make me mad, NGL.
Xtincta
Adam is wack plain and simple! His sparkle cows can try to make him happen all they want but the public isn’t buying.
Shannon1981
@Right Wingers Are Socioptahs (John From England): And I am also a Glambert. I love Adam. I just hate that so many of his fans feel the need to act as if its ok to dominate gay space whenever he is mentioned just because they like an artist who happens to be gay.
magsmagenta
Adam isn’t a ‘Gay Rights’ leader in the sense you would have him be, he’s an entertainer first and foremost. But he is also a natural role model for anyone who feels different whether they are gay or not, as a side effect of this he has managed to educate countless of his straight fans many of whom had never given ‘Gay Rights’ a second thought before, and would certainly never have thought of coming to a site like this to educate themselves.
All he has to do to keep up this effect is to keep being himself, unapologetically and not conform to what society would have him be, and that includes the ‘Gay Community’ who seem to view him as an embarrassment.
Here’s an example from one of the many Adam fansites.
http://onthemeaningofadamlambert.wordpress.com/editorials/adam-is-worthy-to-sweetsexysean/
Another effect is that I’ve heard many mothers say that as they became Adam fans, and their children saw that that his gayness and even the AMAs performance didn’t bother them, their children found the courage to come out to them, and they were extremely grateful for this as Adam had smoothed the way and showed that it wasn’t the end of the world that their child was gay, that has to count for something.
Sandy
Like another woman who commented above, I, too, come to this website because of Adam. I am being somewhat educated by others who might not necessarily agree with Adams’ influence. Because of Adam I have gone places in my mind that I would never have gone before. Although, when I was younger, I had many gay male friends but as time went on, not so much anymore. I got married, had kids, had grandkids and I just don’t hang with them or anyone else for that matter. Then comes Adam. Not only can I identify his feminine/masculine allure, it turns out that he’s a really nice person. Talented to boot. Yeah, I went to his concert in Milwaukee (remember the stairs?). If I could have afforded the time or money, I would have gone to all of them. He has a very special affect on people who see him perform. I’m a big fan…can you tell?
rodca
“… as a side effect of this he has managed to educate countless of his straight fans many of whom had never given ‘Gay Rights’ a second thought before, and would certainly never have thought of coming to a site like this to educate themselves”
It would be nice if that were true but time and again all I see are posts that feel a need to lecture the “gay community” by these new found experts.
Including your assessment:
“and that includes the ‘Gay Community’ who seem to view him as an embarrassment.”
There are many gay sites that do support Adam. I am an Adam Fan as is Sean (your link) that I didn’t have to read, since I read it long ago and have discussed it with him.
There are those in the “Gay Community” that like Adam and there are those that don’t. Additionally, there are those that feel Adam OTT and doesn’t or shouldn’t represent us and others that admire him for being who he is and represents us well. It has nothing to do with Adam per se. Its an ongoing disagreement among Gay Men.
I personally don’t mind Glambert posts, its the Glambatz and the VFTW that are annoying including those pretending to be Gay to make their points.
If you regularly visit this blog, you will know this blog is built on snark. Posters more often than not disagree with the the blog posts. However, when an Adam item is posted it overun by Glamberts and Glambatz! Similar to Claymates and Claybatz when an item is posted on Clay Aiken.
Adam has had quite a journey over the past couple of year. He has made some strategic mistakes but has done an excellent job in recovering from them. His latest statement, to me, exhibit his growth as an artist and as a person. He has come to realize that he can’t separate the gay from the singer/entertainer. Its unfortunate but that America in 2011. I think he also has come to realize that today’s America is not like the creative LA bubble he came from. He’s embracing his role as a role model (particulary to his younger gay fans) and recognition that he has
“an amazing opportunity to be able to help people.” Whether that’s raising money for Charity: Water or inspiring teens with and an IGB video.
I would suggest before calling out the “gay community” that Glamberts (and Claymates, for that matter) get to know it through non-Adam issues. Straight Allies are always welcome.
Ryan
Adam Lambert, is the definition of awesome.
And all you psychotic losers who are trashing him on here, as if he’s a member of the Westboro Baptist Church, can seriously go start your cars in your garages and breathe deeply.
Seriously, I just can’t…with you people anymore.
It boggles my mind, HOW THE F#$% ARE WE EVER GOING TO GET EQUALITY WHEN WE RIP EACH OTHER APART LIKE THIS?
What the hell has he done to deserve all this negative trash talk?
Shannon1981
@rodca: you and I have had this convo on other sites and you know I agree. Nobody is being educated. All that is happening is the Glambatz(lol) coming in to take over. Once again, the Adam comment section is, as I said other places, a site to behold. Shame. Instead of being the educational experience it should be for the straights or the opportunity it should be for us to bridge the gap because they think they know it all already, and many gays won’t give Adam a chance b/c of his fans. lose lose situation.
M
but he’s always said that fame is an opportunity to be able to help people so I don’t get how ur twisting that into this headline and write up. And I actually think lots of people probably agree that first and foremost you represent yourself and that there isn’t one person that is the representative for the “gay community.”
I don’t get twisting a random 1 minute ET clip but hardly ever helping promote the work gay artist have going on. Like you guys never posted tour dates for him even when he extended it or when he added international dates. Same with Ricky Martin, I don’t remember seeing a tour date post but you were quick to post about his tour not selling well.
And like others mentioned Adam has a song on his album named Aftermath that he wrote with friends and to him it’s from the viewpoint of coming out. He’s going to release a remixed of it and give the profits to the trevor project. It’s just an online thing so I know it won’t sell tons but I hope queerty makes a post when it comes out to help support it.
magsmagenta
@rodca:
I would never claim to be an expert, I can only give my opinion from a straight viewpoint, from the outside looking in, and what I see is that a lot of gay people, (not all) instead of seeing an opportunity to build bridges through Adam, have chosen to deride and reject him because he doesn’t fit the image of gay men that they want to project, you say that the image problem is an ongoing disagreement between gay men. That in itself seems ridiculous to me, aren’t you all individuals? Surely trying to create a single homogenised image is simply replacing one seriotype with another, there should be room for all, surely freedom is about self expression for all, if some gay people are trying to tell others how to behave that’s just as bad as straight people telling gays how to behave.
And to clarify when I said ‘Gay Community’ I really meant the elements who seem to have styled themselves as the leaders of whatever gay community there is, people like the editor of Out Magazine who the gesture Adam made at the end of his AMA performance was directed at after he implied that Adam wasn’t being gay enough and was being puppeted by his management.
Education is an ongoing thing, we can’t all become experts overnight, mine actually started in the 80’s with Boy George, I was never that taken with his music but he is fascinating character and I enjoyed reading interviews with him and was surprised when he got asked such stupid questions as which bathroom did he use. Coming from a Homophobic background he was very educational to me, later there was Freddie Mercury and Rob Halford and many others I can’t name offhand, so it isn’t as if I’ve suddenly become interested because of Adam, although he has brought home how far there is to go.
As for these sites being overrun, that happens to any site that posts about Adam, many people put his name into articles that aren’t about him just for that reason.
Just look what happened when this lady used Adam to describe her curried fudge đ
http://cherrytart.wordpress.com/2011/02/18/please-to-be-sampling-the-curried-fudge/
staciegirlie
To everyone dissing Adam: You are the one’s who are in no way shape or form fit to be leaders in your own community.
*facepalm*
Shannon1981
@magsmagenta: The thing is, when you are really a straight ally, you take the time to know when and where your opinion is welcome, and when your votes in polls are welcome,etc. Many Glambatz do not. They storm the comment sections and polls with the cray, with their thinly veiled(albeit well meaning) homophobia, and ignorance, and sorry, but, to some of us, its annoying. At this point, if I didn’t love Adam so much, with the behavior of some of these people, I’d turn in my Glambert number. Its that bad. Get to know a community. Read non Adam related posts, post on them, become a regular member/straight ally, if you really care as much as you say you do. Its kind of like, is it us, or is it Adam Lambert? Can’t speak for all, just me.
Adonis-of-Fire
LMAO, I see the sparkle cows are here, lol, fat ugly middle aged midwest housewives with no sex life.
rodca
@magsmagenta
I’m not quite sure what a “self styled leader” of the “Gay Community” is. I certainly don’t equate Aaron Hicklin or anyone at Here! Media (owners of Out) to be any sort of leader in the gay community. If you read the investigative report on Here!/Regent a few days ago here on Queerty, I think you would agree. BUT i get what you’re saying Having said that, the “Gay Community” comment has been made many times by various posters and its annoying. Homo doesn’t mean homogeneous đ
Here’s what I find fascinating though. You will have to admit, Adam has received a fair share of negative articles in the mainstream Str8 media/blogs. He also has recieved negative comments on many mainstream sites. Is it fair then to Label the “Str8 community” as non supportive of Adam?
BTW – I don’t subscribe to the whole Butch/Fem difference of opinion but it is what it is. I actually agree with Adam (at the GLAAD 2010 Awards) when he said we need to work to acceptance of diversity within the community. There are many of us that feel this way. Its not a black and white issue.
magsmagenta
@Shannon1981:
You certainly know how to make a person feel welcome don’t you, How do you know I don’t read the articles, not just here but on other sites too, It would be a bit pointless for me to comment on a post about, for example, barebacking in gay porn, The post on the little boy in Disneyland is nice and more relevant to me as a mother, but why try and comment on things when I couldn’t make a valid contribution.
I’ve had this same argument on Music sites, being expected to make vacuous comments on articles just to get my comment count up, on bands I don’t like when I end up struggling to find something nice to say about some bands single when I really want to say how rubbish they are. I don’t comment on things unless I feel I have something concrete to contribute.
This is exactly why Adam is so effective in being an ambassador for gay people in that he doesn’t expect anything from us that we’re not willing to give, there’s no pressure to campaign, the campaigning happens naturally and it’s heartfelt, and all the more powerful for it. I would rather go and argue the point in the comments section of a you-tube video where there are people knocking gays than here where I’m gong to be patronised by the people I’m trying to defend.
magsmagenta
@rodca: @rodca:
I’ll look for the article you mentioned.
He has received negative comments from the Str8 media blogs, usually from people I would not have expected to support him anyway, for example here in the UK he has a bigger problem in being accepted because he was on American Idol than because he’s gay, and myself and others got into an argument with the writers of one of our major magazines because of an insulting article they printed because of this.
Of course there are those who knock him because he is gay too, and initially there were those who were angry because he got more attention than K A who supposedly ‘Won’ American Idol.So yes there are large sections of straight people who would love to see him fail.
What it boils down to is that there isn’t just one ‘Straight community’, so why should there be just one Gay community? Isn’t that just ghettoising and creating barriers? I can understand the need to stick together against a hostile world, but sometimes it seems like it’s become a habit to reject contact outside the group and people have lost their individuality.
magsmagenta
@rodca:
I found the article, Wow!
Phoenix
Wow,so many angry people…
jay
Rodca:
This is a great comment:
“Homo doesn’t mean homogeneous :)”
Loved it.
It speaks for heterosexual as well but it is a comment that speaks loud and clear.
It’s sad that in this day and age it’s even a question of people just living their lives with all the same rights, respect, and dignity others do. In regards to that thought, honest, truly invested interest and support from whomever, be it a sparkly thing or a ‘mate, if it is given in earnest, and upheld even when the object of the admiration is no longer in the good graces of said supporter, is welcome in my book.
But the rest of it? No so much. Leave the rhetoric and adoration at the door of the booth please and just speak for all. It’s imperative and really, if you put yourself in another’s shoes, it’s your only choice…equal shouldn’t be a vote…it should be a given.
Jayson
Last time I checked you didn’t have to announce to the world you are a “role model” in order to be one. Poor Adam, he’s having a hard time breaking into the mainstream, and an even harder time be accepted by the very same people who get on this board day- after-day looking for acceptance from others.
jason
How on earth can Adam Lambert represent lesbians? For Pete’s sake, you’re a man, Adam. As a man, you should be concentrating on fighting that discrimination that openly gay and bisexual men face at the hands of the music industry. Our supporters are thin on the ground.
In any case, the music industry simply wont’ allow a gay or bi male singer to use his sexuality in his marketing. It’s a very homophobic industry when it comes to male-male sexuality and marketing.
On the other hand, this same industry will allow it if it’s a female. A female singer can say she’s either a lesbian or has dabbled in lesbianism. In no time, the music industry is singing her praises and she’s hitting number 1.
Keep in mind that the only sop to our male-male sexuality has been in the form of these divas – ie female singers who claim to support gay men’s rights. This is all that the music industry will allow us.
amy
The comments here have been very interesting.
I am a straight, white British glambert for which I make no apologies other than forgive me if I am being rude by posting on this site. I have been an advocate for equality for all since my late teens when I was befriended by an older lesbian who encouraged me to shake the prejudices drummed into me during my upbringing (race, orientation, class & religion). I have both financially and physically supported many movements striving towards equality ever since and that includes marching against section 28 20 years ago.
Does it matter really matter who or why minds and hearts are opened or just that they were opened and have remained opened?
I do not think it is helpful for some glamberts to label the entire gay community, but I do know where they are coming from. This article is designed to promote negativity, twisting words, drawing unfair and inaccurate conclusions and reopening old wounds. There are a lot of articles about Adam Lambert like this and they usually come from right wing sites and/or those that are aimed at gay men (qweerty and towleroad in particular).
Adam Lambert is a wonderful role model for *all*. His message has always been about simple acceptance for everybody. Perhaps if elements of the gay community actually supported openly gay artists instead of trying to tear them down they’d have a better platform to spread such messages? Part of the reason the pop princesses can advocate (while making deals with Target) is because we have given them the professional security to be as political as they chose to be. Openly gay men have a far tougher time getting to that position especially when they can’t even rely on support from other gay men.
Not to suggest that gay men should support gay men simply because they are gay, but couldn’t you just leave the completely pointless, negative articles like this to the right-wing sites?
zach's mom
Besides the obvious, i was drawn to adam lambert because of the attitude he represented from day one and has continued to express. “we are more than our orientation”. My perspective is that he has always represented “the gays”. He never denied who he was, just did his thing. How can anyone here say he is reaping the benefits of the gay artists before him? Are you talking about the guys who lied, denied, misled and stayed closeted Until their careers were successful or they were dying of some dreaded disease? I admire how Adam refuses to fit the mold of what others expect of him… so you don’t like his singing, fine, say that and move on. Adam is evolving with his career. He has tried to do what he thinks will get him to where he wants to be. Adam is charting new territory here. Coming off a mainstream american talent show, out and proud and wanting to not only create personal success, but make his mark on the world in a society where the culture wars appear to be escalating. maybe i fit the sparkle cow moniker but i am also mom to a gay son. I love what adam is doing to perhaps open hearts and minds that may benefit my own son’s life/lifestyle. in the meantime we both are just a couple of fangurls.
Rachel K
@BeachBuddy:
Heavens, NO! You wouldn’t want to align yourself with a talented, kind, smart, generous man who lives his life honestly and openly, who has raised over $800,000 for charity during the first 20 months of his fledgling career, and who wants nothing more than to see everyone have the right to live life as he/she sees fit.
Oh, that’s right, he wears guyliner and nail polish!!! Has he no shame! Hide the children, and don’t let them know it is Adam who has brought money into their classrooms and water to their villages.
Shannon1981
@magsmagenta: Is the sarcasm really necessary? This comment section is exactly what I am talking about. There’s just something really effed up about YOU barging in to tell US how we should think and feel on something you’ve no clue about.
I am glad Adam has his ladies, really I am. But my patience wears thin with your antics sometimes.
pattygale
@BeachBuddy:
One more comment, sorry to spam, but y’all do realize you make it impossible for people like Adam to reach their full potential, don’t you? Why would anyone want to come out when they are met by such hostility and division? The headline speaks volumes:IS ADAM LAMBERT FINALLY READY TO REPRESENT…” What the heck !! He’s a singer, a still strugging to be accepted singer. How about one step at a time. I love Ricky Martin, but why is he a saint for coming out of the closet years into his career when Adam is ostracized for coming out in the beginning yet seemingly not being everyone’s dream gay man? Adam was right when he said tha world is a macrocosm of high school. MEAN GIRLS, CLUELESS, etc, evident everywhere, including in the comments on this website.
Red
@Jayson:
WTF. Adam is the first openly gay artist to get any real airplay on the mainstream top40 US radio. “Whataya want from me” has sold around 2 million copies and he received a Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal. I dare you to list other young gay solo artists that is having any level of mainstream success in US.
pattygale
@Chris:
Okay, one more time. Adam is a “parasite?” He lives a productive, generous life and gives back to the world community every day. You have absolutely no idea how many minds he has already changed just by being himself. Everyone who interviews him comes away impressed and it isn’t because he is ass-kissing, it is because he is honest and straightforward, never allowing them to make condescending comments or jokes at his or the gay community’s expense. His fanbase is relentless and powerful in their quest to help the gay community gain the rights due them. Issues we would never have thought about 2 yrs ago are now front and center, and some of us are formidable activists, because Adam means way more than he should to us, but OH WELL. We are men, women, teachers, scientists, business people, musicians, ranging from 15 to 90, all determined that Adam Lambert will be able to live the life he richly deserves……….. and we hope the rest of you benefit from our campaign, too, whether you’re an Adam fan or not. Ask charity:water where we crashed servers and raised $290,000 in 4 weeks because Adam asked us to, we don’t mess around when it comes to Adam!!
Mandalay
The hearts and minds of men and women do not “change” out of the blue. LGBT acceptance sees it’s greatest advances with the passing of generations. Poll after poll shows this to be true. (It’s happening, it’s coming… there’s no stopping it. This is a good thing:-)
In the mean time, if someone comes along to actually change your beliefs. Beliefs that were imbedded into your core existence because of family and community influences… well, isn’t that a wonderful thing? Does it matter if it’s an extra glammed up entertainer with a heart of gold? Does it matter who the majority group is that he’s influenced to have more open minds and hearts? It shouldn’t.
Isn’t the important thing that he has made a positive impact on one, two, a thousand, ten thousand… etc. people, who will in turn influence the people around them — their children, their friends, their co-workers?
Adam has many fans of all ages but he does have a very passionate group of female fans who are of a “wise” age. :-)You can be pissy because some weren’t supporters before. You can marginalize and demean if you wish…. but it doesn’t change the FACT that by their acceptance, love, advocacy, and influence, they are having a positive impact on societal change. Adam and his fans are having that positive impact for YOU. I’ve seen it with my own to eyes, it’s not debatable. đ
I’m not saying “behold the glamberts and Adam Lambert.” “Let us all bow down at all this great influencing.” All I’m saying is SHEESH, lighten up a little and accept the love and support. It all comes from a very very good place. đ
Anita
Sad that the newly found allies to the gay community are attacked, called names (sparkle cows), and bullied by the very people they are attempting to understand and help. So much hatred and snarkiness on this site. If Adam was like this, he would not have any fans. Maybe everyone needs to learn to love themselves so they can accept others.
Nina
So I became a fan of Adam Lambert before I knew he’s gay (yes, there are people to whom his ‘gayness’ wasn’t as trasparent). Then I read on RS Mag that he is. So I went “hmm”. I don’t personally care about straight or gay or bi or whatever. But I do care about how a person carries himself. But the majority of gays that are being represented publicly (and thus what I’m used to seeing)are bitchy & tend to rip into others who are not conforming to their mindset (bitch about this comment all you want, it’s still what is seen). But Adam, he’s classy, he’s an alpha, he’s not afraid to be in touch with both his male AND female side (as evident moreso during his tour). He’s not bitchy even when defensive, but rather snarky and sassy. He presents himself as a decent, classy, alpha-male, strong, confident and intelligent guy, who the public is aware of being gay.So because of him I was interested in the gays ‘plight’ so to speak. Until I read again that the majority of gays are ashamed to be assossiated with him because of…read certain comments above. I am astounded at the lack of support Adam is getting from ‘the gays’. Because to me he is the best representation of what an individual should be regardless of your sexuality & personal lifestyle. He’s a singer, a damn good one, drawing attention to his voice, and at the same time people can’t help but respond to him and thus his sexuality for the most part became a non-issue. He’s an artist who just happens to be gay. Not primarily a gay who sings. So, now I only support him, because I serously can’t support people (gay,straight,upsidedown or whatever) who can’t decently accept other people’s individuality. He could be representing the gays by default, but the gays are not helping.Lost opportunity..
Nina
BTW, I also think that Jai Rodriguez & Neil Patrick Harris are also doing good representations of gays. Much like how Adam carries himself.
Jeffree
@Anita:, & @Nina: I can’t apologize or speak on behalf of all gay men or commenters on this site, but I will say that I am sorry you & other posters had to deal with harsh comments about Adam and about his str8 fans.
I admire Adam the man *bigtime*, even if his music doesn’t run to my taste. (I’m a blues guy and a Fantasia fan—don’t hold it against me, lol). As a gay man in the homophobic music biz, he’s had to deal with:
a) Producers, agents, etc. who want(ed) him to tone down the “gay factor”
b) People who think he’s a bad influence on morals and listeners (lotta parents & critics
c) Gay men who believe he’s either “too gay” or “not gay enough” and those who hold him to a higher standard than other musicians for being out and for mixing genres.
On any website it seems the haters tend to post more than the neutrals or the lukewarms. We’re no exception. (Lady Gaga gets similar reactions….)
So, let me at least say thank you for embracing one of own, and for letting Adam change some views or stereotypes you may have had about gay men. And thanks for your open hearts & minds.
I believe in the power of music to bring people together. Seeing what Adam has done has been an inspiration to me, and I hope you’ll accept my thanks and my belated welcome !
Chris
Apparently people have forgotten or are choosing to ignore Adam’s history. He did a photo shoot kissing women, and after the AMAs declared that he didn’t represent the community. He was being immature. Of course his actions will reflect upon how the gays are viewed. Telling yourself any different is being willfully ignorant.
And yes, calling straight fans names is going too far, but I have real trouble calling people allies who are inspired by a pop idol. The arrogance is also astounding. Sure, he may have brought some straights over to our side, but how many ran away after the slutty pop star AMA performance?
Again, being yourself precludes one from singing an album comprised of the rejected songs of other pop stars. He is a manufactured pop singer, and just because people get obsessed with idols doesn’t make him anything more.
Red
@Chris:
Adam co-wrote four of the songs on his 1st album and he is working on a revamped version of his song ‘Aftermath’ and will donate the proceeds to the The Trevor Project. http://abcnewsradioonline.com/ac/2011/2/7/adam-lambert-planning-remix-to-benefit-lgbt-youth-org.html
If Adam is not a super model of homosexuality that you expect him to be, please feel free to step away from the computer, go into the real world and become the star and the beacon of gayness for all of us. Then come back and tell me if everyone (gay and straight) agreed with every single thing you did or every move you made. I’ll be waiting đ
mike
whoever wrote this article it’s just downright stupid. gays are just like the straights. there are all kinds of people with all kinds of personality. no one man can represent the whole community, gay or straight. people are different! it suprise me when i read some hateful comment against him by gays. especially by this NO 17 chris. i don’t understand, just because this AMA thing that make you look bad? get over it, he might made a mistake, but who doesn’t? so i think it’s just out of jealousy, nothing more.
Marielle
@Shannon1981: Wtf is a Glambatz? I thought I knew all the Glambert variations.