It is worth noting (at least I think so) that Heidi is Benji's cousin.

Jerry - Thanks! I guess that would explain why they're competing together in the clip before the show went into production, giving them a chance to meet.

Finally, a blog that points out Benji's queerness. Ugh, he can talk all he wants about his ex-fiancee but Mr boy, err girl, needs to give up the smoke screen. Its pretty obvious which team he plays for but maybe he just doesn't know it yet. He's like that guy from a couple of Survivor shows that was VERY queer but swears that he is straight with a little bit of flamboyance since he grew up "cultured". He was dubbed the Ivy league boy due to his education background. But I have to give kudos to Benji and his cousin. They are amazing dancers. Benji has a great personality that comes through the TV. I just hope he doesn't continue on the "I'm straight believe me" path.

I want to be his dance partner....this was probably the most amazing performance I have seen.

Then it'll probably really tickle you to know that that other Schwimmer is Benji's cousin as well.

You know, Ross Geller.

Who gives a fuck if Benji is gay or he isn't . Is this, or is this not, one of the greatest dance teams you've ever seen? These guys are brilliant. Let Benji stay in the closet for now; I just want him to dance!

So what if the guy is gay or not!?!? Why pressure him into announcing it? Will it make anyone who reads this or any other article about him feel better if he does? Maybe he's worried about hurting his family. It's his own personal decision to let us, as a public, know if he's gay or not. Why do we, as gays, feel that we have to pick out all the guys who are gay (or we think) and make their life hell by the "rumors?" Get a life of your own and stop worrying about others sexuality!

He's mormon. While that does not necessarily mean that he is not gay, but growing up in Utah I have never met so many "gay
men who were indeed straight. There is just something about Mormon men that make them seem gay. Music and dance are big parts of Mormon lives. Everyone I knew grewing up either sang, danced, or played an instrument. Furthermore it explains why his dance partner is his cousin. That way there is no "temptation."

Benji is not gay, he was actually engaged for a while, but they split and he went off on his mission. In case you are clueless and have no idea what I am talking about: Benji is not a christian he is Mormon. Mormons go on a two year no contact "mission" trip after gradution. He went to Mexico and recetly came home and started an organization for young hispanic dancers. (D.E.M.A.N.D) There are not exactly no contact they are allowed two close relative phone calls a year. Pretty interesting actually. But any how just thought I would let ya' know.

Cyndi:

So there are no gay Mormons? No Mormon man has ever dated a girl and later found out he was gay later? No Mormon man has ever become a husband and father and then been exc0mmunicated for falling in love with a man?

I know of at least three without trying too hard. Maybe you should get out more.

And no, I'm not saying that Benji is or isn't gay, I'm just saying you shouldn't jump in and say he isn't unless, say, you actually ARE Benji and can make the assertion without fear of contradiction.

Who gives a RATS ASS if he is GAY...So what!Get a fuckin life.The guy is a great dancer!

My best friend's fiance is friends with Benji. I know for a fact that Benji is NOT gay.

Friends and family are often the last to know.

Saying that, it seemed obvious from the early episodes that Benji considers himself straight, but that doesn't necessarily mean he is. It's very common for young gay men and women to want desperately to be straight and fight it every step of the way - especially when they are as religious as Benji appears to be. That's not to say he IS gay, just that it's a possibility, all things considered.

You know I really don't care if Benji is gay or not his dancing is brilliant. He is brilliant. I love this guy and I certainly wouldn't compare him to Clay Aiken...because Benji is HOTT. This guys moves are awesome, I get goosebumps every single time I see him dance. He can be as gay as he wants to be that is his business. Like you said you can't deny his dancing skills...

I lived in Salt Lake City for 5 years. . .he looks and acts very Mormon. You'd have to live in the thick of Mormon-land to understand what I mean. Even the bone structure of his face, and his facial expressions, look Mormon. It is a very endogamous (inbred) population, because of so much intermarriage within the religion, and a very insular social community as well. Therefore, attitudes, gestures, etc., are replicated, because they are so culture-specific. Of course there are some Mormon men who turn out to be gay. . .no doubt the same percentage of men in the general population who are gay. But if everyone who looked and acted like Benji Schwimmer was gay, then the whole male population of the LDS church is gay . This is a really weird thing to post anyway. How are you promoting respect for homosexual men if you seem so desperate you are "claiming" a complete stranger as gay. Being gay is something to be proud of. Why seem defensive and needy?

Well, one of my friends (who is gay) was in the Mormon church's Missionary Training Center with Benji and apparently Benji came out to him there.

PD: What a load of crap. That is just so ridiculous. Yeah, my best friend's cousin's uncle's neighbor who lives across the street from the guy who sold Benji some Fritos at the corner store said he saw Benji (fill in the blank)… blah blah blah. Get a life and stop picking on someone who has one.

Hmmmm....I just dont know what to say!! I googled benjis name looking for some pics of the cutie, and I stumbled upon yall here. I pondered the pointlessness of trying to reason with people who have no desire for truth, but I decided to throw in my two cents anyway. So, here goes, and sorry but its gonna be long.

First of all....I am a Mormon, like Benji, or rather, I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. To set the record straight I would like to point out that Mormons ARE indeed Christians. Christ is the center of our religion. We follow his teachings and promote his gospel as we believe it to be true. The misconception that we are not Christian is a common one. And it stems from the fact that we believe in Christ, God, and the Holy Spirit as three seperate and distinct beings, and not as one (The Trinity). But we still believe in them....and all that they represent... As it has been said, a rose that is called by any other name, would still smell as sweet, right? The belief that we are not christian is totally false.

Now, to the topic of Benji being gay. I would like to agree with the poster who talked about the Mormon culture having a certain "look and feel". He is right about that part of it. Benji has the "mormon" look for sure. Though, I have to say it is NOT due to inbreeding...Get real!!! We dont marry our cousins, uncles, sisters, 3rd cousins twice removed, and so on. Thats just rediculous. We do however share a culture that binds us and gives us much in common, which is quite apparent in our appearance, attitudes, and actions. Benji fits it to a tee.. Really all it is it that we are into clean living, and yes....many, even most are very into the arts, be it music, acting, dance, etc. Thats not really part of our religion, it has just become part of our culture. It is very common and normal for girls and STRAIGHT guys to be into that stuff. It very well may make them seem a bit feminine, but like one poster said...if you say Benji is gay based on his appearance and mannerisms, then you say we all are.... He is a cookie cutter mormon boy. And yes, there of course have been Mormons who do indeed realize they are gay, or that they have homosexual tendencies. We are not immune to the crazy things that happen to all of mankind. WHICH leads me to my other point....and I have to say, I am really sad that his sexuality is an issue at all. If you could all just live and let live, it would be great...what does it matter to any of you anyway? But since it has been brought up, and people are spouting off about him and the mormon faith when they apparently know nothing about EITHER topic. I feel like I ought to do my best to stand up for him, and my religion. So here goes.
If Benji is an honorable, practicing Latter Day Saint, (Mormon) which he would HAVE to be in order to serve a mission, he could not also be a practicing homosexual. The church does not allow that, and never will. He would have been excommunitacted and never would have been able to go on a mission. It is quite true that no one can say that they can read his mind and determine whether he has any of those feelings, but I can say as sure as a person can be with out actually knowing him, that he is an honorable LDS young man who lives up to the standards that our church holds so vital. If you know our culture…meaning if you are a Mormon, not just a Mormon basher, you can tell when someone really has the gospel at their heart…like Benji does, or if they are just a jack Mormon doing it for show. He would not have made so many references to his religion if he had any skeletons in the closet. He knows they would be sure to come out because of his new found fame. All he has ever talked about was his mission, and his girlfriend. There has been nothing to suggest he is gay, nor do I think people should speculate about it. Whether he is or not is no ones business anyway. All it does is starts a pro gay/anti gay fight. We all just need to live our lives and let God be the judge. I personally believe homosexuality wrong, but I have respect for gay peoples opinions and lives. I have no idea what it is like to walk in a gay persons shoes, so I try not to judge. But there is no need to create gossip and speculation about such a personal matter, and especially when Benji has acted in ways only harmonious toward his religion. I only wanted to post this to stand up for him. I believe he is an honorable LDS man, with nothing to hide. He is what he has portrayed himself to be. As a memeber of the LDS church, it gets pretty easy to tell when someone is being fake about it. . The Mormon church does not allow its members to participate in homosexual behavior. If they are made aware of it, the person will be counseled to stop and seek counseling to help them abstain and have a change of heart, or be excommunitcated. Many people do stop, and they are not exed. They may face the challenge of living with the tendencies throughout their lives, but if they control their actions, and their thoughts they are permitted to remain. The church acknowleges that same sex attraction is a real thing, and that some tenencies seem to be genetic, however, they maintain that that is no excuse to act on the tendencies, and that those urges need to be controlled, and subdued, though it may take a lifetime of effort. We belive that it is a challenge and a trial that the person must endure, just as people endure many other trials in life that are just as hard to live with, if not harder. We believe that we chose to come here to Earth, that we chose our challenges before hand, and that enduring them in faith is nessessary for the strengthening of our spirits. I do not mean to minimize the subject of homosexuality, or insult anyone who is. I hope you dont take it that way. I am just stating the position the church takes. No more no less. We do love these people. We feel for these people, and wish to help them if they desire it. People who cannot abstain from a homosexual lifestyle, either choose to leave the church willingly or yes, they are excommunicated. So, there are no openly practicing homosexuals permitted to maintain membership in the church. But…and its a BIG but….We do not condemn them to Hell or anything like that. We believe that only God knows a mans heart, and he will be the judge at the last day. We only uphold the rules we are given on the earth. We do the best with the knowlege we have, and leave the rest to the Lord. I wish Benji the best. He is such a cutey, and a sweetheart. I dont understand something. The gay culture has such a "just live and let live" mantra. You want everyone to accept you and be happy for your homosexuality? So, why cant yall take your own advice and be happy for someone who is heterosexual and leave him the heck alone? Get over yourselves! The sun doesnt rise and set over the "gay" issue. Just live your life and butt out of his. stop speculating about a strangers personal life. And dont make statements for the church. If you have real questions, look into it, but dont just reguritate crap you've heard someone else say.

I'm not Mormon - I'm Catholic - I love being Catholic, but I grew up around Mormon kids and other Christians and Jewish and everybody, all different kinds, and I even went to a Mormon youth group and sang in a Methodist Choir and went to Christian Science Sunday School. (My parents were artists, very hip, very intelligent, funny people.) I happen to know that Mormon's are very, very groovy people thank you very much. I'm so glad I do not judge anyone for being who they are and I admire people who follow and cultivate their passions in life. Benji and Heidi are perfect examples of people following their dreams and their natural talents, which I believe is God's greatest gift to us. Benji and Heidi are 100 percent fantastic, those kids really have a gift. Their parents did too. I just love them. Just love 'em. Let me tell you something else, Benji ain't gay, but if he was, WOULDN'T LOVE HIM ANY LESS!!!!!!!

Oh, yeah, I'd also like to mention, this is kind of a cool little site here, thanks for the You Tube video of Benji & Heidi, very nice.

I think the guy is terrific. I'm Mormon too... but that has nothing to do with what an incredible dancer or genuine person I think he is.

And I don't get why the sexual preference gnats always feel that they need to get their little feelers into every entity that lives and breaths. What IS it about that?

To me, this discussion is absolutely pointless.

Gay, straight, sideways, upside down; who cares. I ballroomed danced for awhile and I would sell my soul to Satan to have Benji as my dance partner. He is drop dead talented and HOT as a previous lady commented. And what you can tell from T.V. he appears to have a fabulous personality. But I would like to know, does anyone out there know for sure if Benji is taking the "gig" with Celine Dion's "A New Day". And if he is, any word as to when he will start appearing in the show. I live in the far far north of Canada, and if he's appearing with her, I'll snow shoe right to Las Vegas to SEE HIM!! Thanks if you do have some info on this.

The man is a great dancer, and a great perosn. You all COULD have spent your precious time talking about dancing, or his great D.E.M.A.N.D project, or SOMETHING interesting, but you'd rather crap on about religion. Sigh.

Hilarious. As an LDS Man, I am glad to know that you could spot me out of a crowd. Believe it or not, I am not even from Utah.

I did find this site and post very comical. I hope everyone has a great day and a very Happy Holiday Season.

In regards to Ariane, I loved everything you wrote. It's good to see someone stand up for what they believe in and I am very impressed that you didn't bash back.

I am a gay male who is actually married legally to an Ex-Mormon (been together for 4 years). He wasn't excommunicated but was counselled when he revealed his feelings. The interesting thing is that the Elders did not persecute him, belittle him, or anything like that. It was "his" choice to leave, as he put his heart for his true feelings first. He remains good friends with his LDS friends and I really respect them, they are wonderful people. Not like my sister, who is a Jahoviah's Witness. Her family & friends are always putting us down, condemning us to hell.

Now, to Benji, as this is what this blog is about. Benji "is" adorable and seems to be very sweet & kind-hearted. Leave him alone, who cares if he is a closeted homosexual or not. . . he is a human being and deserves to be treated with respect. Ariane is right, why does his sexuality have to be an issue??? He is a brilliant performer & a wonderful human-being!

One last thing for "PD".....GET A LIFE!!!! As if "your friend" was in mission training with Benji. What a load of crap! Are you THAT bored?????

Benji is amazing. I care for him deeply. He is being blessed by the Lord, because he is doing what is asked of him. He is a great person with a big heart. That is what should be talked about on here. He forever is and always will be someone I love.

Ariane - EXACTLY! I would personally like to add one point - My late step-brother, whom I knew my entire life, was gay. I have had many gay friends and even a gay (male) roomate in my younger years. I have not lived in a Mormon "bubble". I am now a married mother of 4 and a very active Latter-day Saint. I think most people would agree that when you are around a person you can often get a sense of their "sexuality". Let me tell you this - I have met Benji, and sorry guys - that boy is %100. hetro! He may not be the most masculine guy on the planet, but he is certainly straight!
The public has watched only moments of him dancing. Straight men in society today often avoid certain natural gestures and movements because they think that they are labeled as "gay". To be a true dancer, a person has to let go of their boundaries. I think that it is Benji's ability to dance completely freely that has caused some to question his sexuality, nothing more. His confidence in his abilites and "who he is" allows him not too feel the need to conform to other people's standards.
To echo the others, I could care less what he is personally. I do know that he is one of the most talented people of his generation and that in his short 20 some years on earth he has already had more impact and done more good than most of us will do in an entire life! GO BENJI!

I think that was the coolest dance ever! Why should anybody care whether anyone was gay or not? People are so prejudiced and stupid for even caring. I just recently heard about some guy getting murdered just because he was gay. I am 14 years old and I wanted to vote yes for gay people to get married. Of course I couldn't VOTE vote but you know what I mean. People are rude and hateful for doing things like that. My cousin is gay and do you think I care? NO! Of course not! All you haters just shut up or jump off a cliff or SOMETHING! Some people are gay and if you can't handle, then oh well.

I LOVE his facial expressions! They are the BEST dancers I have ever seen!