The thing that I find hurtful about it is that people are questioning kind of my integrity and what I say. That’s the only part that I find hurtful. Like is that, you know, this is something that I would be embarrassed about, that I would hide or whatever else.
I don’t want to offend anyone that, you know, whether they’re people [who] have friends that are gay or whatever else. I don’t want to offend them by getting angry about it, getting frustrated about it. The only part that I’m frustrated with is that people think that I’m lying.”
—Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe, discussing long-running rumors about his sexuality, to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Thorpe’s memoir, This Is Me, is out now.
Spike
Why does this rant sound familiar? Oh that’s right, it’s similar to what every bi guys says while trying to convince you they are str8t.
pscheck2
of course you have to take his word for it that he is not gay. But so many celebs who ahave been rumored to be gay, deny it vehemently and then sometime later, they come out of their well constructed ‘closet!’Of course the smoke from his closet could be fog. No doubt, he will be ‘involved’ with some gf, usually a high profile one and will be doing the PDA thing with her at all the right places where it will be noted in all the papers and gossip columns!
JOHN 1957
Don’t take it to heart! 99% of the time I get mistaken for being straight, I think it might be the beard, motorcycle jacket or the combat boots and cigars.
avesraggiana
So, is he or isn’t he? Does he say?
TheMarc
I don’t really care for gay rumors. I did in my youth as I often struggled to find other gay men of fame or note to identify with; but at this stage of my life…I’m not overly concerned. That being said, I do care when a celebrity has gone out of their way in the modern age to distance themselves from “gay rumors” only to later come out as gay. I doubt this is Mr. Thorpe’s case. If he wants to keep his sexuality private, whatever it is, that should be good enough for everyone. But, if he decides to play the “straight” card only to come out at later date, no red carpet for you sweetie. This isn’t the 50s. We live in a day and age where current and working actors, athletes and professionals are breaking their silence and finally coming out. I can respect keeping it coy or ambiguous, but I don’t think the LGBT community should tolerate out right lying about this anymore. The grace period is over.
Eric Auerbach
@pscheck2:
As Patrick Stewart in “Jeffrey” would say: “Ooh, get her!”
balehead
Who cares? People should grow lives already!…..
sfbeast
the only thing i’d question is his ability to speak english
petensfo
He’s got quite a list of accomplishments. Imagine that much achievement & all people ask about is ‘rumors’ that you’re gay… I think I’d be a little annoyed as well.
They don’t really ask straight athletes about their sexuality. As others have stated, he’s entitled to his privacy & the right to come out on his own terms, were that to be the case.
Besides, his answer seems pretty chill to me. He’s obviously down with the gays. Leave him alone.
hf2hvit
@sfbeast: Then you should be questioning your own writing of English…that’s “English” not “english”
Dionte
I feel the same way when people accuse me of being straight.
Niall
I haven’t been following him so I don’t know, but what exactly sparked the rumors anyways? It’s been going on for a while now.
Cam
No, what they re questioning Ian is your playing the doge the question game,
The fact that you have been a famous celeb for years and never really date seriously but travel quietly with guys etc..
Frankly with him I couldn’t care less, we don’t need another Sean Hayes who is bitter and acts like the gay community is some kind of enemy for refusing to smile and wink at his closeted status.
Thorp can go pretend to date some girl if he wants, just makes the obvious coolness and bravery of his fellow water man Mathew Mitchem all that much more impressive.
Evji108
It’s his life and he can do the F what he wants, just like anybody else.
pscheck2
@TheMarc: AMEN!!!!!!!!!
pscheck2
@balehead: We care because we dislike individuals, like Thrope validating a lie. It would be better for him to say that is no one’s business, but his own and let it go at that. Now he is penning an article (or book) defending himself against these rumors in a highly public way!
ait10101
@Dionte: I was going to say the same thing. I also don’t like being accused of not being gay enough. Thorpe has some interests that are not stereotypically masculine. Not heterosexual enough. Get a life, you idiots, and get out of mine.
Shannon1981
The thing is, I don’t give a damn who is gay or who isn’t. What I DO give a damn about is these disgustingly shameful, cowardly closets. Come on out, Ian. We’re waiting.
DirtyOleMan
The lady doth protest too much, methinks!
Alton
I honestly thought he came out years ago! I guess I was thinking of Ian Roberts, the rugby dude.