Mumbai gays applaud Ricky Martin

Puerto Rican pop star Ricky Martin came out as a homosexual man yesterday, quelling years of rumours. The Livin La Vida Loca singer has earned a thumbs up from the gay community and its supporters here, who say when an artiste of his stature comes out, it gives inspiration and courage to others.

Vikram Doctor, a gay rights activist said, "This is amazing, full credit to Ricky. This is definitely going to create a huge impact here. Remember too, that, he is a father of two sons (through surrogacy) and his coming out becomes even more meaningful. Also, he is coming out on his own terms. He has not, like George Michael, been outed while he was cruising."

He added, "It is important for the celebrities here too. Especially as in our movies, we still tend to show gay men as limp wristed characters. So, when a masculine, confident man comes out it breaks all stereotypes."

Vikram laughed when asked if Ricky Martin would now be the new gay pin-up boy, with his numbers being belted out at gay parties, "I am sure," he said.

Make-up artiste Cherag Bambboat agrees. "I see so many people in the entertainment industry who are gay, but secretive. Though, now, things are changing. This gives Ricky so much dignity and self-respect, I am sure he would be more at peace now," he said.            
          
Meanwhile, Vikram Phukan, editor of the gay magazine, Bombay Dost, says, "Stars like Ricky Martin are fearful they might lose their huge female fan following or their albums may not hit platinum if they come out. Maybe, he would have been considered more courageous if he had come out 10 years ago, when he came to India and was briefly linked to Sushmita Sen. But, then, again, this may be the right moment for him."

It has been all positive for the prince of Rajpipla, Manvendra Singh Gohil who came out when he was 41. "There was a backlash earlier, but things have stabilised now. My regret was that I did not come out earlier. Like overseas, I think closeted people in Bollywood too should come out," he said.