Ricky Martin should be celebrated not banned, Mr. Deejay

On the Spanish morning TV show, "Despierta America" on Univision, a Boston deejay who called into  the show said he won't be playing Ricky Martin songs after the Latin-American pop singer admitted his homosexuality yesterday (Monday, March 29).

That troubles us deeply. Why? It's clear that America, even with an African-American president, is years away from really celebrating the differences within its citizens: Cultures, skin colors, the economically disadvantaged and, yes, sexuality.

This cliché that we're the melting pot of the world just doesn't hold true if you look at the reality of how we treat those who are different.

And, let's face it: If you're not a rich, straight, Caucasian man, then you will feel your difference at some point in your life - even in the country that was founded by people who came to this land after being persecuted themselves.

It's in this harsh reality of America that coming out is a brave act for anyone, celebrity or not.

Every gay person has something to lose for admitting his or her true sexuality.  Many lose friends and family. Some lose their lives. For celebrities like Ricky Martin, they could lose their livelihood. Ricky Martin may not have had much to lose at this stage of his career, but he has admitted that advisors told him throughout his life that it would be career suicide to come out. And the fact that this deejay refuses to play his music now, when Martin's career isn't at its high, tells us that his advisors were probably right.

Here's another truth: There are dozens of celebrities that are hiding their sexuality in fear of ruining their career. We're a Hollywood celebrity news column! We know this firsthand. You would be shocked at which hunks and beauties you admire for their All-American appeal who are closeted homosexuals.

Why should Ricky Martin be celebrated for coming out? Every gay adult can serve as a positive, life-affirming example to gay kids struggling with their homosexuality. In fact, A U.S. Department of Health study found that gay kids are six times more likely to attempt suicide than straight kids.

So, when a star like Ricky Martin takes the brave step to come out openly, imagine the reach of that message. Imagine how many kids will decide that they can have a successful, happy, and full "Livin' La Vida Loca" life. Imagine how many gay kids decided not to take their life yesterday. I ask you to imagine, because in many cases you don't even know that Ricky Martin saved your son, daughter, cousin or the kid that said hi to you at the bus stop from killing themselves.

So, yes, America, Ricky Martin should be celebrated for coming out.

To all the other deejays out there who understand that, can you play a Ricky Martin hit today? We want to party.

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Related:

Ricky Martin comes out: 'I am a fortunate homosexual man'

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