This week saw two "outings" in the wonderful world of media - Clay Aiken and Lindsay Lohan. A lot of the trashy entertainment sites are carrying the two stories together. But are they really similar?
In the case of Clay Aiken, we have a man who has arguably faced discrimination over the years (see: now-infamous cohosting of Regis and Kelly), privacy concerns (see: now-infamous Diane Sawyer interview), and being made fun of (see: everything ever) over questions of his sexual orientation. He comes out as being gay so that he can raise his newborn child in a way that's totally honest about who he is.
In the case of Lindsay Lohan, we have a woman who is a crazy trainwreck, who sleeps around with anyone that moves, who would do just about anything (and - oh wait - has) to get her face in the magazines, and who has no self-respect nor real reason to demand public interest. She comes out as being bi after months of coyly stoking media attention.
Why even place these stories together? Aiken's story is one of struggle and courage and honesty. Lohan's is one that will surely only hurt the queer rights movement; young queer persons do not need her as a role model, and her behavior will only fuel notions that bisexual people (especially women) are merely seeking attention or sex in any way that they can get it.
If Lohan is actually being honest, and not just looking for media coverage and for a way to further anger her parents, I guess I'm happy for her that she seems to be in a relationship she enjoys and can be open about it. But please, "journalists" covering these stories - do me and all gays a favor and don't put these stories on par with one another.
