Why Ian Thorpe coming out is ‘news’

Ian-Thorpe

When ad’s first started airing with Michael Parkinson’s sexuality question being the ‘teaser’ followed by a teary Ian Thorpe, I’m not going to lie and say I wasn’t curious to see his response.

After all, it had been a topic much discussed over the years and as he revealed in the interview,  a question he was first asked at 16 years old.

I mean. Can you even imagine? A child being asked if he was gay. I don’t quite recall if he meant the media asked the question, or just that it was the first time someone actually asked. Or maybe he was talking about being approached about it at school. It was a little vague.

But the thought of a confused (and as he revealed, depressed) boy being asked his sexuality at that age when he doesn’t even know the answer himself breaks my heart.

Thorpie’s revelation was met with an overwhelmingly positive response. Of course it was – Australia loves him, gay or not. In fact, I like to think most of Australia could care less about Thorpie’s sexuality. Or anyone’s sexuality.

Which might seem contradictory given I admitted in the first paragraph that I was curious to see what he might reveal in the Parkinson interview.

There has been so much commentary about Thorpie’s big revelation. Wendy Harmer criticised those saying ‘I knew it’ because she doesn’t believe in the concept of a ‘gaydar’. Some wondered why it was even ‘news’, others praised his bravery, and many thanked him for setting the right example to young, gay kids everywhere.

And if I’m honest – I watched that interview to see if he would reveal he was gay, just like the ad encouraged me to.

Not because I have a gaydar. Not because ‘I knew it’. But because I had that innocent curiosity that applies to most, if not all human beings.

It’s that curiosity that comes sans judgement. It’s the same curiosity that some of my gay friends share, when one of them ask me if I think that ‘hot guy that works at the cafe’ bats for their team.  The same curiosity that can come from people that could not give a shit, but wouldn’t mind knowing.

Hasn’t everyone been guilty of sexuality speculation?

And of course, it doesn’t matter.

And of course, it’s none of our business.

And of course, it shouldn’t be a question that needs to be asked.

And of course, it shouldn’t be a question that needs to be answered.

Because of course, you don’t ever see news headlines boasting that someone has come out as ‘straight’.

But the reality is, widespread ‘gay acceptance’ is still a relatively new thing. Shit – everyday Australian’s are still fighting our government for Marriage Equality. For basic human rights.

And whether we like it or not, or whether it’s wrong or right, when Australia’s Greatest Ever Olympian comes out as gay, it’s news. Of course it shouldn’t be, but it is.

It’s news. It’s awareness. It’s giving homosexuality another huge, powerful voice. It’s giving young, sexually confused or closeted gay kids strength and belief and confidence to freely be who they are.

One day, coming out as gay won’t be news, and that day will be great and significant and wonderful and completely ideal. And I can’t wait for it.

But for now, it is. And if it’s going to make a difference for gay acceptance so that one day it won’t be a dramatic headline, then that’s totally okay.

What do you think? Was I wrong to be curious about Thorpie’s revelation? Do you ever sexuality speculate?

All comments read, appreciated and responded to. So thank you x
  • http://www.pinkypoinker.com.au Pinky Poinker

    It really is nobody’s business I suppose. I didn’t watch the interview because I was cooking dinner. That’s how much I cared. When Ian Thorpe was a young athlete he became really upset with a young female reporter for asking him about his huge feet. He was so upset she was sacked. I don’t know the entire story but I’m fairly sure it was as simple as that. That’s why I’m not interested in Ian Thorpe.
    I liked your post though Kat :)

    • http://www.mammasvida.com.au/ Kat Caravella – Mamma’s Vida

      I know what you mean… It really isn’t our business. But I just saw so much commentary about how we shouldn’t dare to speculate and just thought, well, that’s unrealistic. You can speculate without being malicious or judgey. About your story, I’ve never heard it but agree that’s a bit odd… A bit prima-donna like. I’ll admit I’ve never been drawn to his personality but more his achievements. Thank you for comment Pink xx

  • http://www.pinkypoinker.com.au Pinky Poinker

    Actually I just googled it and she asked him (wink, wink) if since he had size 17 feet did that reflect on any other part of him (wink, wink). He was 19 at the time. He was extremely upset. If my sons were asked that they’d laugh and probably chat up the reporter. Just my opinion.

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