Is America Ready for a Gay Idol?

Photo used under a Creative Commons license by flickr user <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/twilighter_team_edward_4_life/">;;xXTeam EdwardXx;; ??Adam Lambert Lover!?</a>

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In the world of reality TV, the buzziest personality is undoubtedly American Idol contestant Adam Lambert. But it’s not his copious eyeliner, gothic black nail polish, or theatrical wails that have generated the most controversy—it’s his sexuality. The media’s biggest question about the man-kissing drag-performer: Should the singer come out on Idol?

The San Francisco Gay & Lesbian Examiner: “I want Lambert to announce his gayness and still win this year’s competition. Is that too much to ask?”

The Huffington Post: “An out Idol contestant would win lot of gay hearts but might lose votes.”

The Associated Content: “The purpose of the show is to be entertaining, not ideological.”

The Advocate:
“He’s not officially ‘out,’ but that’s not the point. If something as
formerly monumental as a public person’s gayness can suddenly be seen
as post-mattering, then that’s what really matters now.”

Will viewers of family-friendly Idol continue to vote for a gifted
performer they know is gay, regardless of their Prop. 8 voting and
Milk-watching preferences? As the country speed-dials its way into the weeks ahead, we’ll soon find out.

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