03/19/2008
Johnny Weir: My Sexuality is Sacred, as is My Hand Lotion
The New York Times looks at the nation's top two figure skaters, Evan Lysacek and Johnny Weir, and their very different styles (athleticism vs artistry). It's not long before discussion, or non-discussion as the case may be, of Weir's sexuality creeps into the article, and its author tries to get it out of him. But Weir does not relent:
"There are some things I keep sacred. My middle name. Who I sleep with. And what kind of hand moisturizer I use...If I was out to please 10-year-old girls and their 45-year-old mothers in Boise, Idaho, I could play the game and be nice and make my voice deeper. But I don’t see the point. I’m not alive for 10-year-old girls and their 45-year-old mothers in Boise, Idaho — or Colorado Springs, Colo."
The paper notes: "Weir was referring to the United States Figure Skating Association, which is based in Colorado Springs. He has claimed the federation has promoted Lysacek over him as a subtle form of punishment for his behavior."
Previously
Black Light Special: Johnny Weir for Heatherette [tr]
Figure Skater Johnny Weir to Portray Jesus on Ice [tr]
Former Skater Mark Lund Responds to Johnny Weir Outburst [tr]
Posted 9:15 AM EST by Andy in Figure Skating, Johnny Weir, News, Sports | Permalink
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Someone please give the gurl a sandwich! Oh, and a pamphlet on the importance of coming out.
Posted by: shane | Mar 19, 2008 9:34:32 AM
YUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: virgoboy | Mar 19, 2008 9:35:19 AM
Wow... I know most of you on this site aren't into guys like this... but I sure am!
I might have to watch figure skating now.
Posted by: Taylor | Mar 19, 2008 9:36:46 AM
He plays by his own rules. I like that about him. He's worked his ass off to get where he is, he doesn't owe anything to anybody. Plus he's an awesome skater.
Posted by: JJ | Mar 19, 2008 9:55:02 AM
I used to like them both a lot. Then Evan started to 'butch it up' and Johnny turned into a flaming Russian. Technically, they are both solid skaters. Artistically, Evan has thrown that aspect of skating out and Johnny goes way over the top, to where it nearly looks like parody.
Posted by: Wicked | Mar 19, 2008 10:05:54 AM
The guy is out; he already explained that he isn't for little girls or their mamas.
As for his style, it's figure skating. What disturbs people, straight and gay, is that he is effeminate and unashamed! More power to him!
Most of the criticism against is really about other people not being able to handle their own fears and insecurities. Mark Lund's comment reflects his own internalized homophobia. (After watching Lund's short film on Myspace, Lund should not criticize anyone for being effeminate.)
As for him needing to gain weight, why? He's an athlete! His body has won athletic competitions. Why should he change anything about it if it works for him?
Posted by: noah | Mar 19, 2008 10:25:17 AM
I can not sufficiently express how much I admire this diva. Johnny Weir is a big gay hero.
Posted by: FASTLAD | Mar 19, 2008 11:00:05 AM
What a fierce hot mess.
Posted by: Jeff | Mar 19, 2008 11:30:59 AM
While, I don't care for him at all, he's one dysfunctional hot mess, I do like figure skating, its a form of athleticism that many ignore, and, if its ever in your city, by all means, check it out, lots of fun.
Posted by: Sebastian | Mar 19, 2008 2:01:21 PM
Someone should tell Weir(d) that in the grand scheme of things, figure skating comes out pretty darn low in terms of importance and those promo dollars he is trying to protect won't help him if he's a royal pain.
Posted by: anon | Mar 19, 2008 2:05:29 PM
It's a real shame that rampant Aveenophobia is still alive and well in this country today.
Posted by: Brad | Mar 19, 2008 2:28:18 PM
I love this site. But what always gets to me is the comments on someone who is either gay, not gay, claiming to not be gay...the majority of posts are always so negative and bitter. When someone comes out, people bash them for taking too long or doing it for self-serving reasons. When someone is out who is a bit 'different', they are also bashed. Why would someone in the public eye want to 'publicly' come out when they're vilified even by their own community? It's really very disheartening. Not a very supportive place especially by those who can hide behind their keyboards. I get the negative feelings and hurt aimed at people like Larry Craig or Ted Haggard, etc. but not the others. People do this on their own time. Even if they denied it our of fear in the past. You've all been there at one point yourselves. Remember back when it was difficult for you and how you wished no one would pressure you. Try to think about how difficult that time was before you become the person who did it to you...or is it too late?
Posted by: wondering | Mar 19, 2008 2:54:11 PM
Wondering, I don't mean to sound high and mighty, but there was never a time it was difficult for me, nor any pressure on me. I've never cared what people think of me---though I've also not had financial concerns related to my sexuality---and came out at a very young age.
That alone explains my frustration with other people, especially those not in the public eye, who are slow in coming out. Especially these days. If you're a teenager in a small town or have horrible parents, I give you a pass until you're about 18. But that's it. (Along those lines, the Savage Love from last week was quite sad, but also quite touching.)
Yes I am unforgiving, and many of my friends consider this a very harsh stance. So be it. Anyone living a lie is an idiot. For me, that's all there is to it.
Posted by: Paul R | Mar 19, 2008 3:15:17 PM
Johnny is more of a man than most 'str8 acting' gays will ever be. Character is the measure of a man. Johnny's got it.
Posted by: dc8stretch | Mar 19, 2008 3:43:58 PM
Not my type at all, but I love watching JW skate. And even more, I love watching ignorant people cringe when they think he's acting too feminine. 'Cause honey, it ain't "acting"...
But sorry Johnny. Sexual orientation and gender styles aside, Kurt Browning is still my all-time favorite skater. He's charming and cute too, and no, I don't care if he's straight or whatever.
Posted by: sparks | Mar 19, 2008 10:53:15 PM