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1. I was just never really into R.E.M. I even got "Automatic For The People" for free and ended up giving it away.

   Posted by: Aman Chaudhary | Mar 22, 2008 1:09:26 AM

   
   

2. What really gets me is that he's been SO outspoken about SO MANY issues during his career, yet he couldn't stick more than an errant foot out of the closet until this past week.

   He can make all the reverse-engineered gag statements he wants. As long as I don't see him atop any floats come Pride season. Because I don't know if I will be able to resist the urge hurl various raw meats and poultry at his opportunist face.

   Posted by: francesfrances | Mar 22, 2008 4:02:19 AM

   
   

3. I always find in funny when people support staying in the closet for themselves or others, "let people choose their own time" blah, blah. Meanwhile GLBT people continue to be beaten, killed, hurt, and discriminated against while this so called celebrity enjoyed his fame and fortune. He might have done something to benefit our community instead he did nothing but coyly propagate making sexual preference innuendo a no no. Coming out of the closet makes a difference not only to onesself but also to all GLBT persons around you that need your strength to overcome their fear.

   Posted by: Speedieg | Mar 22, 2008 10:33:49 AM

   
   

4. I agree whole-heartedly with eirikev that comments on this blog - and, to be fair, on most blogs - are so scornful and pessimistic.

   I wonder if that's only because the people who comment are those people who feel so strongly about the topic that they feel compelled to respond. And our negative feelings tend to motivate us more than our positive feelings.

   I, for one, wish we could learn to focus on the good in life and even in "the news."

   Here, I'll start:

   The video was funny.
   I appreciate that Stipe "came out" publicly, which he did not have to do. None of us has to, and we certainly shouldn't be expected to share our personal secrets with the mass media.

   Furthermore, I really enjoy Towleroad. I think it's a fantastic blog. Thanks to its writers for this news and for posting the quirky video.

   Posted by: tobethatguy | Mar 22, 2008 1:26:51 PM

   
   

5. Group Hug!

   Posted by: Alan | Mar 22, 2008 7:29:25 PM

   
   

6. bitch bitch bitch. it's a joke. if you don't think it's funny, that's fine. not all people have to come out, not all people have to be spokepersons for the gay community. just be thankful for those who do. why is it that most people equate not coming out with devil worship?

   i'm completely out in a profession that can be hostile. it's tough and stressful sometimes, and i don't think everyone has to do it. get off of your perch and do what you can to be a good example for the gay community, and quit your demonization of those who take a different path.

   sheeesh!

   Posted by: David | Mar 22, 2008 11:12:57 PM

   
   

7. Aside from the fact that I believe prominent people in entertainment have a social responsibility to come out for the benefit of their community, to inspire awareness among those who are still misunderstood about what gay is (and isn't)... I think the coming out process is often a scary and vulnerable time for a majority of gay people. It seems to me that Stipe is masking his insecure sexual ego with tasteless humor. It's a sensitive subject that isn't ready for that particular brand of comedy, which is pretty obvious when you take a look at the controversy surrounding it on this blog alone.

   And he gives a shitty delivery.

   Posted by: Paul | Mar 23, 2008 5:35:53 AM

   
   

8. Oh Paul, Peter f'n Parker et al go take a nice long warm enema and get a fooking grip on what matters in life. The majority of the snarky gay versus gay snipes here seem to sum up the current US blog zeitgeist - hate everyone and go blab it to the world behind the safety of your own little keyboard. Bravo David, Tobethatguy and the rest of Andy's fans who can respect appreciate personal decisions and a damn funny joke!

   Posted by: Lead | Mar 23, 2008 7:11:24 AM

   
   

9. it's kinda funny - in an "aren't I important", "i have a big ego", self-indulgent, wanker kinda way - but I couldn't help thinking how great it woulda been if it had been twenty years ago, or fifteen years ago - or even ten years ago - when he and his music were still relevant and really popular and his official coming out woulda meant something...
   hardly seems worth the fuss now - and it isn't like we didn't already know!
   i know there's the economic argument - the guff about people in the media spotlight ruining their careers, etc if they come out, so they just play it coy and make the usual bland coverup statements or get themselves a beard -
   but what then annoys me is when they finally DO open the closet door, it's always LONG after their career has peaked and they have nothing to lose - which is fine! - but then they're treated - and seemingly expect to be treated - like some gay spokesmodel and martyr to the cause and like they're sooo cool and noble for having done the deed.
   f***ing tedious!
   add stipe to the list now - joins the ranks of rupert everett, richard chamberlain, et al.
   >sigh< better late than never guys! your courage is to be lauded, etc.

   Posted by: Ron | Mar 23, 2008 4:20:58 PM

   
   
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