Did we really need to know

[Anonymous]

that Ian Thorpe is gay?

It was front page news on one paper I saw at the shop this morning.

why do we need to know? what did it matter? we don't have headlines saying people are het?

Poor guy has been hounded for years over his soxuality, I hope he finds some peace and happiness now.

[j*oono]

I so agree Freddie.  The interview was fantastic but such a shame that Aus tv has picked up on the gay thing instead of recognising his achievements.

His recount of those Olympic races was so much more exciting than the same old same old.

I really enjoyed the interview.

[crystal**flake]

He looks like a very old sad man to me, I hope there are parents there to love him.

[j*oono]

How crazy Crystal.  Of course his parents love him.  Did you watch the interview?

[crystal**flake]

No I didn't.

I just saw the shorts and didn't feel the need to see it.

Afterall why was everyone watching?

[crystal**flake]

I dont follow sports so dont find sports people to be the be all either, just sayin.

[j*oono]

Because it was a great interview.

Michael Parkinson does the best interviews and he did again this time.  You only saw the shorts because news stations wanted to focus on Ian Thorpe's sexuality.

The full interview showed his great achievement.  What a man.

Andrew Denton is also a great interviewer.  Do you remember when he interviewed chopper Reid?

[crystal**flake]

I feel we get fed what the majority want to see and hear.

[lloydslights]

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@crystal**flake wrote:

I feel we get fed what the majority want to see and hear.

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 I feel we are fed what the media wants the majority to see and hear.

DEB

[Anonymous]

Its his sexuality to deny for as long as he wanted.

I didnt know Thorpe was gay- nor did I know Magda was.

[i-need-a-martini]

Did WE really need to know? No. Because WE are not gay.

But if you are a 16 year old kid confused about your sexuality and needing verification that what you are feeling is normal and OK, then having a sports hero showing you the way might be the difference between acceptance and dangerous mental anguish.

Instead he denied it to such an extent that he made it appear that it was NOT acceptable to be gay. 

That's why he should have spoken up earlier.