Ricky Martin recently graced us with his gorgeous face on the cover of GQ Australia. He delivered everything we were expecting and more. In the feature interview, he made the shocking revelation that he used to bully gays before coming out himself, because he didn't want to admit who he was, mostly out of fear because he was raised catholic. The 41-year-old Grammy-winning singer, who came out as a gay man in 2010, struggled for years to accept his sexuality and refused to acknowledge it in several interviews.
"I was very angry, very rebellious. I used to look at gay men and think, I'm not like that, I don't want to be like that, that's not me. I was ashamed," Martin told the magazine, according to Australia's News.com.au. "When you're told you're wrong by everyone, from society, from your faith -- my self-esteem was crushed. I took my anger out on those around me."
Despite being recognized as an international sex symbol, Martin was always hounded by speculation regarding his real sexual preferences. "I look back now and realize I would bully people who I knew were gay. I internalized homophobia," he added. "To realize that was confronting to me. I wanted to get away from that." And he did when he finally came out in a lengthy statement he posted on his website three years ago. "I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am," he announced in a shocking-yet expected revelation about his sexuality.
The following year, the singer spoke with The Guardian and said that he always hated when people tried to force him to come out of the closet. During that time, Martin continued to question his sexuality. "If I had spent a quarter of the time that I spent manipulating my sexuality in front of a piano instead, I would be the most gifted piano player of my lifetime," he said. "What people were expecting from me was not who I was, and I forced myself to believe that what they wanted could be my truth, my reality, and I went after it hardcore."
Ever since Martin came out, he has fathered two children through "gestational surrogacy" and is raising them with his life partner, Carlos Gonzalez Abells. He vows to raise them with respect towards homosexuals, and not in a "house of lies." He's also an advocate for gay rights, including speaking out against hate crimes with the "Give A Damn" campaign. He was also presented with GLAAD's Vito Russo Award for his work in promoting equality.
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