The World Beyond BetterMost > Anything Goes

Forced "Out"

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silkncense:
Don't know if this is on any other thread but the entertainment news has Lance Bass stating that he is gay.  He also said that because of "rumors" he felt it was necessary to come forward at this time & that he was upset that his mother found out via gossip blurbs before he could personally talk to her.

The 'reporter' Perez Hilton (?) said he feels it is his job to 'report what is known' & as a gay man feels it is right to "out" people.

So, is it right to reveal a secret that a person does not want the world at large to know?  Under what circumstances?  I personally have a secret that I've shared with only two people.  I do NOT believe it is anyone's right but mine to do so.

Others?

vkm91941:
I agree with you completely that's one of the many reasons that Ted C and his awful gossip reports of "toothy tile" were so offensive to me.  There is much speculation on the IMDb BBM board that Lance is actually Toothy Tile.  But I don't care one way or the other.  The very  fact that this is cover story news is ridiculous.

delalluvia:
Anyone who tries to out someone against their will is a low-lying, scum-sucking bottom feeder.  Take that Perez/Ted C.  >:(

Aussie Chris:
Personally I would say that it is neither right nor necessary, as it serves no public service.  That's the short answer.  A reporter might argue with that, so a more complete and analytical way of looking at it might be:

Q - Is sexual orientation personal or public information?
A - I think the answer is obvious (personal), but if someone disagrees then we simply have to ask:

Q - Would revealing this information affect the public interest or the individual's (which includes their friends and family)
A - There may be the odd exception (I can't think of any though) but I think it's clear this only affects the individual.

Ok, now that we've established how to tell if there is public or individual impact:

Q - Is it "right" to report personal information that has no public impact?
A - Again, I think this has an obvious answer - a definite no.

If anyone can see a flaw in my logic I'd love to hear it... :-\

ednbarby:

--- Quote from: delalluvia on July 28, 2006, 12:13:28 am ---Anyone who tries to out someone against their will is a low-lying, scum-sucking bottom feeder.  Take that Perez/Ted C.  >:(
--- End quote ---

Couldn't have said it better myself.

I would like to add, though, that anyone gay or not (initials OPRAH WINFREY!!!) who specifically tells the world "I'm "NOT gay"" belongs in the same category.  Yes, they're just as wrong to be trying to "out" her, but emphatically responding with "I'm not gay" is not the answer.  All that does is contribute to the stigma.  Jerk.  God, she's such an idiot.

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