Happy Monday!
I'm not sure how many of you listen to Power 105.1 in the morning here in NYC, but Ed Lover basically "C'mon Son'd" Tyler Perry saying he should "just come out already."
Unless you've been living under a rock...or simply have no interest in anything Tyler Perry or Oprah (which is most men I suppose), then most of you know that Tyler Perry gave a gut wrenching interview on The Oprah Show on which he shared his traumatic story of sexual abuse at the hands of men and a woman.
He was between the ages of 5-10 when the abuse occurred - an age where most of us admittedly knew nothing about sex, and certainly were not able to consent to it. It's no wonder that anyone suffering sexual abuse at such a young age would grow up to be confused about their sexual orientation. Tyler Perry admitted to being confused, saying that he was forced to carry something in his heterosexual self that he did not want to carry. It's something he still grapples with to this day.
For years, many have wondered if Tyler Perry was straight or gay. After all, we rarely, if ever, see him with any women. He has no children. And he's a Hollywood powerhouse...which is basically code speak for "Gold-digger Magnet." Most men who have attained that sort of power are either married with children, or eligible bachelors with a different woman on their arm every week. But Tyler Perry is neither of those things. He's almost "asexual."
But even though Ed Lover "C'mon Son'd" him on the radio, he asked (almost to himself) why we CARE what he is. Why do we need "the confession?" Why do we have to know what Tyler Perry is?
If you are a woman who may potentially date him, then I can see asking the question. If you are a MAN with the potential to date him, I can see asking the question. But if you are a fan...or are NOT a fan, what difference does it make? Will you stop going to see his films if you find out that he's gay? Will we START watching his sitcoms if we find out that he's gay? Or will we just simply know now...just so we could say "I told you so." Or better yet, "I don't believe him."
Why do we have to know who the next person is sleeping with, or not sleeping with? Is it simply because he's a celebrity and we feel we have a "right" to know, or is it just something that comes with celebrity? Or do we wonder about everyone - regardless of status? Why do we care so much?
Personally, if he's not in my bed...then who he sleeps with, or doesn't sleep with, is none of my business. As long as he's healed and happy, that should be all that matters....but that doesn't seem to be the case. Why is that?
BONUS QUESTION: If you found out that a potential love interest suffered through sexual abuse at either the hands of a man or a woman, would you date them? Women: If a man told you that he was molested by a man, would you automatically assume he was gay and run in the other direction, or would you take a chance? Men: Same deal...would you care?
Let's hear it!
Go!
-b
