I have just heard the very sad news that Stephen Gately has died suddenly while of holiday aged 33. He was a singer in an Irish boyband called Boyzone that had success in the 1990's.Boyzone wasn't really my musically taste, but he was certainly an inspiration to many young gay men and someone I respected. Pete and I even saw him on stage in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
I always thought he was the cute one in Boyzone and when he announced that he was gay, I was surprised and secretly pleased. Despite all of the potential problems that coming out could have caused to his career, he was brave and defied the press that was going to "out" him.
Indirectly, his actions inspired me to sort my own life out and tell my friends and family that I was gay. And from what I have read, he helped many other young gay guys to do the same. When you need to make a big decision such as coming out, role models can be important. The strange thing for me and many others that had no real connection with his music, was that we understood what he had gone through and appreciated what he had done had taken great courage.
Thirty-three years old is far too young an age to die and it's a lesson to all of us who procrastinate, to get out there and enjoy life while we can.
I have used every excuse for not coming out to my family.
ReplyDeleteConsidering that Stephen Gately came out to the world, to millions of people, I have no good excuse and need to sort myself out.
His story ends in a sad sad way, but he can still be an inspriration.
Thanks for this Stephen - I hadn't heard.
ReplyDeleteI've done a post featuring a Boyzone vid. and a solo video with a link back to your blog and to your post on the subject.
Thank you again for reporting it,
It's very sad news indeed. Stephen Gately was THE cute one in Boyzone and he was the first person to prove that my gaydar actually worked when I was but a young teenager.
ReplyDeleteIt is a real shame.
Thoughts with his husband, Andy C.
ReplyDeleteFollowing the suicide of Kevin McGee this week I've noticed the reluctance in the media to give civil partners the dignity we deserve by referring to us as less than spouse...
Made in Scotland: Mon Mari, My Husband
Sad news indeed, may he rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteThat is a shame, a lot of entertainers are dying so young, Fame is not worth the price. I offer my condolences to his loved ones.
ReplyDeleteRIP Steven Gately, he was way too young
ReplyDeleteIt just made me sad... RIP...
ReplyDelete