Radio Free Kirkopolis

So former boy-bander, dancer, producer, singer and teen heartthrob Lance Bass has finally come out of the closet. Those surprised at this announcement are the same who were surprised with similar announcements by Rosie O’Donnell, Ellen DeGeneris and George Michael.
Lance made his announcement in People, and revealed that not only is he in a very happy relationship with someone of note, but also eluded that he was just waiting for the right moment to come out.

He is in a "very stable" relationship with model-actor-Amazing Race winner Reichen Lehmkuhl, 32, and is developing an Odd Couple-inspired sitcom pilot with Fatone in which his character will be gay.

Really, a sitcom where you’re gay- and with you publicly coming out of the closet and all. What are the chances?
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m proud of the guy for coming out, but not to the public. Let’s face it, he’s not a driver in the NASCAR circuit, he’s not a lineman for the Raiders, he’s an entertainer. Not exactly uncharted territory for a homosexual. I don’t think his career is in any real danger.
No, I suppose I’m proud of him, and the rest of the gay community for that matter, for coming out to his friends and family. Really, that’s an announcement that I’m glad I’ll never have to make. Fans are one thing; friends and family are something else.
But in summation, it’s a good sign. Not that long ago homosexuals had to hide it all lest the public deny them everything for being no less than themselves. Rock Hudson, James Dean, you name it. Now it’s old hat. We still got a long way to go, but I suppose we’re getting there.
So good luck to ya Lance, and to all the former Jr. High, screaming girls who used to get mad at their boyfriends when they would look at Lance’s picture in your copy of “Tiger Beat” and say “What a fag,” well, I guess an apology is in order…