Adam Lambert Never Say Never
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Adam Lambert spoke about the concept of converting from gay to straight....when asked whether there was a single woman in the world who could convert him (to women) "I don't believe in converting, that's just so silly...But I do think that it's possible someday" (he didn't dismiss the idea for himself, personally) in a Jessi Cruickshank interview. He has also said he is 'Bi-Curious but in the opposite way'.
I cannot speak for Adam, nor should I try to. I only know that Adam's been quoted in the past, saying he doesn't belong in boxes, that people take his comments very seriously, and that he chose to not be a spokesperson on Gay Rights Issues 'at this stage in my life'.
I acknowledge that Adam's always been with men. That's his primary focus, and possibly will be forever. I don't believe for a minute that his comment changed a single thing in my perception of him as a gay man. I took it to mean 'Never Say Never'. Nothing more, nothing less. Adam's displayed masculine, feminine, gay and straight sides of his personality, and I love that he's able to embrace all of them, within his self-professed life as a gay man. I used the term choice rather than orientation as although Adam's orientation is gay, he has also chosen to kiss women, and only he knows where the line is drawn. Perhaps he has a tinge of Bi in his personal make-up, that other gay men may not possess or subscribe to, or it's all just a bit of fun. That's fine, either way. He may change things out next week, or in the next decade, or not at all. If he chooses to go Bi, or wear drag, or do an Al Bundy lookalike style, that's his world. For me, I'm happy to continue being a fan, embracing whatever he chooses to be. His statements are just that. His. The fact that he hasn't dismissed any scenario leaves me respecting him more and more.
I automatically think of Adam as a talented, handsome and artistically creative man. I have to think much harder about Adam being a gay man, as it's such a normal and commonplace lifestyle for many males, especially in the entertainment world. The intricities of Adam's personal sexual choices, are a more private issue which don't concern the public. If he wishes to bring the subject up, I am happy for him. I have learned a lot from interesting gay men, but never cross the line with disrespect or misguided expectations. I speak with gay friends, professionals or aquaintances, and heterosexuals without discussing their sexual lives. So many talented men and women of all artistic persuasions are gay, which I wholeheartedly applaud. It is their ability to focus on both their masculinity and their femininity which births their unmatched creative abilities, leaving me in awe. I accepted all people, including orientation, racial, age and disability differences from the beginning, as my parents had. My own lifestyle choices have included all of these demographics since I was a child. Our upbringing was that we were all unique, and we are all beautiful in many ways.
I am still incredulous that the same anti-bigotry laws that apply to Joe Average seem to have no foundation within the media world. Perhaps other country's laws are more stringent than those of the US? Regardless, I am still baffled by the lack of respect shown to Adam, as it would be an entirely different matter if he was in another profession. I'm constantly reminded that Adam shouldn't have to add the ubiquitous gay paragraphs every time he is interviewed. I am irate that some people equate gay orientation as being diva, selfish, shallow, or without a high intelligence. When are people going to realize this is a normal path for so many people? Straight performers are not asked about sexuality issues during every interview. These repetitive asides also minimize time for additional creative journalism which the public are now demanding. ( I am also bewildered when I see unprofessional, hostile journalistic comments, often neglecting to celebrate Adam's outstanding vocal prowess, or the strange inclusion of what appears to be the equivalent of a 'nee' moniker of 'American-Idol-runner-up' when introducing Adam's name. However, I digress...)
The fact that many of his own countrymen and women will not give his songs airplay as some lyrics may include a 'he' instead of 'she' is a concept I am still unsuccessfully grappling with. These hypocritical, bombastic people have played other 'controversial' songs such as Katy Perry's wonderful 'I kissed a girl, I liked it' without a flinch. This has not gone unnoticed within the international community, and those individuals and corporations concerned should take note of the adverse reactions directed at them. Adam Lambert is being embraced globally at the moment for being himself, by very appreciative international audiences and press throughout the world, whilst on his 'For Your Entertainment' album promotional tour. He is prospering magnificently whether he has good or bad publicity, purely due to his talent, artistic abilities, versatility, tenacity, vision, personality, values and looks.
I trust Adam's instincts implicitly and also know that now is not the right time for him to be on a rostrum. If his focus is tainted, he can't deliver what the world wants. Until he is able to mastermind and deliver his major theatrical extravaganzas, he needs to stay focussed. He will concentrate on networking within and outside of the musical industry, and probably do other unexpected ventures, in order to generate the income that he will require do the mind-blowing performances that we will expect of him. A little time will change things. Adam has only been off the American Idol leash a matter of months, and has an unenviable timetable. Mainstream people will continue to naturally come on board as they appreciate his vocal wizardry, though Adam's successes are already outstanding and unprecedented. The key for some of them is for them to slither in from the periphery, when they are ready, not feel obliged to take things in, head-on. It's not their fault they have been incorrectly educated about gay folk, and this aspect needs to be addressed also.
I was very fortunate to have seen Adam close-up, performing his single 'For Your Entertainment' recently at the Sydney Mardi Gras Party. He was captivating, and the perfect showman. Whilst I am more than happy to see Adam appear in any manner or quantity of attire, doing whatever he wants to do on stage, I am mindful that there are different levels of audience across the board. This leads itself to the possibilities of different stage personas, performances and strategies by Adam, depending on individual venues and content. He is able to successfully deliver to a much wider audience than anybody I have ever seen.
Adam Lambert has paved the way for a change. His classy, fun, edgy, beautiful personality has drawn people to him like a magnet, worldwide. His responses to negativity are amazingly generous and kind. Adam's single-handedly taking the world by storm, yet people aren't always aware that he's moved mountains..nor their hearts...Adam manages to do it with zero fanfare, like a Stealth Eros-God, secretly. There are a lot of closeted Adam fans out there, and I don't mean gay. His awesome talent and beautiful inner person are incredible and unequalled, and he leaves the wannabes floundering in his wake.
The gay community are so very lucky, that as a spokesperson, Adam's actions speak louder than anything he could possibly say. He instinctively knows this is so much more powerful than words alone. Adam continually repeats his kind actions, by word or by example, or by supporting charitable groups including those within the gay community. This results in Adam being the person he needs to be; nobody being able to morph his words into 'statements' of varying truths; less stereotyping of him; and people being grateful for his thoughtful actions.
To Adam, I say thank you. Sex is a fun and everyday occurance, people need to lighten up. Diversity and individuality are essential to your soul. Without them, your soul erodes a little, day by day...until one day you search and are forever unable to find it.
'Love overcomes hate. Love has no color. Love has no orientation. All is love.' -Adam Lambert
© 2010 Ann Mason
Please click the link to see my other Adam Lambert articles:http://hubpages.com/profile/Ann+Mason
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This is definitely another great article on Adam Lambert! Definitely things to think about here.
Wow, what can I say that has not already been said. Your article said it all Ann, we are humbled by your perception of this remarkable man. He is everything to us who truly get him. I love everything about him, his personality, his wonderful talent, his spirtuality and soul. We need more writers like you. It is a huge burden to put on his young shoulders but somehow I think Adam will cope just fine, he leads by example and I am only too willing to follow wherever he wants to take us. Terry is right, it is definitely THE ADAM EFFECT.
You've said it all, and very well. We who love and support Adam know he is a one of a kind person, a man who knows himself, who embodies all those positive qualities we should all be so lucky to have.
As a gay man he is even more special as just by being Adam he is becoming an instrument for change. We are calling it The Adam Effect..
This was superb, Ann!
A good article about a talented singer. I enjoyed reading it. Thank you
Eileen,
Your comments brought tears to my eyes. How can we love someone so much we have never met?
Ann,
Kudos to you for such a wonderful article. Yes, Adam moves mountains, and we die-hard fans are his soldiers to help make a change in this country where the radio station can play Telephone but not For Your Entertainment, can play I Kissed A Girl, I Liked it, but not Fever!!!
Thanks again for this wonderful write-up. You have spoken my mind, just ten times better!!!
This is only the beginning for the amazingly talented Mr Adam Lambert. May he "Rock the World" for the next 50 years continuing to bring joy to his dedicated and open minded fans!!
What can I say? This article is far overdue and very well written. It says everything that is in all of our hearts.The compassion that comes from Adams interviews and his heartfelt music, says it all. He makes you feel alive and refreshed. For reasons I can't explain, you can't get his music out of your head. It is very addictive but in a good way. He is the last thing I look at or read at night and the first thing I do in the am. I wish him all the luck in the world and will always be a loyal fan and supporter.
YES, great article! I am originally from Japan, living in the States for 40 years and being gay or anything in the entertainment is nothing new in Japan and in fact during Adam's recent appearance at Japanese
TV Morning show"sukkiri", nobody even brought up this subject. They only asked him other music related questions and that's the way it should be!!
He is one exceptionally talented singer/entertainer. I didn't listen to pop
music for over 45 years since Elvis. I only have been listening to classical music and watched ballet and opera because there was nobody excited me enough to listed the recent music.
Now I finally found the artist who can really sing with his soul in every song and words, not lip-sync at the concert ( I was in his Indio concert last month), and lyrics which I can hear and understand (thanks to Adam's musical theater back ground). I am very thankful to Adam to give me another chance to enjoy MUSIC AGAIN!!
Wonderful job, Ann! Thank you.
Eileen, I have to agree with you regarding Adam's spirituality and I have been thinking about a possibility that could be taken much more blasphemous than your comment about Christ. A feeling I have about the phenomenon of Adam Lambert is manifesting itself in the hope/possibility that he is the Saviour, the Messiah that the world has awaited and desperately needs now. Not in the "religious" religion sense but in a broader more universal consciousness way. As a teacher, a mentor, an inspiration for the people of our world.
awesome. purely awesome.
Sob! I'm tearing up! I totally get what you say and I totally get Adam Lambert.
I feel sad for the world we live in where people are there to jump onto what he does. When he sings and performs extremely well, not many appreciates. When he dresses up for the song (FYE) in Mardi Gras and Japan, haters jump at the opportunity to attack him and post negative things about his personality.
Isn't it strange that people don't agree to him dressing and performing differently according to song type and lyrics? That should be the way... Don't we all behave differently according to different situations? Or should we be behaving the same all the time? E.g. We should smile all the time? Even when attending a funeral? Not appropriate right? So, it is also NOT appropriate that Adam dresses safely for dancey and sexy songs!
I love Adam and I will always support whatever he does, cos I know he is being true to himself and I totally respect that!
Many singers tend to wait till they are successful before they come out. They are hypocrites, pretending to be someone they are not. It is strange how people continue to support these pretenders. Adam took the difficult task of coming out before his career even establishes, and it is not an easy thing to do. I really admire his courage and honesty. I love Adam and yes, true love has no color, no orientation... for this love is forever regardless of what the future holds!
this is a wonderful read. i more than kinda wish i'd written it... or @ least something comparable.
Brilliant article Ann, you've expressed everything that we love about Adam and understanding what he's about, unlike alot of society. Thank you for this.
Also think its a great article..but have to admit that I get really bored about this theme.Whenever whereever and with whom ever he wants to sleep with should really be his own,private business.No straight person has to talk as much about his most personal priorities as him.
Whished we could just focus on his amazing personality and out-of-this world-talent.AND he s HOT;HOT;HOT,gay or not.Beautiful inside and outside.
I agree that many media don't ask Adam about the music. During one of the Asian press junkets, someone asked Adam what's something not many people know about him. With tongue in cheek he said "That I made an album? No one's asked me about that yet." I want to know more about his singing technique, his thoughts about his tour, his feelings about his songs now that he's performed them in different countries. No one has asked him about that.
Thanks for the great article!!
Adam's own consciousness has evolved past the point of placing anyone, including himself, into a box. He's also smart enough to know and embrace the fact that he is still learning and evolving so he wisely leaves his options open. As you so eloquently portrayed in your article, there's a lot to admire about Adam Lambert, especially his incredible voice.
I myself, being from the US, am ashamed of the media's treatment to individuals who may not "fit" the "idealized" mold. I am a straight woman, homeschooling my 2 girls and am obsessed with Adam Lambert. One obvoius draw, other than his voice and charm, is the reality that he celebrates being himself. This is the way my husband and I have been raising our girls. Life without judgement....live and let live! Thank you for the incredible article.
Wow, what a read! Thank you for "getting" Adam and thank you for having the guts to write so honestly about him. I look forward to reading more from you in the future.
Thank you for putting my feelings into words. I am so offended when Adam is introduced as "the runner-up" and "openly gay singer". Will the world ever move on?
Your thoughts and words are beautiful. I can't wait to read more from you.
I am choked up with emotion right now. All I can say is THANK YOU for :"getting" Adam and for your perspective on this issue.
There seems to be a media focus emerging on Adam's talents and place in the media storm, at least in the US. It's about time.
This was beautiful and so true!
As a former journalist and open-minded person, I wholeheartedly embrace your perspective. One of the many reasons I am drawn to Adam is his fearless honesty to be who he is. He is a goodwill ambassador without even knowing it! I've tried to "get" others to see how amazing he is, not only as a musician, but as a person. I find myself smiling despite this, being happy and yes grateful that I "get" him. This might sound strong but, next to Christ and William Blake, he's at the top of my list of those illuminated beings who possess true spirituality - who have profoundly affected my life.
I met him last year and also found him to be one of the warmest and kindest people I've met. He's very genuine and has that unique ability to make you feel like you are the only person in the room.
This is brilliantly said! I think I pulled something in my neck from nodding in agreement! Wonderful! :-D
Wow! Being an Adam fan, all I can say is, "Thank you, thank you, thank you." You are eloquent in your explanation of who Adam is and how he is using his artistry and his celebrity to change the world one heart at a time.
I'm the parent of wonderful, grown children and I think every day how immensely proud his parents must be of the incredible, generous, honest, beautiful son they have raised. He is truly a gift to us from the universe and I hope we can cherish him the way he deserves.
Thank you for such a loving and heartfelt article about Adam...you truly get it! A rarity in the journalism world, you are one of the few people who writes what I respect.
Adam is such a glorious soul and a good part of the world does not understand that...you do.
Adam's latest Tweets:
@adamlambert:
On being a role model: "don't do as I do- do as YOU do" I hope young folk feel empowered to freely be whoever the fuck they want to be!
about 8 hours ago via Echofon
#"young" is obviously a state of mind. :)
about 8 hours ago via Echofon
You're a talented writer and this is a good read. Like yourself, my upbringing was one of "live and let live, there's room for everyone in this big world". I imagine all we can do is hope that someday the world will live with "open eyes, open minds and open hearts" to all. "A change is gonna come" and, in some small way, Adam is contributing to it that change (along with writers like yourself). Bravo!
What a wonderful article! My husband and I are very lucky that we were raised by very excepting parents and grandparents. This background has given us the freedom to enjoy everything about Adam...his talent, his personality, his beauty, his sexuality...{especially me} and his love of his mutitude of fans, young and old, male and female. We will always be pulling for him. Hope to see him live, one day.
Wow, that was the best written article about Adam that I've read.
Thank you Ann Mason!!
Ann, what a great article. I think you said it very well.
Adam has said he is open to new experiences and the "never say never" would sum that up. But no matter, we appreciate his openness, talent, charm and the masculine beauty he exudes!
It is interesting that while so many here in the US try to sweep him under the rug, including radio stations, all the stops on his international promo tour thus far have embraced him with open arms - from his sweet boy next door to his over the top persona...
Once more people understand that the stage Adam is for our entertainment and he likes to change things up - perhaps as a society the pendulum can slowly start to swing in a positive, more open way. I think a lot of people have forgotten about "Showmanship" and that is what Adam is trying to bring back. And I am glad he is!
great article--you really get the essence of Adam as do his fans!!
Thank you. Beautiful job. And it is a dialog that is long overdue. I would have never imagined there would be so much scrutiny in this day and age about Adam's sexuality, but I think it's that he dares to be sexual that is really blowing people's minds. He really is becoming the Jackie Robinson of the gay movement. The person who was going to break through and do it on their own terms needed to not only be phenomenally talented, but also exceptionally strong, likable, attractive, compelling and sure of who HE or was (I won't say she, because I don't think lesbians trigger quite the same ire with homophobes as a sexual gay man does). Fate found the right person in Adam and I know he, if anyone, can stand up to the tempest of sudden fame and controversy, adulation and hate while still remaining sweet, positive, funny and self aware.
Extremely well said. The United States needs to grow up and learn to celebrate differences and diversity. Adam Lambert is a once in a generation talent, and deserves the international celebrity he is already beginning to achieve. I am very proud to be a supporter and fan, and want Adam to be happy and successful. His talent, kindness, joie de vivre, and generosity will win the US over in time. But I think some parts of my country just need a little time to mature. At least, I have hope that someday, my children won't have to worry about their country caring more about their sexual orientation that their ability to contribute to society. Artists like Adam Lambert, who are true to themselves, are helping to speed this along.
Wonderful article,Adam's talent and creative genius blows me away .It really is too bad that some can't see past their bigotry.When I think of all that they are missing because of it ,I thank my parents for teaching me to respect each person for who they are,not for who I want them to be !
AMEN!!! you captured the adam lambert "IT" in words more beautiful then any i could feel&describe. thank you!
Bravo! I stand and applaud your well written article. As Adam conquers the world, it will soon include those in his home country here in the USA. I've been a fan, admirer, lover of Adam Lambert since first auditions for American Idol. He hasn't toured solo in the U.S. yet. When he does and is not under the auspices of American Idol but as a solo performer, he will leave as many flailing bodies in his wake as he has during this trip. Thank you again for writing such a beautiful article.
Great write-up..I often wondered why in the U.S. the media is so obsessed with who people sleep with, they ignore the talent and bring out the controversial topics one after another to the point of beating it to death. This in turn brings out the haters. They try to bring down people who are just a little different in their ways. Very non-accepting. I honestly would rather face the powers above being gay then being a liar, hater, or bigot..so many more of those in the world. And I only just started to notice how many people are infected with Hate..
Such a great article. It's given me a lot of thoughts. If people could all go this rational and caring, the world've been much less complicated.
He's a great talent but some people neglected to enjoy because he's gay. Many professional journalists dug into his sexuality and he always kindly bited back.
But I still hold hopes that he can be a real star. The world would embrace him and eventually he could change something.
Ann Mason Hub Author 2 years ago
Thank you all so much for such kind comments. I love reading your responses, with how Adam has brought something to each of you. It's all really relevant, as I feel he's an important, transformative artist.