I find it fascinating that this topic can generate seven pages of discussion in just a few days -- I didn't think a coming out story was such a big deal anymore. Perhaps it is Mr. Grey's age; as a straight female, I have to admit that I'm scratching my head about how someone who was married to a woman for a long time can conclude at age 82 that he is gay (and not bi). I also wondered why Amber Heard initially came out as lesbian, but later got engaged to Johnny Depp. (I gather that she has concluded that she is bi).
I am sad that Mr. Gray couldn't bring himself to come out until now, even in the open-minded theater community. Hopefully, gay men will soon not have to feel obligated to hide their sexuality, perhaps even from themselves, and can come out at a young enough age to live their lives the way they want.
As the mother (ok, stepmother actually) of a gay man who came out in his twenties, but hid it from my husband (his dad) for at least a year because of fear, I hope that parents will learn to shrug, too. Moms of gay men out there, I'd like to point out a real advantage of having a gay son: That's one less daughter-in-law for you to have to worry about -- we moms know that sons-in-law are a lot easier to deal with than daughters-in-law.
Audrey, the Phantom Phanatic, who nonetheless would rather be Jean Valjean, who knew how to make lemonade out of lemons.
and haven't had much desire to go back. But a 3:00 a.m. discussion of Mary Testa with all of you? That's tempting.
