Premium Content:

Ricky Martin Used to be a Bully

Ricky MartinPuerto Rican pop star Ricky Martin has admitted he used to bully gay people during his own struggle with his sexuality.

In an interview with Australian GQ magazine this month, Martin said the painful experience of coping with his sexuality while being raised in a Roman Catholic household brought conflicting emotions.

- Advertisement -

“I was very angry, very rebellious. I used to look at gay men and think, ‘I’m not like that. I don’t want to be like that, that’s not me. I was ashamed,” the singer told the magazine.

“When you’re told you’re wrong by everyone, from society, from your faith –my self-esteem was crushed. I took my anger out on those around me,” he said.

While it would seemingly tarnish the love affair that Australia has with Martin, it appears the admission of negative behaviour brought on by conflicting beliefs is not uncommon.

Relationship’s Australia –and Out In Perth’s resident agony aunty- Elizabeth Brennan said the process for Martin is quite natural and is two-fold.

“There is the fear that other young people might see him as gay so if he bully’s them he doesn’t have to worry about being publicly shamed,” she said.

There were also the internal feelings of shame Martin would have felt and the personal turmoil he would have been experiencing as he came to terms with his sexuality.

“We live in a society that does not one hundred per cent value our individuality,” Brennan said.

“For young gay people, the most important thing is that they know ‘who we are is who we are and that’s OK,’” she said.

Watch Ricky’s newest release ‘Come With Me’ below.

Joe Cassidy

Latest

The City plates up a showcase of Perth’s unique dining scene  

This august explore the best of Perth's food scene.

‘The Gospel According to Paul’ shines a light on Australia’s memorable PM

Actor Jonathan Biggins chats about his acclaimed one-man show.

On This Gay Day | Remembering gay rights activist Stephen Donaldson

Stephen Donaldson died on this day in 1996. He was a leader in gay rights, recognition of bisexuality, and prison reform.

‘O,D,E’ presents a queer, occult retelling of the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice

The Blue Room Theatre and Tone List are collaborating to bring audiences an experimental opera by composer, singer and poet Sage J Harlow.

Newsletter

Don't miss

The City plates up a showcase of Perth’s unique dining scene  

This august explore the best of Perth's food scene.

‘The Gospel According to Paul’ shines a light on Australia’s memorable PM

Actor Jonathan Biggins chats about his acclaimed one-man show.

On This Gay Day | Remembering gay rights activist Stephen Donaldson

Stephen Donaldson died on this day in 1996. He was a leader in gay rights, recognition of bisexuality, and prison reform.

‘O,D,E’ presents a queer, occult retelling of the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice

The Blue Room Theatre and Tone List are collaborating to bring audiences an experimental opera by composer, singer and poet Sage J Harlow.

Foster and family carers offered free zoo and museum passes

Foster and Family Carers Week celebrations is held from Monday, 28 July to Sunday, 3 August.

The City plates up a showcase of Perth’s unique dining scene  

This august explore the best of Perth's food scene.

‘The Gospel According to Paul’ shines a light on Australia’s memorable PM

Actor Jonathan Biggins chats about his acclaimed one-man show.

On This Gay Day | Remembering gay rights activist Stephen Donaldson

Stephen Donaldson died on this day in 1996. He was a leader in gay rights, recognition of bisexuality, and prison reform.