I’ve noticed over the last month that the No. 1 search question leading people to our blog is whether figure skater Evan Lysacek is gay. Over the last 30 days, five of the top 15 search terms leading people to Outsports have involved Lysacek: evan lysacek gay (2), is evan lysacek gay (5), evan lysacek (6), evan lysacek gay? (11), is evan lysacek gay? (15). Others showing up: evan lysacek is he gay, lysacek gay, is evan lysachek gay, evan lysacek pretending to be straight, evan lysacek gay or straight, and so on and so on….
So whether Lysacek is straight or bisexual or a closeted gay man, I can understand why he'd get a little bitchy that his nemesis, Johnny Weir, would hint something about Lysacek's sexual orientation (by the way, search terms for Johnny Weir being gay do not show up in the top 50 search terms for Outsports, but the search term "Johnny Weir" is No. 1). Still, for Lysacek to tell Us magazine this week that being called gay is "hurtful" is a bit much for me to take. His quote after the jump.
So whether Lysacek is straight or bisexual or a closeted gay man, I can understand why he’d get a little bitchy that his nemesis, Johnny Weir, would hint something about Lysacek’s sexual orientation (by the way, search terms for Johnny Weir being gay do not show up in the top 50 search terms for Outsports, but the search term “Johnny Weir” is No. 1). Still, for Lysacek to tell Us magazine this week that being called gay is “hurtful” is a bit much for me to take. His quote after the jump.
Since the Olympics, I’ve dealt with Johnny’s questioning my integrity and sexuality, and I’ve never spoken out on my own behalf no matter how hurtful those things may have been. I should have known better. Best wishes and congratulations to Johnny as he opens the new season of Ice Theatre of New York. I wish him well in all of his future endeavors.
Somebody obviously showed Lysacek the really bad press his nasty, false comment got him.
Some people wonder why so many gay men like Weir and loathe Lysacek. The comment above is a great example. You never hear Weir say being called gay is “hurtful.” You never see Weir lash out at someone because they intimated that he’s gay or bisexual or straight or transgender. Lysacek, on the other hand, seems to handle it with anger. It seems to be his honest, natural reaction, but I think that’s what a lot of gay men and women respond to. Not all, but a lot.
I do wish I had some magical power to get these two in a room, sit them down, and make them talk through all of their mutual angst. It sucks to see two talented athletes drag each other into a cat fight like this. If that conversation ever happens, charging admission could set them both financially for life.
Where is Celebrity Deathmatch when you need it?
Hat tips to Aaron S. and Towleroad.
