A reader writes:
Ok. This will sound corny. But last night I watched "Behind the Music: Ricky Martin" on VH1 and I could not help but think of Michele Bachman the entire time. It is easy to see how, given her and her husband's limited interaction with the gay community, she would believe that living as a gay man or woman is filled with personal despair, bondage and enslavement. That is exactly how the closet feels. Perhaps that is how Marcus Bachman's patients report feeling and continue to feel as a result of his "treatment."
But Ricky Martin's heartfelt interview was true testament to how one's self acceptance can shake off the sheer terror and sadness that comes with hiding one's sexuality and trying to live a life that is inauthentic to how God made you.
The pure relief in his voice, his face when he spoke of the moment of coming out was truly inspiring. He stated that he wished he could come out again because it felt so good. Here is a man who, by all accounts, had everything – he's gorgeous, sexy, talented, rich, famous, respected and adored. But despite it all, he couldn't be happy until he lived his life in honesty.
Michele, look at this man's face as he talks. Is this man in despair; personally enslaved? I think not.
The Dish 