For Good Reason: James Randi - A Skeptic Comes Out at 81

[Jeff Wagg]

James Randi comes out as gay. He discusses his life as a closeted gay man, and why he is now at age 81 coming out, and why he hasn’t been publicly open about his sexuality sooner. He describes the possible impact his coming out may have on his tireless work advancing skepticism and critical thinking. He discusses his atheism, and whether it, or his sexual orientation, influences the mission of the James Randi Educational Foundation. He talks about gay rights issues such as marriage equality. He discusses his detractors and what they might make of the news of his homosexuality. And he explores the relevance of gay rights to the skeptical movement.

Listen at http://www.forgoodreason.org/james_randi_a_skeptic_comes_out_at_81

[Fnord]

Best wishes for Mr. Randi.

The news was certainly a surprise, but not in the "deer in the headlights" sense. More like, "... wow ... didn't see that one coming ... hope he's okay ... wonder what's new in the Religion & Philosophy forums ..."

I've seen nor heard nary a ripple in any of the Christian press publications. It's either that Mr. Randi is not well-known to these people, or that this is just one more in a flood of celebrity comings-out. Have any of the more rabid, fringe evangelicals made any public statements?

[cStyle]

I say good for him. It is good he has lived long enough that he can come out in a society that (mostly) doesn't care that someone is straight or gay.

[Saraffina]

Wow, the Vatican is going to be pissed. Good for Randi though.

[Puppycow]

Good for Randi!

Coming out is a very positive thing. I don't believe every gay person is obligated to come out, but coming out makes life easier for other gays and makes life harder for the haters who want to keep gays marginalized and stigmatized.

Much respect.

[patchbunny]

Yow. Never saw that coming, though to be honest my gaydar wouldn't go off if I was at a Pride parade.

His detractors are going to have fun with that, unfortunately.

[BrianEngler]

Whew! Now if he came out as a believer in woo-woo it would be news. Gay? Machts nichts. Mr. Randi is truly amazing and nothing ever will change that!

[Darth Rotor]

Mr Randi:

I am puzzled: why did this take so long? The environment for coming out hasn't been toxic for at least a decade, maybe longer, depending upon one's locale.

Props to you for still having libido in the 80+ range. Goodonya! :D

DR

[MikeSun5]

I wonder what about Milk prompted him to write that article.

Now I'm really curious to see that movie.

[bob_cadaver]

Wow, hey good for him. It's always nice to see someone get out of the closet;I think it must be a very difficult thing to keep an integral part of yourself walled off and hidden. I'm glad he came out, that rocks.

[Bill Thompson]

That make me support gay marrage even more. Randi would have made a great Dad and there are way too many kids if foster care. If gay marrage gets to be no big deal, I think most if not all kids in need could be adopted and brought up to make a better world for all of is.

Not having gay marrage is almost criminal. Officially, it is not criminal. But officially slavery was once not criminal too.