Ricky Martin comes out of the closet, among other stars

The Latino pop star finally put doubts to rest when he revealed his true sexuality on his website, including his Twitter account, quoting in his statement that he was proud, fortunate and blessed for being a homosexual.
Ricky Martin, 38, who rose to fame as part of the 80's teenage band Menudo, was plagued with speculations regarding his sexuality throughout the years but eventually came to terms with himself for the sake of his two sons conceived via a surrogate mother and a book he was working on.  A book that would give him his freedom.

Other celebrities who had set themselves free

Neil Patrick Harris - From the title role in Doogie Howser, M.D. to the womanizing Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother, Neil Patrick Harris had been able to live quite normally until  the public eye constantly craved for issues surrounding his private life, like his rumored relationship with fellow actor David Burtka, whom the former helped land a role in the popular TV sitcom 'How I Met Your Mother.'  Although never denying he was gay, his announcement became public in 2006 when he opened up to a popular magazinge Canada.com concerning his sexuality. Harris, 36, also stated that he was very fortunate to be working with wonderful people in the business he loves.

Jodie Foster - The Silence of the Lambs star continued to rack up hits throughout her career as well as the continuity of being hounded by media that she was gay.  Foster, 47, was usually discreet about her sexuality surrounding rumors of her relationship with film producer Cydney Bernard, her reported girlfriend of 15 years.  Yet that time came in December, 2007, when she declared publicly that she was a lesbian.  She had just accepted an award from entertainment magazine The Hollywood Reporter, and she paid tribute to Cydney, who 'sticks with her through all the rotten and all the bliss,'  the 2 time Oscar winner was quoted as saying.  Jodie has two sons from artificial insemination.

Angelina Jolie - Okay, few are aware that before Brad Pitt and Billy Bob Thornton, miss Tomb Raider here had a colorful past with model and actress Jenny Shimizu. And she doesn't deny her bisexuality.

T.R. Knight - Known to fans as Grey's Anatomy's  Dr.George O'Malley, Knight, 36, confirmed his true sexuality via a statement to PEOPLE magazine in 2006, adding as well that his homosexuality should not be the most interesting part of himself.  Reasonably true, but the public eye can't help it.

Bryan Singer - The director of blockbusters such as The Usual Suspect, Xmen and Superman Returns, has always been open and proud about his sexuality. He is also the executive producer of the TV series, House.

Lindsay Lohan - Her public intimacy with DJ Samantha Ronson had sparked speculations of an affair.  The troubled star responded by declaring on a live radio show that they are an item and have been dating for quite a long time.

Ian McKellen - Known for his unique roles in Xmen  and The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy  as Magneto and Gandalf respectively, Sir Ian McKellen made an early public revelation on the BBC in 1988 that he was gay. He even encouraged others to come out of hiding from their closets and show their true colors.  McKellen was knighted in 1991 for his outstanding contributions to theater.

Come as you are

Whatever the consequences may be, disgraceful or beneficial, these celebrities should be aware that they are the center of the public eye, and any wrong move they make is synonymous with prey to the wolves of the global press.  They want to go public, it's better to do so within the earlier stages of their career.  Or if they decide to bare themselves later on, they should have the courage to stand up and face the music.  And if they opt to remain private about these matters, it's also their right.  Remember that eventually, the truth will be exposed in its own time.