Clay News!

Yes, he did say he wanted to get married and have kids. He did appear on Ryan Seacrest's short lived talk show and talk about what kind of woman he would want to marry. He did talk about how it is "more special" to wait to be married to have sex.

Was'nt Clay quite young though when he did those early interviews? Not that he is old now...I remember when the greasy greek use to go on and on about finding a "nice" girl and trying to come off like the boy next door all too well, then when the real person came out-it pissed most of us off and drove many former fans away in droves-that and his poor career and lifestyle choices.

Clay will lose some fans by coming out all the way, but his act was more self preservation against the prejudice against gays vs. Constantine who was just trying to gain momemtum with his fans with the nice boy act. I really can't say I blame Clay at all for playing the game like he did- he won his fans with his beautiful voice and his southern, boy next door charm. I doubt he has come out to his own mother yet.

We had a friend who died from AIDS a few years ago that was almost 40 and still had not come out to his mother-and never did. He lived with his partner until he died, then got sick himself a few years later. In the south, some gay men chose to never openly speak about their preferences to their families. Our friend never acknowledged his love of men to his brothers, his straight friends, or his mom or Dad. It was really quite sad, but it was his choice and the way he handled his life.

OK so he is a lying scumbag and ought to be pilloried for that lie about wanting to find the woman of the fans' dreams.

NAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! He sure seems to be a great guy. I am sorry ( no I am not) the people who needed him to be a straight eunuch are horrified, but I do hope some of them stick around to see that they love him anyway and that their own husbands are forgiven much-more-important-to-them lies readily.

I do not believe that he tried to be their visions when it wasn't his own is the sin in their view, it is the reality that he is gay.

He DID NOT have sex out of wedlock with Jaymes!

Luca, most of those interviews were when he was 24. I am not an expert or anything, but my guess is most men know by 24 if they are gay. He may have been trying to suppress it, or he really didn't know for sure, or was afraid or who knows what!

I have to hit the hay - so good night ladies! Talk to you tomorrow!

Good night, FC. I do find this important, so thanks for your input!

You are welcome! I am glad to have you guys in here talking about it with me!

I just want him and his little ones to be happy! Oh, and not be MJ weird! I am crossing fingers for that!

If he turns out to MJ weird, I will be profoundly embarrassed, as well as condemning.

But I do not think it will turn out that way.

MJ is a child molester. That is the root of his creepiness.

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If Clay is gay (and I believe 100% he is), AND a devout Christian, AND wants to be a loving father (and I 100% believe he will be a great and loving one), AND does not want to upset the people who have overly narrow views about what counts as a good human and good role model (my view and prejudice), not necessarily his)....

What would the people want?

They want him to be a straight guy who is still looking for Mrs. Right. And they want to be Mrs. Right. Even if they are 50 and married.

They want him to be Fantasy Clay. They don't want HIM, at all.

Again, I'll say that if Clay does come out, the angst in the fandom will be more over the fact that he lied than it will be over him being gay. And people will get over it fairly quickly. In the end, I believe Clay's fans want him to be happy.

FWIW, maybe Clay isn't out yet because he hasn't found the right guy. I knew a guy who told me he didn't come out until he was in his thirties. He said he always had good relationships with women and that he always enjoyed their company but that he never found the "right girl". He dated a lot but nothing ever clicked in a "I want to marry this woman and spend the rest of my life with her" way. Then a woman he knew told him she thought he might be gay. He dismissed it because he didn't fit any of the common stereotypes and because he had never been attracted to another man in any way. Then he met the man who eventually became his partner and everything fell into place. Maybe something like that will happen with Clay.

Luca, you edited your post after I went to bed. So very sorry about your friend. What a sad story

I agree Luca and I have said before, I think he has done what he feels he needs to do. If he is gay and not out to his mom and family out of fear it will change their feelings toward him, then he really has no choice but to stay closeted and play the game as best he can. Though I would think he was smart enough to know when word got out that he AIed his 50 year old "just friend" that tongues would get a wagging in that general direction. Especially if they plan multiple babies.

Frazz, FWIW Ryan asked Clay what kind of woman he wanted to marry and Clay went on to answer with a nice description. Guess he had no choice really. Not like he would come out then. If he is gay, which at this point we are all just speculating.

I agree with Badger that more will be upset about the lying. Most will come around. But the ones dead set on him being the "good Christian" may not. Do you remember the extent some of those fans went through to "prove" that picture of Clay with his hands on the make-up lady's boobs was photoshopped? I mean that was really something! If they couldn't except that he would have his pic taken with his hands on a woman's breasts - that "Clay would NEVER do something like that!" than the whole gay and lying thing is going to be pretty heavy for them. Those fans I do not think will forgive and forget. Sad but true. They want their angelic Clay! Maybe they can have Archie now


Abrahammy, I wanted him to be looking for Mrs. Right and to find her because I wanted his life to be easier then he is going to have it. People can still be so cruel to gays, gay couples and children of gays. They guy has taken enough crap in his young life. I wanted some peace for him.

Here is a very interesting read about new finding of the brain and homosexuality. It actually makes perfect sense to me.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25195286/

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In the south, some gay men chose to never openly speak about their preferences to their families.

Sorry about your friend . But can I say something ? I get kinda tired of people saying 'in the South" We are all not beer drinking , deer hunting rednecks, I have several friends that were/ are gay and their families accepted them no problem. Unfortunatelty two of my really great friends died from AIDS. FWIW I have seen and met plenty of narrow minded rednecks from up North. I don't want to stsrt an argument with anyone but I feel the South gets pounded on uneccessarily at times.

I do hope Clay can be happy . Surely his Mother would love him no matter what.

So sorry about your friends Aerwin

I am sure Clay's mom would still love him. But he is extremely close to her and making her proud is a huge deal to him. I think it is more a fear of disappointing her than thinking she won't love him anymore. That coupled with the fact that perhaps he thinks she might be ashamed and embarrassed of it.

The thing I get from Clay - and this whole thing with the baby has kind of confirmed it for me - is that Clay does what he wants. I think he does value his mother's opinion but at the end of the day, if he believes he's making the right decision for him, that's the one he'll go with whether Faye agrees or not.

FWIW, my take on the boobgate photo was that it was intended to be a joke picture. I think they were just fooling around and posed that way as kind of a gag.

I completely agree about Boobgate Just two friends fooling around (no pun intended there ) and nothing for him to be ashamed of, but the extent some fans went to to prove the picture was fake was really something. I mean so much in depth investigating and learning about technology All over one little pic of friends goofing around. It was eye opening indeed.

I also agree with you Badger that Clay will do what he pleases at the end of the day. Still, coming out to one's parents must be a tough thing to do.

Aerwin wrote:

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Sorry about your friend . But can I say something ? I get kinda tired of people saying 'in the South" We are all not beer drinking , deer hunting rednecks, I have several friends that were/ are gay and their families accepted them no problem. Unfortunatelty two of my really great friends died from AIDS. FWIW I have seen and met plenty of narrow minded rednecks from up North. I don't want to stsrt an argument with anyone but I feel the South gets pounded on uneccessarily at times.

Sorry I struck a nerve with that Aerwin-and I know you are not trying to start an argument, but I have to let you know that I am married to a Texan, had a hillbilly wedding there, have a slew of redneck inlaws, and really consider myself to be one of them (in some regards!)-so I meant nothing derrogatory at all, and did not mean to overgeneralize either.

I also lived in Texas and worked as Field Rep in a territory that covered Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Northern Texas for several years ...so I do have a thorough and deep understanding of southern hospitality, rednecks, prejudice, and the religious right, that is still alive and kicking there and everywhere in this country.

I totally am on board with you that prejudice, ignorance, and extreme poverty is not exclusive to the South either...it is spread throughout this country...north, east, west included. It just manifests differently in certain regions like the south. There are more blacks in the south and if I am not mistaken, more poor blacks, so the race issues there are different than they are in Eastern Washington where I reside now. It is about poor hispanics here.

Posted at ClayDreamBelievers by PraeKenobi

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As I have mentioned before, they do play On My Way Here on radio in Thailand and the DJ is very complimentary of Clay! Now for the great update, this week it is at no.8 on top 20 of this radio station!!!! No surprise though because it hear it almost everyday! Today, they also gave away several of "On My Way Here" CDs just by calling to request the song! Moreover, I found the CDs on the new release shelf at a music store another day. It can be said that this was the first time that I found many Clay CDs in Thailand!!!! I'm so happy!!!

Clay talks about his recent UNICEF trip to Somalia!

http://uk.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUKL2571576820080625?sp=true

From CV:

Clay's going to be on TV for UNICEF!

http://allthingscnn.blogspot.com/2008/06/sanjays-busy-week-and-clips.html

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Shot in high-definition television before an audience at the Alliance Theater inside Atlanta’s High Museum of Art, The Survival Project: One Child at a Time will premiere on Sunday, July 6, at 8 p.m. and will replay at 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. All times Eastern. The broadcast will be simulcast on CNN and CNN International.

Clay Aiken, Dayle Haddon, Joel Madden, Ne-Yo, Nicole Ritchie, Al Roker, Marcus Samuelsson and Amare Stoudemire appear in special video diaries of their volunteer experiences and encourage viewers to help children around the world.

Here is some more information on the special from the UNICEF website:

US Fund for UNICEF

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The Survival Project: One Child at a Time
A historic global broadcast on CNN and CNN International


NEW YORK (June 23, 2008) — Tune in to CNN on Sunday, July 6 at 8 and 11 pm (ET), when CNN will explore why 26,000 children die every day from preventable causes, and what UNICEF doing to save young lives.

Hosted by CNN's chief medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, "The Survival Project: One Child at a Time" is a one-hour historic broadcast examining what kind of action is required to stop the unnecessary deaths of children under age five.

CNN will highlight four areas where UNICEF demonstrates its remarkable on-the-ground expertise in doing whatever it takes to save a child:

* Child protection in Iraq
* Water and sanitation in Laos
* HIV/AIDS in Peru
* Child survival interventions in Ethiopia

Leading experts in each of these key areas will contribute to a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Gupta.

"The Survival Project: One Child at a Time" is a chance to get a first-hand look at the plight of millions of children around the world, struggling each and every day for survival.

Yay for seeing Clay on my TV again. It'll probably only be a few minutes, but it's all good. I'm guessing he's back from Somalia by now so maybe we'll get a blog next week or maybe even earlier.

Yes, it is exciting that Clay will be on the CNN special!

I did not re-join the OFC I just felt I have never gotten much of any of the things that were promised when we join. He hasn't blogged in like 5 months! No new pix, vids, contests or any of the things promised. I know when I see the words "he blogged" I will go a little crazy - but we have lots of expenses right now with the boys' school and medical so I just couldn't bring myself to do it this year. I'd have done it in a heartbeat if he did all those video blogs that Jason is doing!!

I know there are posters at The Clack House that say they do it just to support him, but frankly - I feel I have been ripped off. Sorry, I just do. There isn't even the ticket pre-sale incentive considering he's not touring and even when he does he just hits the same areas over and over.

Awww.....FC. He's probably just having a busy time in his life right now. You'll get all the news anyway, should he blog....just like the rest of us. I do understand about not spending on some things.

Yes, he is busy now. But I belonged for 3 years and really other than a handful of blogs, a few pix and some videos of the Virgin signing for ATDW and one interview, we have never gotten all the "perks" you are suppose to get when joining a fan club. If we did I would have re-upped the minute my membership expired! I support Clay by buying his CDs, voting in polls, contributions to his causes etc. The fan club is suppose to give perks to the fans. One video blog a month that was about 60 seconds long and I would have been over the moon!

You know, I love Clay Aiken and I always will, but I think there's a danger in getting to the point where you take your fans for granted. I think he's beginning to do that.

I like where I'm at right now. New album? Let me know on your myspace. I will buy it. Singing anywhere near me? Let me know on your myspace. I will go. Otherwise? No biggie. I am forever his fan, but I will pay for his performances, not for the privilege of being his fan. Remember, I bought a membership and I couldn't even GET IN to the website. I got nothing at all.

Jason's chatting to us like we are old friends on a daily basis. That's the up side of coming in out of the F2 I suppose - at least when you have somebody who does not regard his fan's devotion as a given. He's trying to keep us.

But then, maybe Clay is tired of the worship. Maybe he needs more substance in his life.

You know, whatever it is that is going on with him - both personally and professionally - does not excuse the piss poor situation with the OFC. People are sent renewal notices with lots of incentives to re-up. If they don't deliver it is the same as fraud in my book. If it were any other circumstance - where I was promised things for my money - I would be making calls and demanding money back. Clay knows his fans will just pay for whatever because "it is Clay!". Is that taking advantage, yes I think it is in a way. Does he mean to? I don't think so. But I bet you when he gets back there may be a blog for "us to give to Somalia" and that will be all we hear from him until who knows when. He knows his fans are good for that.

I do think that the lack of attention paid to the OFC shows in the decline of the membership, which is a lot from the first year.

ETA:

From Tim Worstall, Tabloid Edition:


June 26, 2008

Clay Aiken On Somalia

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I may have mocked Clay Aiken in the past, but this time he's doing the right thing and reminding us about Somalia. What I feel is important here is that he's has been to these countries, many celebrities will embrace a cause just because it makes them look good, very few of them will travel to see the reality.

Clay has been to Somalia and he's also been to Afghanistan, he's seen the reality of life for people in those places and he should be respected for it.

http://timworstall.typepad.com/timworstall/2008/06/clay-aiken-on-s.html

I don't believe Clay takes his fans for granted, but I do think he may be getting somewhat frustrated with us. It's not that he doesn't love and appreciate us but maybe we stifle him too much.

I think the big problem is the obsession many - if not most - of Clay's fans have with seeing him as an adorable little boy. I think one of the reasons he avoids blogging is that no matter what he says or does, we tend to react like grandmas beaming with pride at our precious little grandson or angry mommies defending our son against the mean old bullies. Clay would probably like for us to see him for what he is - a grown man who can make his own decisions and fight his own battles.

It's like the kid whose mother comes to the school whenever he gets teased or made fun of or beaten up. Remember how popular that made him? Not very. And it almost always had the opposite reaction in that it made the teasing, etc. worse.

FWIW, another big factor regarding the lack of blogging (and it may actually be the biggest factor) is that I don't think Clay is a naturally creative person. By that I mean he's not the type of person who writes poetry or songs or even does a journal entry whenever something happens to him. That's not to say he can't do those things, but they don't come naturally to him.

Sometimes I just wish I could figure out how his mind works.