Uh, Yeah.

By now you’ve undoubtedly heard the Really Big News of the week: Clay Aiken came out of the closet and confirmed that he’s gay.

Big woo.

Now, I’m not discounting Mr. Aiken’s step into the public as an out and proud gay man in any way. He’s gotten a little whacky (according to unverified claims of his backstage antics) since his American Idol days but for the most part he seems like a solid individual and will probably be a good role model for others that wish to come out as well. But was he really telling us something we didn’t already know? I’m a little torn on this one. I guess I applaud his efforts but I feel like saying “DUH!”

My sister and I spoke briefly about the subject and she didn’t know why it has to be such a big deal. “He’s gay, who cares?” (Yes, I’m fortunate to have a family that tends to think that way most of the time.) But there are a lot of people that still get all fired up about the gay. Gay is a Big Deal for many people and a Big Bad Evil for quite a few as well. There are people obsessing day and night trying to determine the best way to eradicate the gay from the world (or at least the United States) so in that sense, Mr. Aiken did a brave thing by coming out. I applaud him and look forward to sharing the secret handshake with him at the next toaster points distribution meeting.

But, um, duh.

Side note: “Invisible” was originally done by a group called D-Side. I believe the group is from Dublin. I think you’ll note where Clay’s inspiration for his version came from. Enjoy the video.