Ricky Martin, born Enrique Martin Morales has achieved musical greatness first, by starting out as a member of Latin boy band Menudo, and second by working his way up to a solo act that has sold many millions of records and received too many awards to mention. Ricky has an amazing story and a new record coming out so check out the interview that the pop singing sensation gave to Parade.com about fatherhood, coming out and why he can’t wait to get back on stage.
Here are some highlights:
On being a voice in the gay community.
“There’s no pressure from anybody. It’s something I feel really good about doing. I have been an activist for human rights for many years. Today, I’m in touch with who I am and I have the opporuthnity to be in front of a camera and talk to millions of people. After I wrote the book and went on Oprah Winfrey, so many people have come to me, telling me, ‘Ricky, thank you because I understand what acceptance is today.’ ‘Ricky, thank you. I feel better about myself because you have a very beautiful family and the words ‘dysfunctional family’ don’t exist in your life.'”
His message has impacted a new generation.
“The other day, I was in a store and there was this 13-year-old child who he told me, ‘Ricky, you and me, we are the same! You like boys. Well, you know what? Me too! And this is my mom and she’s happy with me today.’ Are you kidding me? I had to give him a hug and I had to give his mother a hug because unfortunately — because of society or faith — parents struggle. It’s all about love.”
His message to anyone struggling with their identity.
“We all have to go through our own spiritual process. It is very difficult. Some people are struggling and they are in their teens. Some people are in their 50s and they’re struggling. Some people go through life and die not being able to accept themselves. Tragic. But it’s very individual. And it’s about self-esteem.”
What fatherhood has taught him.
“Heavy lessons about simplicity and unconditional love. I don’t want to sound cliche, another father talking about unconditional love, but man, that’s the way it is. You hear it all the time, but when you feel this other branch of love getting stronger and stronger every day, it’s just amazing.”
http://www.parade.com/celebrity/celebrity-parade/2011/01/31-ricky-martin.html