U.S. Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir who recently came out in his book, Welcome to My World, has said he is surprised by the press reaction.
Weir told NBC’s Today Show, “I’m very surprised by the reaction. I’m a person – I’ve never lived in a closet. I’ve never claimed to be anything – I’ve never claimed to be straight or gay. I claim to be Johnny Weir.”
Weir has always refused to clarify his sexual orientation in the past. “And I think that’s something that’s very important for anybody in this world, is to own who you are, regardless of what you’re born into. I was born a white male. A white gay male, and I don’t celebrate being white or male. So, why should I celebrate being gay. That’s my opinion on the whole thing,” Weir continued.
When Weir was asked whether he would consider becoming a gay rights activist, he said, “I know people have been after this for years, and have worked so hard and tireless- ly…. They definitely wanted me to be an activist. But the best way I can be an activist is to live my life, and not make that the main thing that is Johnny Weir. I’m much more than just a gay man.”
