So Chely Wright is a lesbian...

In the LA Times story, country music singer Chely Wright is quoted as saying "...They would rather you were a drug addict than be gay. They will forgive you if you beat your wife, lose your kids to state, get six divorces, make a sex tape, get labeled as a tramp _ any and all of it is better than being gay."

Wright seems prepared to become a martyr. She's stated she believes fans will walk away and this may be the end of her career. I say hold on and lets see what happens. Of course you lose fans after you come out with something that changes their perception of you! Look at the whole Chris Brown-Rhianna fiasco. Brown's career is starting to come back and there were people hell-bent on ending it. Michael Jackson was accused of molesting children twice and is stil loved all over the world after his death. Granted, neither one of them came out as gay either.

I've never been one for the uplifting speech so I'll just lay out the facts as based on my opinion:

1. Lilith Fair: A collection of female singers and songwriters. Come tall, short, big, small, blonde, brunette, tattoed or straight laced. Those women are there to celebrate women. You'll fit in just fine.

2. Unless there is an aura of self-loathing, why not play a gay pride parade? Should your country music fans disown you, gays and lesbians will welcome you in. And they may do it even if your country music fans keep you anyway. You'll only be alone if you choose to be.

3. We're all getting desensitized. Use it to your advantage. The reverse pyschology angle taken in the story is good, but how about stopping there? Move on to your next song. If you want to be remembered for your music, play the music. If you want to be remembered for being gay, keep bring it up in the press.

I think she'll be ok. In the midst of unemployment, illegal immigration battles, Celeb "mistress" scandals, terrorist threats, Curing every disease known to man and preventing the rest, I highly doubt that Wright announcing she is gay will cause people to jump off bridges because that was the last straw.

Play me something I can tap my foot to, Chely Wright. I'm all ears.

Country singer Chely Wright finds strength to face the music

*Photo from McClatchy-Tribune