Yes, Jillian Michaels is gay: The quiet coming out

treetop57
treetop57 Posts: 1,578 Member
I've never been a "Biggest Loser" fan, but I'm slightly surprised that somehow I missed this news when it came out this last spring.
Yes, Jillian Michaels is gay: The quiet coming out
May 23, 2012 12:48 PM by Sara McGinnis

Jillian And Partner Heidi Are The Parents Of Two!

What do you mean you didn't know Jillian Michaels is gay? As the celebrity trainer's joyous baby news spreads, fans react to a particular fact that almost flew under the gossip radar.

Jillian Michaels' gay status seems to have gone unnoticed by many fans -- until now. While her coming out has been decidedly subtle, there's nothing left to question now that she and partner Heidi Rhoades are the parents of two! . . .

Am I the last to hear??!?!?!?!???
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Replies

  • tameko2
    tameko2 Posts: 31,634 Member
    Apparently she is Bi. but yeah, I didn't know either.
  • Oishii
    Oishii Posts: 2,675 Member
    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2197412/Jillian-Michaelss-girlfriend-Heidi-Rhoades-flaunts-huge-sparkler-ring-finger.html

    I only read as far as rumours last year, but the above is about now and very cute. Question is, will I enjoy being yelled at by her even more now?
  • spiregrain
    spiregrain Posts: 254 Member
    I KNEW IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • The bigger question is: Why does it matter>
  • zombie_porno
    zombie_porno Posts: 199 Member
    The bigger question is: Why does it matter>

    Because it's always great to see members of the community in the public eye.
  • medwards89
    medwards89 Posts: 97 Member
    The bigger question is: Why does it matter>

    Because it's always great to see members of the community in the public eye.

    Exactly.
  • I guess I just don't understand out communities need to point out what are sexual identity is and then make it public knowledge. Just be a strong, positive, individual that runs a fiercely successful fitness empire. Isn't that enough? Why does the world need to know what she does sexually? That is what it boils down to.
  • brandiuntz
    brandiuntz Posts: 2,717 Member
    Somehow, I'm not surprised, though I hadn't thought about her sexuality before. Good for her.

    As to SFBarbear: Being out (when one is ready to be) is important because being LGBT+ is more than what we do sexually. It's an essential part of our identity. And it is one part of our identity that is not obvious (good gaydar not withstanding). It's important to be visible and out celebrities help in that visibility.
  • EvanKeel
    EvanKeel Posts: 1,904 Member
    Totally knew.

    It's kind of like how Brian Boitano isn't out. No really.
  • As to SFBarbear: Being out (when one is ready to be) is important because being LGBT+ is more than what we do sexually. It's an essential part of our identity. And it is one part of our identity that is not obvious (good gaydar not withstanding). It's important to be visible and out celebrities help in that visibility.

    Why? Why do people need to know our idenity completely. Being a member of the communityis a tiny fraction of who I am and really isn't at the core of my life. I don't own a single rainbow anything, triangle, bear flag, leather flag anything of that notion. Yet I work in the gayest district in the United States and haven't set foot in a bar in over 2 years. Why? Because it really is not an "essential" part of who I am and I'm perfectly fine with it not being obvious to anyone. It simply isn't anybody's business. I'm sure people like Jillian would broadly advertise their identity if they felt it was anyone's business.
  • EvanKeel
    EvanKeel Posts: 1,904 Member
    As to SFBarbear: Being out (when one is ready to be) is important because being LGBT+ is more than what we do sexually. It's an essential part of our identity. And it is one part of our identity that is not obvious (good gaydar not withstanding). It's important to be visible and out celebrities help in that visibility.

    Why? Why do people need to know our idenity completely. Being a member of the communityis a tiny fraction of who I am and really isn't at the core of my life. I don't own a single rainbow anything, triangle, bear flag, leather flag anything of that notion. Yet I work in the gayest district in the United States and haven't set foot in a bar in over 2 years. Why? Because it really is not an "essential" part of who I am and I'm perfectly fine with it not being obvious to anyone. It simply isn't anybody's business. I'm sure people like Jillian would broadly advertise their identity if they felt it was anyone's business.

    While systematic discrimination against us continues, it's important for lots of us (especially queer youth) to understand that they're not alone. If it really wasn't a big deal, there'd be no need for anyone to know, but people do make it a big deal even when it shouldn't be.
  • As to SFBarbear: Being out (when one is ready to be) is important because being LGBT+ is more than what we do sexually. It's an essential part of our identity. And it is one part of our identity that is not obvious (good gaydar not withstanding). It's important to be visible and out celebrities help in that visibility.

    Why? Why do people need to know our idenity completely. Being a member of the communityis a tiny fraction of who I am and really isn't at the core of my life. I don't own a single rainbow anything, triangle, bear flag, leather flag anything of that notion. Yet I work in the gayest district in the United States and haven't set foot in a bar in over 2 years. Why? Because it really is not an "essential" part of who I am and I'm perfectly fine with it not being obvious to anyone. It simply isn't anybody's business. I'm sure people like Jillian would broadly advertise their identity if they felt it was anyone's business.

    While systematic discrimination against us continues, it's important for lots of us (especially queer youth) to understand that they're not alone. If it really wasn't a big deal, there'd be no need for anyone to know, but people do make it a big deal even when it shouldn't be.

    Thank you for making my point Evan
  • gaiareeves
    gaiareeves Posts: 292 Member
    There is no necessity for anybody to come out or make some big statement about their sexuality.

    For one, how big of a part it is of someone's identity varies from person to person, and two, regardless of anything it isn't anybody's business.

    However.

    For those who do come out and are comfortable in doing so, it does provide some sort of hope for others, especially queer youth. As a young queer girl from a small town, having queer role models in the media can mean a lot. We still live in a society where LGBT+ folk are discriminated against and when you're young it can often feel like you're going to have a helluva hard time getting anywhere in life, because of sexuality or gender variance. So to have a strong, respected role model in the media who is queer gives hope to a lot of us.
  • There is no necessity for anybody to come out or make some big statement about their sexuality.

    For one, how big of a part it is of someone's identity varies from person to person, and two, regardless of anything it isn't anybody's business.

    However.

    For those who do come out and are comfortable in doing so, it does provide some sort of hope for others, especially queer youth. As a young queer girl from a small town, having queer role models in the media can mean a lot. We still live in a society where LGBT+ folk are discriminated against and when you're young it can often feel like you're going to have a helluva hard time getting anywhere in life, because of sexuality or gender variance. So to have a strong, respected role model in the media who is queer gives hope to a lot of us.
    A perfect answer.
  • treetop57
    treetop57 Posts: 1,578 Member
    As brandiuntz said, being gay is about a lot more than the bedroom. In Jillian's case, she came out because her partner was having a baby. That's an illustration that being gay is also about family structure, something straight people flaunt all the time. Jillian can't secret raise a child with her partner because family relationships are not (and should not have to be) private.
  • Cheryl_66
    Cheryl_66 Posts: 68 Member
    Visibility is always good. Not everyone lives in a gayborhood. Familiarity decreases fear, and that in turn changes attitudes. Even if you're "out" you find yourself coming out over and over just by telling coworkers what you did that weekend or even correcting a pronoun.
  • ElizabethRoad
    ElizabethRoad Posts: 5,138 Member
    I guess I just don't understand out communities need to point out what are sexual identity is and then make it public knowledge. Just be a strong, positive, individual that runs a fiercely successful fitness empire. Isn't that enough? Why does the world need to know what she does sexually? That is what it boils down to.
    Clearly she did not make a big public coming out announcement. She's just not hiding the fact that she has a same-sex partner. Why is that such a problem for you?
  • ukgirly01
    ukgirly01 Posts: 523 Member
    Didn't exactly surprise me.mknew her biggest loser contract had a clause about not mentioning gay lifestyles, guess now she's going back they must have changed their minds
  • treetop57
    treetop57 Posts: 1,578 Member
    knew her biggest loser contract had a clause about not mentioning gay lifestyles,

    That's sad to hear.
  • tameko2
    tameko2 Posts: 31,634 Member
    knew her biggest loser contract had a clause about not mentioning gay lifestyles,

    That's sad to hear.

    Wonder if there is still a clause like that. Isn't that show on season 11 or something? I don't think she's been a trainer on it for a long time anyway so I doubt that's why it wasn't widely known. I imagine its just due to "look at new celebrity baby!" fever that it got brought up at all.

    I would think that its allowed by the show now, provided its things like engaging in a monogamous relationship and not out partying and sleeping around - but those clauses would apply to straight people too.

    Times have really changed in the last 10 years.
  • JennedyJLD
    JennedyJLD Posts: 123 Member
    Why does the world need to know what she does sexually?

    We *don't* know "what she does sexually." Knowing someone is married to a person of the opposite gender does not tell us "what they do sexually," only that they're straight. I have no clue what any given gay person is into sexually any more than I know what any given straight person is into sexually. Or are you suggesting that all peoples' marital statuses should also be top secret?
  • I didn't know either. However, I'm not surprised at all. Regardless of her orientation, it won't change my opinion (or lack thereof) of her.
  • LemonSnap
    LemonSnap Posts: 186 Member
    Visibility is always good. Not everyone lives in a gayborhood. Familiarity decreases fear, and that in turn changes attitudes. Even if you're "out" you find yourself coming out over and over just by telling coworkers what you did that weekend or even correcting a pronoun.

    Yes, visibility is what will add normalcy to our being. I tend to forget that some people don't view us as just any happy middle aged couple. Every now and then say, a dinner party, something is said that knocks you back into reality. "Oh, they still think we're different".

    When our kids were in their teens the mum of one of their friends came 'out'. That was great because, finally, they weren't the only ones with a gay parent.

    Now, we're the only gay grandparents we know of. Our grandchildren (who are three, two and one) of course don't think it is 'odd' to be climbing into bed with two nanas in the morning when they come to stay. I sincerely hope that as they grow older nobody will tell them that it is.
  • spiregrain
    spiregrain Posts: 254 Member
    As to SFBarbear: Being out (when one is ready to be) is important because being LGBT+ is more than what we do sexually. It's an essential part of our identity. And it is one part of our identity that is not obvious (good gaydar not withstanding). It's important to be visible and out celebrities help in that visibility.

    Why? Why do people need to know our idenity completely. Being a member of the communityis a tiny fraction of who I am and really isn't at the core of my life. I don't own a single rainbow anything, triangle, bear flag, leather flag anything of that notion. Yet I work in the gayest district in the United States and haven't set foot in a bar in over 2 years. Why? Because it really is not an "essential" part of who I am and I'm perfectly fine with it not being obvious to anyone. It simply isn't anybody's business. I'm sure people like Jillian would broadly advertise their identity if they felt it was anyone's business.

    While systematic discrimination against us continues, it's important for lots of us (especially queer youth) to understand that they're not alone. If it really wasn't a big deal, there'd be no need for anyone to know, but people do make it a big deal even when it shouldn't be.

    Thank you for making my point Evan

    Baha. Its a big deal only when you think they are hot!
  • notebooksecrets
    notebooksecrets Posts: 36 Member
    It's a massive shame that being 'out' in the public domaine is so important, but it is. Queer folk, particularly but not just youth, suffer discrimination and prejudice in so many areas of their lives, some more than others depending on circumstances, and it is so, so important for them to be able to see examples of other LGBT people who are leading 'happy,' 'successful' lives. And being LGBT, for many people *is* a massive part of their identity - I know it is for me because I spend a lot of time campaigning and being activisty, so to see a woman who is finally able to be open and confident about their sexuality in front of the world is absolutely fantastic progress. Gay pride comes from the amount of shame that LGBT people have been made to feel just because of who they are, and we should be bloody proud when people kick this shame and this stigma and this prejudice in the butt just by saying 'this is me, and I don't care who knows.' Just my two cents.

    Plus, Jillian Michaels is hot.
  • Oishii
    Oishii Posts: 2,675 Member
    For me, it's all about the hotness. I fancy the pants off Jillian, and the thought that she might have relationships with women brought my feeble little fantasies a little closer to reality. Now I know she's 'taken', I'm not so interested in her sexuality :laugh: (although, I, also, am 'taken', and by a man, in fantasies that doesn't really matter :tongue: ).
  • courtniemarie
    courtniemarie Posts: 172 Member
    A lot of the discrimination that the LGBT community receives stems from ignorance. First we have to get people to realize that were here and not all waving a flag in a parade. Also, it's important to us for the same reason that we have a LGBT specific group on MFP. My sexual orientation has nothing to do with my weight loss. I just like you guys.
  • treetop57
    treetop57 Posts: 1,578 Member
    I think things like this do a lot to advance gay rights since they expand the limits of how LGBT+ people are seen.
    Featherweight Orlando Cruz, a 2000 Puerto Rican Olympian and a fringe contender as a professional fighter, has done something unusual in boxing, or in any professional sport: He publicly announced he is gay.

    Cruz, 31, the first openly gay fighter, released a statement on Wednesday calling himself a "proud gay man."

    "I've been fighting for more than 24 years and as I continue my ascendant career, I want to be true to myself," Cruz said. "I want to try to be the best role model I can be for kids who might look into boxing as a sport and a professional career. I have and will always be a proud Puerto Rican. I have always been and always will be a proud gay man."

    http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/8460484/puerto-rican-featherweight-orlando-cruz-proudly-gay

    Orlando+Fenomeno+Cruz+.JPG

    We are everywhere and do everything. "Boxer" is not a stereotypical gay profession and I think it's great that Cruz is letting gay kids know that not all gay men are florists and hairdressers. (Not that there is anything wrong with florists and hairdressers.)
  • bridgelene
    bridgelene Posts: 358 Member
    For me, it's all about the hotness. I fancy the pants off Jillian, and the thought that she might have relationships with women brought my feeble little fantasies a little closer to reality. Now I know she's 'taken', I'm not so interested in her sexuality :laugh: (although, I, also, am 'taken', and by a man, in fantasies that doesn't really matter :tongue: ).

    Hahaha my thoughts exactly!
  • Quiing
    Quiing Posts: 261 Member
    I *knew* there was a reason why I :heart: her so much! Too bad she's already married...