Fascinating Queers: Clay Aiken: Measuring the Man
It’s easy for the pink brigade to heap criticism on people who have skeletons in the closet, because closets are for clothes. But here in post-Will and Grace America, we of the free to be you and me generation might take it for granted that full disclosure is imperative. I’m among those fruit flies who subscribes to the less popular opinion ‘in your own time.’ Must identity always be a political act?
Unlikely sex symbol Clay “Gay” Aiken, American Idol’s favorite nerd, had every right to find himself, in his own time. That said, no one was surprised to see the flaming headline on People Magazine: “YES, I’M GAAAAAAAAAAAAY.” But sashay out in style he did: Clay may be the only person in all of history to come out while holding his brand new baby in his arms.
Though there’s something vaguely disconcerting about a queenybopper who reminds us of our Grandma, I applaud Fakin’ Aiken for taking his interesting timing. Clay knew he didn’t owe a sea of strangers one iota of kiss and tell, but he did owe the truth to his son. In fact, he did come out to his mom years ago.
No one could’ve known that kingdoms of Claymates would erupt the moment the lovable nerd took off his spectacles. To this date, Clay is the most successful male Idol contestant of all, including the ones who actually won. Ruben who? I confess to being sucked into the American Idol franchise, never to escape, by the shy redhead alone. He blew me away with “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” That big ol’ voice was just gorgeous, darling, and it made a Clayymate out of me. What a sweetheart- go on, doll, pour some sugar on me! But like a hot potato, I dropped my crush on this cute little special ed teacher as soon as he began recording- not sure what I was hoping for- maybe jazz standards? Vocally, it was out of sight, but the slick schmaltz that oozed from the sparkling Idol machine was the kind of thing they fight over at the senior’s centre, and that’s where I sent my copy of the lad’s first album, Measure of a Man. Was it any real surprise that he moved on to singing Richard Marx covers?
But just because some of us prefer a little edge- or at least a beat- from our torch balladeers, doesn’t mean we should all point and jeer because he’s queer. So we can’t stomach Clay’s sop pop or the festive jingle of his Christmas creations. Still, there’s something refreshing about a southern Baptist who leaves the safety of his flock to set his own rules. Here’s a born-again Christian who doesn’t get married to hide his love away- instead he sires a son with his best friend, Jaymes Foster, a 50 year old woman, and comes out blazing. Now that’s panache. He could have spent God’s call picketing women’s clinics or joined god hates fags dot com. Instead, he tuned out the noise, tuned out the boys, and set out to follow Jesus’ example- working with poor and needy children, using his newfound riches and clout to make a big difference.
Yes, what most people don’t know is just how much this rebel belle does for needy kiddies. In fact, it was the former Raleigh choirboy’s work with an autistic child named Michael that led him to his fame as runner-up on the second season of Idol, because Diane Bubel, the boy’s mother, encouraged Clay to try out. Today his primary charity is the Bubel Aiken Foundation, helping intellectually challenged children in dozens of ways.
Who knew that our favourite Strawberry Fruitcake is also an ambassador for UNICEF? Clay helps raise funds and awareness to get kids all over the world into the classroom. His participation in a tsunami relief telethon helped raise ten million bucks. He helped out with the South Asian tsunami as well. Fearlessly, he worked in dangerous northern Uganda, helping kids called “night commuters.” These night runners flee their towns to avoid being kidnapped by the Lord’s Resistance Army, an armed and dangerous militant terrorist insurgency. The guerrilla army’s aim is to establish a theocracy based on the teachings of their leader, Joseph Kony. They use tactics of murder, rape, kidnapping, sex enslavement, and torture, in Sudan, Uganda and the Congo. In one horrifying incident, they hacked into pieces the bodies of 45 Congolese Catholics.
Clay had a busy year prior to baby Parker’s birth and his concurrent un-closeting in September of 2008. He was in Kabul and other parts of Afghanistan helping give polio vaccines and visiting schools. He rushed to Mexico for Christmas, not to vacation at his Riviera villa or check out the hot tamales, but to help kids who were affected by major floods. He’s worked with Malaria No More.
In Africa, he was in Somalia, currently one of the most dangerous countries in the world. He learned that there are only 350 doctors there. “The lack of a permanent central government has contributed to Somalia’s status as one of the poorest and most volatile countries in the world. Decades of civil conflict have shattered social structures and exacerbated poverty,” Clay wrote for his UNICEF blog. “A Somali child’s chances of surviving to adulthood are among the lowest of children anywhere in the world…What disturbs me most about this terrible situation for children is that most of the world has ignored it. Millions of children live in fear and poverty—where is the outrage?” Then it was on to more goodwill hunting in Kenya. After the 2008 elections there, political upheaval caused terrible violence. “Everywhere we went, there were the charcoaled remains of homes, schools and shop,” he writes. “We drove for hours and everywhere we went, we saw people trying to get their lives restored.”
Yes, well, that was just UNICEF. Three years ago, then-President George Bush (yuck) appointed the spitfire as advisor for the Presidential Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. So Clay was helping the former prez and the Department of Health and Human Services with program and service issues for those special kids he loves so much. He was also part of America’s Promise Benefit, Toys for Tots, and a spokesperson for fellow redhead Ronald McDonald’s House Charities. In his “spare time,” while performing on Broadway with Monty Python’s Spamalot shtick, he raised money for Equity Fights AIDS. Plus, only two days into the new Obama era, Clay’s already petitioning for presidential back up to save kids from malnutrition. But whatever happened to his studies? Millionaire or not, he finished his coursework while touring so he would still get the degree he started in special education.
Somewhere between today and Idol 2003, on top of all this charity work, Clay has released five albums, (like ‘em or not, and millions do!) toured the world singing, created numerous television specials, appeared on dozens of talk shows, and written a book called Learning to Sing. AND of course, all that was preamble to his cuddliest creation, baby Parker.
So what’s the deal with this gaybe anyhow? Certainly, the media jump all over anything less than traditional in the great hunt for scandal. Coming out with your brand new baby in your arms makes amazing copy, but I think it also makes for amazing family. Best friends don’t have to break up. Talk about family values. Clearly, nothing in Clay’s unusual persona is about keeping up appearances. Despite all the cruel online jokes about the sperm basted bastard looking like Gollum, baby mama Jaymes knows that Clay’s genes ARE exactly what she wants: he won’t bellyache about babysitting or diapers or whether she’s getting too fat. He’s proven this from the beginning with his time and money, looking after the sick and the poor and the disabled. Unlike many mothers, she can be sure Dad’s prepared to put a child first. (And yes, the child was conceived through artificial insemination.)
I admire most those who turn a stereotype upside down when it really counts. And kudos to Clay for refusing to be the kind of Christian we are all used to and sick of. Unlike the other kind who are always pointing fingers at Tinky Winky or unwed mothers for causing the fall of society, he’s out in the world doing the work his Saviour commanded him to do- feed the hungry, visit the sick. It’s certain that he is privately contending with struggles of faith and community as he forges ahead into his own brand of family values. I say that takes tremendous pluck and a heart filled with love. On the other hand, he isn’t interested in being a queer stereotype either- the poor dear is rather fashion unfriendly even if he is gal’s best friend. And he came out in his own sweet time, for his own reasons, without bowing to public pressure. Plus, Clay wasn’t exactly a diva while getting his Versace good and dirty in the war-torn Middle East. No wonder he’s been voted the most loved reality star of all time! But Clay isn’t so sure he deserves the adulation. He told People Magazine that he regrets being too busy to do more!
* * *
Lorette C. Luzajic is a Toronto writer and artist, the girl behind thegirlcanwrite.net. A journalism grad, she has published hundreds of poems, and her reviews, profiles, columns, and features have appeared everywhere from Adbusters to Dog Fancy. Her favourite thing in the world is getting to know interesting people, so she started a project called Fascinating People: gossip for smart people at www.fascinatingpeople.wordpress.com. She writes Fascinating Writers for Bookslut.com. She is also The Spice Girl at Gremolata.com, a foodie’s paradise. Lorette’s first book was The Astronaut’s Wife: Poems of Eros and Thanatos. Her second, Weird Monologues for a Rainy Life, is also available, and her third, Dendrite Pandemonium will be released later this year. Lorette lives in her library with her cats.
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Kudos for one of the fairest and most open-minded articles I’ve ever seen on Clay Aiken.
Now go buy his latest album and prepare to change your mind about his music.
Ditto to what Janice just said! Clay is a good guy and this article really got to the heart of the matter which IS his heart. Bravo!
Kudos to your openminded article on someone who is comfortble in his own skin and just keeps going on no matter what the world throws his way.
Must agree that Clay Aiken has his heart in the right place. His voice is outstanding but unfortunately he has not had a great CD until his latest one and it didn’t get much attention. On My Way Here is all original and one cut is written by Clay himself, Lover All Alone. I don’t like everything he does but I do enjoy who he is and some of his music. He needs someone to promote him to the public and his voice needs to be heard because he is so much better than 90% of what is out there today.
This was an excellent article about Clay Aiken but I could have easily done without the sterotypical name-calling. On the one hand you’re calling it like it his with his charities and his timing – on the other hand did you have to be disrespectful to the man with the gay nicknames. Quite honestly I think you don’t do gay men or women a favor by perpetuting the nicknames. But – thanks for getting it right on all other counts.
Seeing all of that in writing is really amazing.
He looks to be a very unselfish and untiring person.
Good for him.
I appreciate the research you must have done to write your article. Clay is multi-talented with a caring heart for children with disabilities. He truly does walk the talk. So many in the media today ignore his humanitarian efforts to concentrate too much on his personal life.
His latest album, On My Way Here, is so very good — but poorly promoted — should I say “barely promoted”. So many do not even know it’s out there. The song he wrote, “Lover All Alone”, is simply hauntingly beautiful. His uptempo songs, “Ashes”, “Everthing I Don’t Need”, and “Falling” should be playing on the radio right now. It’s a wonderful CD.
Thanks again for your article and taking the time to report about Clay’s work with UNICEF, the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, and other charities.
I have to be honest though — some of your descriptive words were not necessary to the over-all article and could have been left out. These words could be very hurtful to young people coping with their own gay issues.
Clay Aiken walks to his own beat. He is natural teacher and has found a way to use his celebrity and skills to help disadvantaged children and promote his causes. This was a very interesting and thorough piece, and it shows you did your homework, frequently rare in this tabloid age. Very good!!
I thoroughly enjoyed the article. Clay not only is a gifted singer, he has his heart in the right place. What a man.
Well I must say that this was one of the best articles I have read about Clay Aiken. Yes it had it’s clique “gay” references but that is okay because you actually told his story. A man who took his own steps and time in finding out who he was. Then was ready to tell the world. A man who gives and gives in so many ways to charities and his fans. Yes a man to be admired not ridiculed. Thank you for a refreshing article. And you are right about some of his recordings, not always what his fans are looking for but they are done with his heart and that is what they love and respect about about him and his beautiful voice.
Kudos for telling it true about Clay Aiken, the man. I appreciate your honest opinion, respectfully stated, of his music, too. This guy’s voice is way too good to be such a secret. I wish as many people who seem to “know” (or want to know) everything about his personal life knew about his voice and his heart…you know? Thanks for the words…
I thoroughly enjoyed your article. I have been a fan of this guy since Idol, I don’t know if you have seen him in concert, but you get more than your money’s worth. The guy connects with the audience, he is hilarious and that voice is one of a kind.
He says he is lazy. I’m exhausted just reading his accomplishments in your article. The thing I like about Clay is that he has his own mind, he don’t care what the rest of the world is doing, he does what he thinks is right. He seems to have a good soul which is why I think he is driven to help others. He gives back and leads a life of service.
He fascinates me. He beats to his own drummer whatever that may be. I’m sure he has struggled with his identity, but he did it in his own way on his own time. He does not let the media and society dictate what he does or when. I admire that.
Thanks for the article and writing about what Clay Aiken is really about.
Interesting and in depth article about Clay Aiken. Thank you for doing a good job. So many just want to look “cool” when they write about him, and that’s a shame because he is a really interesting man with a lot to offer.
If the author had done more research, she would have found that Clay actually devotes no more time to charitable causes than many celebrities, straight and gay, and considerably less than some. So, I’m not sure what the point of this odd article is. It seems to me the quality of his work and what he commits to it – his business practices, if you will – are the more important measures of the man, and on this count, Clay has proven himself to be less worthy of admiration.
But, this article sounds much too much like something one of Clay’s most hard-core fans would write, including some choices of words only someone familiar with the online fandom would make, to make me believe the author’s claim of not being a fan.
My goodness, I did not expect this article to be good based on the title, but I was pleasantly surprised by what you included in this article. Of course you can tell by my name that I’m a fan and have been now for 6 years TODAY, so I knew about all that you included in the article. I can hardly believe it’s been that long. Clay is an amazing man. And I will be watching his career for years to come. I too wonder about some of the aweful words used in your article. It’s 2009, can’t we move past all that?
I love Clay Aiken’s voice, but not his choice of songs to record (and yes, that includes his most recent album, which I bought. I found that most of the songs sound very similar, except for Lover All Alone). I have heard him live, and that is very worthwhile because he sings better songs in concert than he chooses to record. Go figure.
It is interesting to read you defending his right to come out when he chose, since of course he’s been the subject of ridicule and attempts to force him out of the closet since the moment he became famous. Now that he came out, the gay and straight press is much kinder to him. Asshats all in my opinion. It’s no one’s business, really.
Portia..I am not sure what your reference to “business practices” meant but that was not the theme of the article. It was about Clay, the American Idol contestant, about being gay and about “trying” to make a difference. No doubt he has not accomplished as much as others, but at least he is trying. Go find the efforts of so many young pop stars, their contributions are mostly about publicity. While this man does his contributions quietly and without fanfare. This article is one of the few that actually highlights it. This speaks volumns for who he is. “Business practices” aside…still not sure what that means?
Actually when you look at all that Clay has done for charitable efforts and compare them to other artists of his age or who have only been in the business for 5 years, Clay has accomplished a lot. Some want to compare him to the Brad and Angelina’s who have made millions more and been in the business many years longer than Clay. There are a ton of artists whose only charity is me, me, me. True that some other idols are starting to do some things for charity, but none come close to the things Clay has accomplished and without any fanfare. Rarely do you ever see the media talking about any of his work–it is all done with a minimum of publicity. Thanks for putting it altogether.
I enjoyed your article about Clay Aiken.
Thanks for pointing out how Clay uses his fame to help others.
The songs for his first album were selected for him and the covers album was mandated by Clive Davis.
Listen to his latest album ‘On My Way Here’. The band backing Clay consists of the members of the great Steely Dan.
You might enjoy ‘Everything I Don’t Need’, jazzy plus his great voice.
You are fair and I agree that Clay spends
more of his time in his humanitarian endeavors than the typical
pop star/entertainer.
Thanks, Lorette, for your enlightening and open-minded treatise on the much-maligned Clay Aiken. It’s nice to have all of his humanitarian and philanthropic endeavors summarized in one place. He seems to be a very altruistic guy…talented and smart, too. And I agree that coming out on the cover of a national magazine with “his brand new baby in his arms” was remarkably courageous…even groundbreaking. Kudos to him.
And Portia, as you evidently seem to be familiar with what “Clay’s most hard-core fans would write, including some choices of words only someone familiar with the online fandom would make,” it begs the question: are you actually a fan yourself? Or perhaps, given that you feel he’s “less worthy of admiration,” an ex-fan? Just curious.
Portia, your words clearly identify you as one of those pathetic, obsessed Aiken haters who rush to post at any article that says anything good about him, so why don’t YOU stop pretending, hypocrite.
The truth is that Clay has been involved in helping disadvantaged children since long before his stardom. In fact, his career path of choice was teaching special education. So I think that says it all. Clay Aiken is an admirable person & I have no doubt that at the end of his career, he will be one of those receiving humanitarian awards & will be known as one who gave back far more than he was given.
That’s OK Lorette – you don’t have to like Clay’s music. Many of his fans don’t like it either because they bitch and moan about it all the time. They even bitch and moan about the talented musicians who play with him.
I have been a devoted , dedicated and drooling Clayfan ever since he opened his mouth and I was blessed to hear his pipes of perfection !!! I must acknowledge that this is a fantastic article and want to thank you so much for your insite!
I must also say that a bone to a dog is not charity . Charity is the bone shared with the dog when you are just as hungry as the dog ! Clay Aiken has many a time put his life on the line just to make a difference in the life of the children he so cares about . Can we say the same about many of these other celebs that just want to make themselves look good? Clay just needs to speak and in a matter of a day or two his fans have raise half a million $$$ for his charity . I would say that is pretty good for someone just in the biz under 10 years.
I do wish someone would put Clive Davis out to pasture . The dude wants to put Clay in this Manilow(esq) box and it just is not Clay . This phenominal talent needs someone to just let him be himself to showcase that golden larnyx . I do love his last CD – ON MY WAY HERE! His song “Lover All Alone” is hauntingly beautiful and “Everything I don’t Need” is a step away from what those not familar with Clay would expect. He is SEXY! YES SEXY singing this song . I encourage each person to get a copy of the CD (if you can that is !).
Hey, thank you all so much for writing your thoughts! I’m glad most of you enjoyed my article and I hope you’ll stay tuned for all the Fascinating Queers I’ll be bringing to you regularly.
I have carefully considered what some of you have insightfully remarked on, in reference to the stereotypes or names and puns I used about Clay- and use often in much of my writing, about myself, too. I enjoy wordplay and have a rather twisted sense of humour, and I respect it if not everyone is amused. I hope the affection is clear, however, in my intention. I firmly believe in that ‘reclaiming language’ stuff- that taking the bite out of words by playing with them lovingly changes their sting and gives them a sweetness, or puts their charge in my court instead of ‘theirs.’ I think it started for me a long time ago when I was 13 and everyone called me a fag hag at school because my best friend was clearly, shall we say, unique. It felt so hurtful until one day I discovered ‘hag’ means holy woman and I became quite proud of the term. Still, it’s not really a political act but a playful one. You’ll likely find my wordplay in future writing, but I’ll try to be clear and inoffensive!
I also chuckled at the idea that I’m a closet Clay fan? I think I was quite open to gush about my crush- it’s not a secret that I think he’s a living doll.
thank u all, please feel free to write me
lorette@outimpact.com
xoxox
Great article. I like your style.
Wow, love your piece about Clay Aiken & the way you write. Really enjoyed reading it.
Great article about a great guy! So nice to see that someone actually “gets” how amazing Clay really is.
Thank you!
Well, in one respect, it’s refreshing to read an article in which the author doesn’t have to bastardize the word she wants to use..i.e, g*y or qu**r. On the other hand,at first, you came off a titch like Kathy Griffin, whom I completely dislike. Your cheery response, though, did redeem you, especially this phrase… it’s not a secret that I think he’s a living doll.lol As they say, join the club.
Your article was very insightful;you mentioned facts about Clay’s UNICEF trips that I hadn’t read elsewhere and, I know for a fact, we were worried speechless for him while he was gone, and not even knowing at that time that he was actually in Somalia. A week after he got back, more atrocities occurred over there, so his new song ‘Grace of God’ really did strike home when we first heard it.
Although you state that his latest CD , ON MY Way Here, doesn’t appeal to you, and I acknowledge your right to decide that, however, it’s obvious that a significant number of the world’s population does. That same song, Grace Of God, has been used as background music for many videos on Youtube…in a tribute to the survivors of the major earthquake in China and as a tribute to the victims of 9/11 and many more. Korea has used On MY Way Here as the theme for their Summer Games/Olympics and it’s been used to chronicle Michael Phelps awesome 8 gold medals.
There are so many videos utilizing Clay’s music that it’s a sad fact that his music wasn’t properly promoted by his label. At least, people all over the globe will recognize Clay and his voice as soon as he starts to sing.
Clay may be gay but he can’t be sterotyped, nevertheless. He oozes sex and charisma when around females; you can feel the heat through the computer. No other gay fellow I’ve ever seen can do that. He doesn’t flaunt, if you will, his status…and he fooled lots of women. Even knowing he’s gay, doesn’t change a thing. One look at him, and I’m a fan all over again. Am so glad he’s a father with an adorable son and a very understanding and wise lady for his son’s mother.Clay is one in a million; his wit, and his caring for the disabled and his loyalty to his fans are priceless.
Really enjoyed your article. Looking forward to reading more.
Greetings:
THANK YOU FOR YOUR REFRESHING ARTICLE ABOUT THE ‘TOTALLY REAL CLAY AIKEN’ — it has been soooo tiring reading the same old things about Clay the last several months drifting into years ! God bless you !
You have given me new hope for all the rest of Clay’s critics that have given readers the doldrums and migraines ! I enjoy your style of writing, and your quiet feistiness.
For myself, I love Clay unconditionally, and his voice is truly a magnificent gift from God, together with all his other talents and Clay’s tendencies to do good deeds.
His faithful fans say, “We came for the voice, and stayed for the man.” Yes, we love Clay dearly for all that he is: God’s present to us, and to all the children of the world.
God be with us all.
Peace,
Sharie
Thank you for a truly well-researched and well-written article about this most amazing man. Again, lovingly or not, I could have done without the cutesy gay nicknames, but at least you explained it and that helps a lot.
The important thing is that you focused on a) his right to choose where, when and how he revealed his orientation and b) the numerous good works he does, over and over again. We (the ClayNation) have long marveled at the fact that his idea of “taking time off” is to travel to a foreign country and become Ambassador Clay. Seriously, the man takes very little time for himself, though that seems to have improved with the arrival of his beautiful son, Parker.
One other point that I think needs to made (Portia, read this!) is that yes, many other celebrities do as much as Clay does for various charities with which they may be involved. But how many can honestly say that their fans pick up the ball and move forward on their own because of the inspiration that celebrity provided? I would venture to say “next to none.” Clay’s fan base is so loyal and so proud of him that we routinely organize events to benefit either his foundation (Bubel/Aiken Foundation) or UNICEF, simply because he has set the example and the standard for caring and giving.
Lorette, I hope you spotlight this wonderful, sexy, talented man many more times. He is so very worthy and while we, the fans, know how special he is, we want the wider world to know him and respect him as we do.
As a queer Clay fan, I want to say how much I loved your article. While I do follow him, even I was surprised to read some of the things you wrote, and just how much he has done over the years. And while I hate to come off Claymatey, I do echo those who said you should give his latest CD a listen if you haven’t, it’s easily his best.
And to the fans who had a problem with the language used here, please try to understand that it’s not words themselves that are a problem, it’s the intent behind them. Lorette did not intend the words she used as insults, so they aren’t. In her case they are terms of endearment. If a homophobic fratboy had used those same words then they would be insulting. To give you another example, if my friends refer to me as a dyke it’s cool, if that same fratboy used the term I would not be happy.