Sneak Peek: Tomorrow’s exclusive Ricky Martin interview
Update
: Read the full interview here!
METRO WEEKLY: In June, we had the horrible tragedy at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. So many of the victims there were Puerto Rican, as well as gay. How did you feel when you heard about it? Particularly since it’s so tightly connected with your own nationality.
RICKY MARTIN: I was spending my summer in the south of France, and then this happened. I was devastated for obvious reasons. But I also have friends who had friends in that club that night. In order for me to get rid of my anger, and my frustration, I wrote an essay. I was able to talk to the families of the victims, because apparently they wanted to hear me, but I also needed to hear them in order for me to heal, if you know what I mean. It’s “How can I get rid of this anger? How can I get rid of this frustration? How can I get rid of this uncertainty?”
Well, my healing approach was being as close to the victims as I could, and yes, I talked to a few of them. It is horrible. What can I say, Randy? This is something that needs to stop. That’s why every time I post a picture of me with my family on Instagram, or on social media, one, I want to share because I am proud of my family, but I also want to share because I know that that picture will reach millions of men and women who are struggling with their identity, that because of attacks like this, they feel afraid of accepting themselves, and I think that part of my mission in life is to let the world know that there’s nothing wrong with loving and being loved.
MW: There was a point where you performed for George W. Bush. But you —
MARTIN: Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. When I hear that I get nervous and I start sweating immediately. I was a young entertainer, seduced by fame and glory. I’m going to tell you the line that my manager at the moment brought me. He told me, “You are invited to sing at the ceremony, and you have the opportunity to represent the Latino community. Would you do it?” I said, “Yes.” I am a Democrat. I supported Barack Obama. I campaigned for Barack Obama — and this is even before I came out. Now, I’m supporting — and I am campaigning for — Hillary Clinton. I am a Democrat.
Read the full interview here!
Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
You must be logged in to post a comment.