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Post by Bella on Jul 23, 2007 23:49:14 GMT -5
Hahaha, Lori, does your hubby have any of the "tell-tale" characteristics listed above? Better look out for those innocent guys nights out....
It's been fun to read everyone's comments.
Here are my thoughts...
I find it sociologically fascinating that:
a) the more pervasive homosexuality becomes in our society, the more sort of panicked people become about it - either for or against it.
b) the more homosexuality becomes a culture with it's own fashions, foods, music and mystique rather than just a mildly dysfunctional, anti-survival sexual act the more stereotyped it becomes.
As to why people stereotype Apolo, it's not just him. Anyone, no matter how "masculine" or "feminine" is subject to similar public scrutiny as part of the whole panic phenomenon (see "a" above). Celebrities are just easier and more visible targets.
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Post by elsa on Jul 24, 2007 0:00:59 GMT -5
Well, doing some research, and not the kind I *wish* I could do  Apolo is (1) right handed, and (2) the first-born son of his mother; so, he must be straight! It's proof enough for me.  (1) Dr. Kenneth Zucker of the University of Toronto has found that gay men and women are more likely to be left-handed than the general public at large. [According to] findings, reported in Psychology Today, lesbians have a 91 percent greater chance of being left-handed or ambidextrous than straight women, while gay men are 34 percent more likely than straight men to not be right-handed. (2) The latest theory of why gays are gay suggests that birth order influences male sexual orientation. According to new research by Anthony Bogaert, a psychologist at Brock University in Canada, gay men tend to have older brothers. Indeed, the more biological older brothers a man has, the greater his likelihood of being gay. This leads Bogaert to conclude that a man's sexual orientation is influenced by the conditions in his mother's womb when he was a foetus; with successive male children triggering changes in the mother's body that increase the chances that subsequent male children will be gay. This so-called fraternal gay birth effect creates a prenatal environment that fosters homosexuality in younger sons. |
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Post by Guest II on Jul 24, 2007 3:25:19 GMT -5
Ohh...what an interesting debate! You know, I have to say that I have considered the fact that the only thing that makes sense is that he IS gay. That would be the only reason I have been able to fashion that Julianne could still legitimately be with her boyfriend and have her family's approval and support. It's been the one sticking point for me -- I have seen all these videos of this really intense flirting on stage at shows where her bf is allegedly there. I think, huh, something not right ... LOL. You're right. Apolo didn't fall head over heels in love with Julianne, so he muuuuuuuuuuust be gay! It can't be because she might still be in love with her ex-fiance or that she and Apolo can maintain a *gasp*platonic working relationship. No, no, he's gotta be gay. Sorry, as much as I love watching Julio on the dance floor, (from now on, that's my name for them, not that other word) I'm OK with them not being a couple "in real life". And after the craziness that followed his pairing with Julianne (and the pouncing on Zach), he's probably even more reluctant to make any statements about his relationship status. The repeated Apolianne denials and side steps into other topics is an intentional effort by him to respect Julianne's situation and my suspicion is he just wants the rumors and questions about them to go away. I agree. I also think that the fact that the media and fans are focusing so much on Apolo and Julianne's relationship, to the point of making Zach into the bad guy is something that will keep Apolo from publicly saying who he's dating. If we thought he was tight lipped about his love life before DWTS, he'll be even more so now, to protect his privacy as well as whoever he is with. ETA: I did find out that Shani's two favorite cities are Seoul and, brace yourselves, Amsterdam. Ahem. I don't get it. Why the emphasis on Amsterdam? Long Track is HUGE in the Netherlands, and Shani has a ton of fans there. Is it cuz of the pot and prostitution? Their affinity for the color orange?  I have come to think, especially over the past few months, that I am an "odd" kind of Apolo fan. As much as I enjoy gazing upon his great beauty and am in awe of his many other admirable qualities, I have no romantic fantasies of dating or marrying him, nor do I dream of him marrying his dance partner. Therefore, I guess I just have nothing invested in blindly insisting that he "must" be straight. You know, I don't either, but a lot of times, people just don't believe me. No romantic fantasies, no "if I was younger..." thoughts, even the random dreams that he has popped into have been completely platonic and almost....brotherly. 4) Trips with male friends. My husband has taken several trips with his 'best friend' - should I be worried about latent bi-sexuality? Or is it just that a trip to Hawaii with surfing and shave ice is more suspect than a football weekend with beer? I always joke about the homoerotic tension between my husband and his best friend. They can talk on the phone for hours, when they go out, they always end up dressing the same, they hang out in the basement giggling and laughing til dawn, they call each other on their birthdays... Hmm...I think I'm a little worried now.  However, I do find it disturbing when people (mainly other women and girls) get overly upset when someone suggests that a male celebrity they admire might be gay. Why does it matter so much to some? It depends on who you're talking about. David Hyde Pierce gay? I figured that one 10 years ago. Lance Bass gay? Not surprising. Could Clay Aiken be gay? If he wasn't, then he needs to stop acting like a diva. But that hottie from Prison Break, Wentworth Miller? Say it ain't so! (FYI, he's rumored to be gay) If you're not hot and rumored to be gay, then it's ok. If you're a hottie and your fanbase want to fantasize about you or think that they have a .000000000001% chance of being with you, then it sucks if you could be gay. For female fans who don't know a particular celebrity personally to claim that they "know" he isn't gay just isn't logical to me. He's not gay. Maybe bi-curious based on that Hawaii trip  , but definitely not gay. Why? Because I said so.  |
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Post by evie5 on Jul 24, 2007 6:29:48 GMT -5
In regards to the Hawaii trip, I'm sure it would be a lot more fun to bikini watch when you are with a friend of the same sex than if you are with a friend of the opposite sex.
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Post by Just visiting on Jul 24, 2007 9:13:54 GMT -5
In regards to the Hawaii trip, I'm sure it would be a lot more fun to bikini watch when you are with a friend of the same sex than if you are with a friend of the opposite sex. What is this Hawaii trip everyone is referring to? I have seen pictures of Apolo in Hawaii (last year?) Is the issue that he went with a male friend? Big deal. Was he seen making out with said male friend? More of a problem. Why do people see some gay tension in the Hawaii trip? |
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Post by claire522 on Jul 24, 2007 9:59:01 GMT -5
Well, doing some research, and not the kind I *wish* I could do Apolo is (1) right handed, and (2) the first-born son of his mother; so, he must be straight! It's proof enough for me. with the above as evidence, i will have to agree. yes, Apolo is straight!  |
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Post by Bella on Jul 24, 2007 10:21:08 GMT -5
Well, doing some research, and not the kind I *wish* I could do Apolo is (1) right handed, and (2) the first-born son of his mother; so, he must be straight! It's proof enough for me. (1) Dr. Kenneth Zucker of the University of Toronto has found that gay men and women are more likely to be left-handed than the general public at large. [According to] findings, reported in Psychology Today, lesbians have a 91 percent greater chance of being left-handed or ambidextrous than straight women, while gay men are 34 percent more likely than straight men to not be right-handed. (2) The latest theory of why gays are gay suggests that birth order influences male sexual orientation. According to new research by Anthony Bogaert, a psychologist at Brock University in Canada, gay men tend to have older brothers. Indeed, the more biological older brothers a man has, the greater his likelihood of being gay. This leads Bogaert to conclude that a man's sexual orientation is influenced by the conditions in his mother's womb when he was a foetus; with successive male children triggering changes in the mother's body that increase the chances that subsequent male children will be gay. This so-called fraternal gay birth effect creates a prenatal environment that fosters homosexuality in younger sons. This is bunk of the highest order. I'm sure you posted it to show how ridiculous it is. I loathe psychologists and the whole useless, money-grubbing field of psychology. Next they'll be selling us an anti-gay pill for those poor younger siblings. Pure bunk. Guest II, I heart you.  Evie, most intelligent observation about the Hawaii trip yet. Brilliant! Oh, and for those of you who don't have romantic fantasies about Apolo, you must be gay. *giggle* |
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Post by Lori on Jul 24, 2007 10:21:42 GMT -5
Just Visiting - the Hawaii trip was when he was there for the Victor Awards last year, and Dave went with him as one of his guests for the awards. Kimo and Jan went too. I agree - big deal. This was simply a small group of longtime friends who spent a few days in Hawaii in conjunction with several big events honoring Apolo... For those who don't know, Dave was brought in to the OTC years ago by coach Pat Wentland as a resident advisor in sports psychology for the ST team. He was still a student at the time and was close in age to the skaters. He had a hard time getting through to Apolo at first, but during the 1998-99 World Cup season, Apolo became a believer in his techniques. In his book he said "Dave was with me the whole way as a role model and mentor..." After he won the Junior World Championship he said "Total trust and respect. That's what I felt about Dave after the championship. From that competition forward I never again doubted his knowledge and advice and we became great friends..." BTW, Dave was the one who recommended the oft-mentioned 'bathtub meditations', lol! |
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Post by Just visiting on Jul 24, 2007 11:41:36 GMT -5
BTW, Dave was the one who recommended the oft-mentioned 'bathtub meditations', lol! Thanks for all the info ... and so sorry to be behind here, but what are the bathtub meditations???  |
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Post by Lindsey on Jul 24, 2007 11:43:52 GMT -5
Ack! I just spent almost my entire lunch break getting caught up on the boards, and this thread dominated my reading. I've never thought about Apolo being gay before, but I've certainly enjoyed/appreciated reading everyone's different perspectives on it!  Perhaps when I've had more time to mull this over, then I'll post my opinions... Some of you have come up with absolutely hilarious explanations. I adore them! ETA: I, too, can't recall what the "bathroom meditations" were about... Sounds...emm... interesting! |
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Post by elsa on Jul 24, 2007 12:24:47 GMT -5
Ack! I just spent almost my entire lunch break getting caught up on the boards, and this thread dominated my reading. I've never thought about Apolo being gay before, but I've certainly enjoyed/appreciated reading everyone's different perspectives on it! Perhaps when I've had more time to mull this over, then I'll post my opinions... Some of you have come up with absolutely hilarious explanations. I adore them! ETA: I, too, can't recall what the "bathroom meditations" were about... Sounds...emm... interesting! Just a quick note (rare for me), Amsterdam is like the San Francisco of Europe - it's called the Gay Capital of Europe. That's all I meant. Oh and Bella, I do believe homosexuality is an innate or inborn characteristic, either due to conditions in the uterus or heredity or something like that. Other studies suggest gay male brains are more "interconnected" like women's brains (the two halves of the female brain have more connections with each other - I think homosexual brains are sort of in the middle with more than hetero male brains but less than female? -- I'll have to look that up again...) I'm cool if you don't buy that - but I do, and I think there's at least some legitimate research that supports that theory. ETA: In his autobiography, Apolo says he had trouble accepting that meditation would help him - but he finally did - and he finds it easiest to meditate in the bathtub. I'll try to find the exact quote - I think he said he likes baths and he's calm there or something like that to explain why. |
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Post by epiphaniii on Jul 24, 2007 12:34:07 GMT -5
And why is it that if he's from Seattle he's gay? What have I missed here.. is Seattle the new San Francisco? I forgot that I wanted to ask this, too. I don't get it. My knowledge of Seattle is very limited -- Apolo, some well-known landmarks, lots of rain, Starbucks, Nirvana, Jimi Hendricks, Sanjaya. I never heard the "every male born there is automatically gay" thing. Is that a common stereotype on the west coast? Is that what Apolo meant in the USOC interview when he said he liked that Seattle had become more like San Francisco with the trendy neighborhoods? Or, when he said more recently that he missed the "rainbows" at home there? lol A local radio station here interviewed him twice when he was on DWTS & they are totally convinced he is gay. They can't fathom why he'd supposedly not be interested in someone as beautiful as Julianne...epsecially when they grilled him after her broken engagement and he still denied it. This just drives me nuts about the press (and some fans). Let me hop on the "Apolo absolutely has to be straight because any good-looking guy so many women desire has to be" bandwagon for a moment and say this: This is a guy who... * wrote in his autobiography that one of the reasons he felt so uncomfortable when he was sent to live at the training center in a predominately white town in upstate New York was that there was "no diversity." That since he had grown up around "Blacks, Latinos and Asians," and only saw himself as Asian (despite being half-white) he was bored, felt out of place, etc. Later in the book he says that while he was there, there was no chance of him finding someone to "date." * When asked to pick five female celebs he found attractive, picked Halle Berry, Jessica Alba and Shakira, and refused to add two more to the list. * Supposedly (hearsay from a poster on OZ) was asked in an older interview about his opinion on several blonde starlets and said "oh no!" about each one of them. * If we believe the limited info we've been fed about his dating history, seems to gravitate toward women more mature than himself, either in age or mindset. * Repeatedly says his favorite types of music are hip hop, R&B and (more recently) jazz. * Allegedly told an acquaintance that Julianne was not his "type" and that he was "taken." Add all of that up and is it really so hard to imagine that he might not fall head-over-heels in love with his blue-eyed, blonde, country-music-singing, teenaged dancing partner, simply because he was paired with her on a reality show? She's a cute, personable girl, but gee whiz! The only reason any man would not fall in love with (or merely just want to sleep with) Julianne is because he's gay? If that is the case, somebody needs to hide the poor girl away under lock and key somewhere. How can she walk down a street, what with all the straight men falling at her feet and blocking her path, while pushing their girlfriends and wives into traffic to clamor over her? How is she supposed to get through each day if every man in the world she encounters is predisposed to chase her over the millions of other women from which they have to choose? It's really ridiculous. |
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Post by elsa on Jul 24, 2007 12:38:31 GMT -5
epiphanii -- I din't know he'd told someone he was "taken"! Ooooo, I love juicy little tidbits like that. And I'll leave it there (for the time being). But thanks for the details! I love 'em. |
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Post by daisymomma on Jul 24, 2007 12:46:06 GMT -5
I hate to bring this up since I have before but is it possible he is still with Allison and they are just keeping it very low key and on the down low so no one finds out.
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Post by elsa on Jul 24, 2007 12:50:48 GMT -5
Apolo on meditation (from his autobiography, pp. 70-71):
Dave [Creswell] suggested I start meditating by simply focusing on my breath passively going in and out of my body. If my attention started to drift, I would come back to my breath each time. In the beginning, I drifted a lot. It's really difficult not to think about everything you need to get done: telephone calls, conversations, competitions, skate maintenance, friends, food, etc. Within a few month Dave had me practicing my centering exercises in the bathtub. I like baths so it's a place I'm relaxed anyway, and concentration and distraction control exercises were easier alone, in a calming environment. I didn't focus on how well I wanted to do during competitions or what the other skaters' strengths and weaknesses were. Those early exercises weren't about winning or losing and that made them a valuable tool -- something I could build upon in other domains.
In skating, lactic acid buildup, pain, and chronic fatigue are major components, so learning how to relax in the middle of those things is key. Dave taught me how to take the exercises I'd been doing and transfer them to practice, then travel. Finally I used them in the heat box (where skaters wait for their event and everyone is watching each other, the races, and who is moving up to the semis or finals), and on the ice. Every single skill Dave taught me came into play during the 1998-1999 World Cup season.
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~Lori
