Ricky Martin confirms he's gay

Ricky Martin is no longer denying the rumours: He's gay.

In a declaration posted via Twitter in both Spanish and English, Martin said: "I am proud to say that I am a lucky homosexual man. I am very sanctified to be who I am."

For many, the declaration will come as no surprise - the Livin' La Vida Loca singer's sexuality has been speculated about for years.

But the Puerto Rican star, who got his start as a child in the teen group Menudo, never directly addressed it and was usually seen at events with beautiful women on his arm.

Martin, 38, said he decided to reveal the truth after working on his memoirs helped him realise that he had to be free with himself, and not keep any more secrets.

"From the moment I wrote the first phrase I was sure the book was the tool that was going to help me free myself from things I was carrying within me for a long time. Things that were too heavy for me to keep inside," he said.

"Writing this account of my life, I got very close to my truth. And this is something worth celebrating."

Martin said one of the reasons why he kept his homosexuality hidden was because he was told by some that it would hurt his career.

While his US career peaked after the release of his 1999 self-titled English album, a multiplatinum success that included the hits Livin' La Vida Loca and Shake Your Bon-Bon, he is still a hugely successful Latin artist.

"Because all this advice came from people who I love dearly, I decided to move on with my life not sharing with the world my entire truth," he said in his statement.

"Allowing myself to be seduced by fear and insecurity became a self-fulfilling prophecy of sabotage. Today I take full responsibility for my decisions and my actions."

Martin, who is the father of two boys born via surrogate in 2008, said he couldn't continue to hide his sexuality now that he is a father: "Enough is enough. This has to change."

Martin's book is still a work in progress.

source:stuff.co.nz

Sania Mirza to Wed Shoaib Malik in April

Indian tennis star Sania Mirza is all set to tie the knot with Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik in April, two months after she broke her engagement with childhood friend Sohrab Mirza.

Confirming the news, Malik wrote in his Twitter page, "Thanks for all your support. And the news of me marrying to Sania is true. "

"I fully recognize what it takes to be a global sports person and I will support Sania in her career as long as she wishes to play," he said.

"Representing India at the 2012 Olympics is very important for her and I will be the proudest husband if she can win a medal for her country," he added.

A statement by Sania's father Imran Mirza also stated that 23-year-old Sania and the 28-year-old all-rounder will be based in Dubai, where Malik is a resident.

"This is a unique case where the husband and wife will represent their respective countries in sport," said Mirza in Hyderabad.

"My wedding, inshallah, is going to be the biggest day of my life. I have been in the constant glare for too long and would appreciate privacy at this very personal moment in my life," Sania was quoted as having said in a statement.

"I hope to be fully fit to represent India in the Commonwealth and Asian Games that are scheduled for later this year," she said.

before I forget, Shoaib was earlier accused of marrying another Hyderabad girl, Ayesha Siddiqui, in 2002 over phone even though the cricketer said he was simply engaged to her.

Ayesha's father had also endangered to sue Malik reproving him of ditching the girl.

Malik's brother-in-law Imran Z Malik said the marriage proposal was taken by the cricketer's mother to India.

He said the entire family will leave for India on April 7 and formal nikaah ceremony would take place on April 10 or 11.

Pakistani media reports said Sania and Malik fell in love six-and-half months back and it could be the reason for the breaking up of Sania's engagement with Sohrab.

source:news.outlookindia.com