Stephen Gately recently passed away over the weekend (see Telegraph – Stephen Gately Boyzone Star Dies Suddenly on Holiday). As well as being a talented musician he also did a lot for gay people after coming out in 1999. For example in their recent video “Better” he had a male partner see:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=2Hc0uHs1X9s
When he came out, he came out saying he was gay and in love, normalising gay relationships as loving ones that are about more than sex.
So Rest In Peace Stephen. My love and hugs to his partner Andrew, it must be horrible to loose your partner in this way. So final.
Antony
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Already I’m seeing in the news various reports as to the cause of is passing. I don’t care. I don’t want to see his life be tarnished due to the speculative manner of his death.
I choose to remember Stephen as a beautiful man who did a lot for the people around him, from Louie Walsh, Sir Elton, the other members of Boyzone, to his partner Andrew, not to mention the GLBT community at large.
He has left behind a shining legacy of hope, love and optimism. I will miss him terribly.
It was a shock to hear of his death; I mean I’m 32 myself! But I think the media reporting has bee nsomewhat mature and restained which is rather good. In many ways I think that is due to the late Mr Gately being universally liked. A sad story. I hope he, and his family, will be left in peace.
I agree with you both. A sad story of which I don’t want to know the details or hear the speculation.
Hugs,
A x x
Great tribute. Stephen will be a huge loss. The band were planning on recording a new album next year, and Stephen had planned to do more theatre. RIP.
Here’s my own tribute to Stephen:
http://swearimnotpaul.blogspot.com/2009/10/tribute-stephen-gately-1976-2009.html