For the record, I’m not an Idol fan and I’ve never watched X Factor, which I know puts me in some minority, but that is the way it is. However, in the few brief instances when I have seen Cowell, I’m as guilty as the next person at wondering if he were gay.

The “American Idol” and “X Factor” personality denounced the ever-persistent rumors about his sexuality in a new biography, but also specified that he’d have no shame if they were true, according to the British tabloid The Sun.

As Cowell told author Tom Bower, “If I was gay, why wouldn’t I admit it? It wouldn’t harm me, and my mother wouldn’t freak out.”

But I also choose to take a person at their word, especially when, as they put it, remaining in the closet serves them no purpose. If any big star could come out, it would be Simon Cowell.

Why is it then, that gay rumors have followed him? For some male heart throbs (and I’m sorry, but I don’t count Cowell as a heart throb) the gay rumors are persistent longings by gay male fans- a fantasy that they don’t want to let go; for others it isn’t so clear. Like Hugh Jackman. Why are some guys “tagged” as potential gays, and it sticks?

I think a part of it is this pervasive sense of homophobia (although perhaps a less virulent strain) that permeates our culture and judges people by stereotypic standards of “maleness.” In Cowell’s case, he is just a little bit… well, less that butch. You know what I mean? Or, it may not be just a matter of maleness, but the fact that some men who are “male” enough, refuse to follow some expected standard (stereotypic) of behavior.

Even more interesting than the facts that gay rumors follow some people, is the fact that some folks who are closeted, can protect that closet so well. Why is it that media will perpetuate the “is he gay rumors about some folks and turn a blind eye towards others?

via Simon Cowell Slams Gay Rumors: Former ‘American Idol’ Judge Reveals All In New Biography.