By Jessica Roiz
Ricky Martin invited his fans to pause and reflect in a heartfelt social media post on Pride Day (June 28) that showed his most vulnerable side. Along with the caption, Martin shared a set of photos of himself wearing all black, silver jewelry, and vibrant acrylic nails of different prints and colors.
“A week ago I shared photos with my husband [Jwan Yosef] as part of a special issue of ‘CAP 74024’ magazine. For the two of us, it was a beautiful experience and a way to celebrate our pride,” Martin expressed.
“What I didn’t expect, especially after all the work that has been done for so many years, is that a large number of people decided to stop following us or comment in a derogatory way,” he added.
He explained that it wasn’t the number of followers that worried him, but rather, compared the situation to the “same feeling that I had years ago before sharing publicly about my sexual orientation.” He said the feeling paralyzed him, tormented him, and wouldn’t allow him to be himself.
Since publicly coming out as a “fortunate homosexual man” in 2010, the Puerto Rican singer noted that today, on the contrary, he feels stronger and motivated to continue being a voice for all those people who suffer due to prejudice, lack of acceptance, and lack of education.
“Today I see the photos and what I feel is full peace of being able to celebrate my family as they deserve, in style. To celebrate me as I am, regardless of what they will say,” he wrote.
He continued: “The most I wish in this life is that we can all feel free, proud of ourselves, happy, loved, respected, and accepted. That we can express ourselves how we are born without retaliation or being punished.”
Martin wrapped up his open letter by reminding everyone who feels lost or unappreciated that there’s a great community that will receive them with arms wide open.
“You’re worth a lot, don’t forget that please,” he concluded.
