Pretty much every time I’ve written about Matt Bomer, even in passing, in a post about another celebrity, I’ve mentioned that he’s gay. I’ve mentioned it because I always thought that it was worth saying, because there was some misinformation about him, and because Bomer lived in “the glass closet.” He never lied about being gay, and before White Collar, he was an openly gay actor. Once he got White Collar, something happened and suddenly Bomer didn’t answer any questions about his sexuality or his personal life. Throughout it all, though, everyone and anyone paying the slightest bit of attention knew that he had a long-time partner, Simon Halls, and that they have three children together.
I’m bringing up this back story because, as I’m sure you’ve seen by now, every media outlet is running “Matt Bomer comes out of the closet!” stories. For why? Because Bomer finally said something publicly about his partner and his kids:
Matt Bomer has dodged rumors about his sexual orientation for years, but on Saturday, the White Collar star came out publicly at the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards. The 34-year-old was honored with the New Generation Arts and Activism Award for his work in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“I’d really especially like to thank my beautiful family: Simon, Kit, Walker, Henry,” Bomer told the crowd. “Thank you for teaching me what unconditional love is. You will always be my proudest accomplishment.”
Bomer’s partner is Slate PR publicist Simon Halls, who represents Glee co-creator Ryan Murphy and How I Met Your Mother star Neil Patrick Harris.
In January 2010, Details magazine asked Bomer if he paid attention to rumors regarding his sexual orientation. “I don’t care about that at all,” he responded. “I’m completely happy and fulfilled in my personal life.”
“I have a network and a show riding on my shoulders. I would say a big difference between my character and me is that I can be too trusting. And I’ve realized in this business, that’s not necessarily the smartest thing to be,” Bomer added. “I definitely have a thing or two to learn from the con artists.”
Bomer will next appear opposite Mark Ruffalo and Alec Baldwin in Larry Kramer’s upcoming HIV/AIDS drama The Normal Heart. He is also part of the male stripper movie Magic Mike, costarring Channing Tatum and Alex Pettyfer.
[From Us Weekly]
See, my problem is that I just don’t think this should be considered “coming out of the closet.” Nor do I feel that Bomer “dodged rumors” about his sexuality. EVERYBODY KNEW. All of the editors at all of the media outlets reporting this story KNEW he was gay, and they had likely dealt with his publicist/partner too. Bomer didn’t hide it. He just never answered questions about it before. He’s not answering questions about it now, either.
Anyway, even though White Collar producers and the USA network might be panicking right now, I hope they stand by Bomer and realize that fans of the show will stick with it. It’s like the Neil Patrick Harris situation – NPH is beloved because he’s so talented, and his talent erases a lot of preconceived bigotry fans might have. Bomer will be the same – people love him, he’s an underrated actor, he’s beautiful, he’s got a great singing voice, and he’s always going to find work.
Photos courtesy of WENN.
I can’t even imagine how painful it must be to not feel able to be completely honest.
It’s not just about s€x. It means that you can’t talk about anything to do with your life, lest anyone realise anything about your life.
So, I’m delighted for him. Even if “everyone knew” it, he probably got sick of having to check himself all the time.
Right, I can’t imagine hiding all the time. I know he must be doing a sigh of relief.
He will be just fine:-) side note he is an absolutely beautiful man. Bless him and his family (and your family too).
God, who cares if hes gay? Im glad its all out in the open. Now i can openly drool on him and ky husband wont get jealous, lol. If only Christian Bale were gay, too. Lol
I began watching white collar knowing he was gay and did not affect me in any way. he’s so beautiful and i buy him as the straight neal caffrey, and frankly i think he’s so talented (and beautiful) that sometimes i forget there’s a matt bomer in real life and just a beautiful neal caffrey…have i mentioned how beautiful he is btw?
Started watching because I saw him on the cover of Raindow Boys(a book by Alex Sanchez) he’s awesome
I honestly shed a few tears over this. Like…I KNEW he was gay and that I never had a chance, but he’s so damn pretty. The husband said, “WTF IS YOUR DEAL? YOU’VE SAID IT SINCE THE FIRST F*CKING EPISODE OF WHITE COLLAR” (and yes, he did use caps lock in his voice), and I did, but damn, it makes it so much harder when they admit it. I’m sure his family and his partner especially are pretty pleased 🙂 I know I’ll watch White Collar until the day it ends.
Why? A gay man can’t be sexy?
Who cares! I love you, Samigirl:)
I just don’t get how being gay has anything to do with being or not being sexy.
We got some amazingly sexy gay guys on tour with us. Does not take away from the hotness at all. It’s not like they are going home with me, anyway.
How does it make it harder? He is still hot as hell. Like someone else said it just makes your husband/boyfriend less jealous to lust after him. I’d still hit it.
I didn’t say that because he was gay he couldn’t be sexy…I said nothing about that. However, my “sadness” has everything to do with him being sexy, haha. It means he will never ever ever ever want me. Ya know, because I may bump into him at Target. He’ll see the rambunctious 4 year old, the big pregnant belly, no makeup, unwashed hair in a bun…and go, oh man, I want that that 😛
I have more gay friends than I have straight friends. I’m a TOTAL fruit fly. The “makes it harder” comment is just a joke. Because, like so many people have and do point out, the pretty ones always are.
However, I did cry at this, but not because of he was gay. The tears were hormone fueled at the ugly comments from HuffPo. “I won’t be watching this show anymore” and “Another fag in Hollywood,” were just a few. It really hurt my heart for him. I look forward to the day when a celeb “coming out” is no longer “news.”
He’s gorgeous and famous, even if he was straight you never stood a chance.
Damn. I guess you took the “bitchy” part of this website’s name to heart.
I’m happily married mother of one, and one on the way, from Louisiana…do you REALLY think that I thought that we were going to hook up? Seriously? If so, you’re not only a bitch, you’re an idiot.
uncalled for! first of all, read what she wrote, she’s not saying he’s not sexy because he’s gay. secondly, regardless of what her opinion is, what you said made no critique of her argument, you just made an unjustified dig.
What’s with the bitch fest in here towards other posters lately?
I wanted Samigirl to clarify because I didn’t get the gist of her post. You are downright mean. So sick of that around here!
That’s sad anyone would write such hate filled stuff about him. Are some of still that backwards? Sigh.
@someone, thank you for defending me. @OT, you didn’t offend me at all, sister.
Adele on the other hand…what she said WAS uncalled for. However, I just rolled my eyes over it and made a bitchy comment back. I’m good at those 😉
” Seriously? If so, you’re not only a bitch, you’re an idiot.”
samigirl… I think I love you.
I kinda love that us regular long time posters stick up for each other. 🙂
You know, those of us who prize the intelligent discussion and wit of the general population on the site, compared to some of the twits that have made a stink in here lately. You know who you all are.
Troll on!
@Adele, somewhere on your computer is an off button. Get to know it.
@Samigirl, I totally got it and thought it was funny. 🙂
Samigirl..I always love your posts. At the very least he would definitely rub your belly, being a family man and all.
Your post made me laugh out loud! I feel that way too…bun, sweats, etc….some find that very attractive! 😉
I doubt USA is panicking. If the network cared about him being gay they wouldn’t have hired him or cancelled the show since Matt wasn’t hiding it. I don’t think people living in a “glass closet” are hiding anything just don’t feel they have to make an announcement. Heterosexuals don’t release a press release so why should homosexuals? Also for the “who cares” comments, clearly the media do people they feel they need to do stories about gay celebrities.
Yep would hit that all day if i could. How does him being gay “make it harder”? I have no chance with him whether he is gay or not. But damn hes great to look at. **sigh**. Now i can tease my husband about having a mqn crush too, lol. We both lust after him!
I think it only makes a difference in regards to massive idolation, sort of like how the Beatles had to hide their girlfriends because it ruined the fantasy.
I do wonder why more straight males don’t go into acting.
I don’t even know tho this guy is… but I’m glad he’s happy with his personal life, whatever it may entail.
It’s worth your while researching about him for like 3 mins, since you made the effort to comment.
He’s a fascinating story because as much NPH is loved, Bomer is the ONLY hot leading man who is out in Hollywood right now.
He isn’t the only gay one, but is the only out one.
He does his own stunts. Played high school football, plus on interviews is a bit of one of the guys.
NPH plays Barney but is nothing like Barney in real life except for the snidey humour.
Lastly, he’s going to be pretty huge this year. He’s in Magic Mike with Tatum and Matthew Mc..plus he has a starring role in The Normal Heart playing Mark Ruffalo’s boyfriend.
I could go on but like I said, if you have an interest in the dynamics and complexity of Hollywood, his story is ground breaking.
why gay-families always seem to have boys? Twin-boys, triplet boys or whatever. When they turn to surrogate for help they say “no damn girls, please?”. Are they trying to implement “world without women” idea? That’s kind of bigotry.
You know that you can’t do “gender-selection” of embryos in the U.S. right? I don’t think they forced their “surrogate” to tell God to give her only boys. Who knows maybe the adopted. I know gay families that have both boys and girls so where are you getting this conspiracy theory from? I can see why all boys might be a little easier though, without a woman as a primary care person it’s harder to know how to raise a daughter.
It’s just as bad as many of my straight female friends a) praying for a little girl b) eating certain stuff to get a little girl c) obsessing about a little girl so much so that the son feels inadequate and d) actually having tests so they can have a little girl.
There’s a much clearer honesty in how gay men have families. Not sure about lesbians to be honest.
FYI Sean Maher has a girl. So does NPH.
What examples apart from Bomer can you legit give?
Ricky Martin. 2 beautiful boys.
http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/131/351/eb6.jpg?1307463786
Anyway, I’m going to assume “Kit” is a daughter.
I saw a picture of Matt Bomer and his kids (hot dad alert!). Looks like three, cute, little boys. For some reason I thought those were Simon Halls’ kids, from before he met Matt Bomer? Maybe I’m wrong. In any case, I’m willing to bet Matt Bomer is a wonderful, devoted father.
Hm. What an odd name choice for a boy.
Look up “Kit Carson,” a famous name in American history. Kit Carson’s full first name was Christopher.
Ah–Now I always think of it as a diminuative of Katherine. Interesting.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a127/Unfamousl/estess.jpg
The boy’s real name is Christopher. Simon Halls and his friend, Jenifer Estess (who died from ALS several years ago) called each other ‘Kitty’. Christopher was probably given the nickname of ‘Kit’ in her honor.
I am pretty sure one of Jodie Foster’s boys is named Kit too.
God the man is beautiful. I would still do him any day no matter his sexual orientation. 🙂 He was never in the closet, he just chose not to talk about his personal life. It’s his right just like straight people who don’t want their personal life to over ride their career news. I bet he won’t talk any more about his personal life than he did before.
He is just so lovely. Truly one of the most naturally handsome men I have ever had the pleasure to eye f**k. I thought it was common knowledge about his life partner and kids, too. Simon is a lucky, lucky man. I can’t wait to see Matt in Magic Mike, doing a strip and grind. Yummy!
I thought this was Henry Cavill. Nearly died.
Ha,ha Cavill is so not straight.
Datalounge have some images of him partying with his WEHO boys back in the early 00’s. Skinny, fey little thing.
Now. I wouldn’t recognise him from the English lad I used to watch on my TV back in the days in England!
Then he’s a damned fine actor. He gave some almost porn scenes showing heat in The Tudors!
There is actually a thread on this site where a service thought Henry Cavill was Matt Bomer. They are both beautiful men, definitely.
Yeah, I think everybody knew already, so I don’t think the media needs to make a bid deal out of it.
I quit watching White Collar last year, but I’m still a fan of his. He’s really good on that show, and very, very nice to look at.
gay or not, hes effin hot! lol
Who cares!?!? I love that show and I knew he was gay before it premiered but I still get hot for the dude. Just another hottie I will never have but can masterbate to.
I know right? It’s like who’s next to “come out”…Anderson? Jim Parsons?
Anyway, do you have like a video of him singing or something? Because he’s going to be on Glee and I wonder what he sounds like.
You can find videos on YouTube of him singing. He sings really good. 🙂
Where’s a pic of Simon?
Some of the posters at Queerty have super sleuth skills:
http://tinyurl.com/6oe684u
:19 seconds in
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjfLbXnf1Ro
1:45 seconds in
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWene6T3834
He’s not exactly the most good-looking, but he’s definitely got that je ne sais quois look about him.
Matt is one of the most beautiful guys around. He is a great male lead. I watch white collar only for him. I can’t wait to see him in more movies. This guy is a great actor. Good for him and his family.
he is SO beautiful. Lucky Simon!
His so pretty, I want to pet him like a cat.
Bring on the stripper movie!!!
He is a beautiful man and pretty talented actor but he is boring as hell. There is nothing interesting about him. So maybe his “coming out” will make him more edgy.
This def the best blog article about MB. Thanks for being reasoned and not mad like all the gay blogs, After Elton and Queerty, who relentless belittle him.
It is TMI to say that many of fantasys have included fun times with NPH and that guy who used to play Principal Calvin Krups from Popular? I know he was on Queer as Folk but I never watched that show.
Can you go to hell for having hot sexy naughty dreams? LMAO. I told my hubby one time about those dreams and he was like, “You little freak!”
Who didn’t know Matt Bomer is gay. Don’t get me wrong he’s great actor, and it’s not like you can tell by his mannerisms because not all gay people are fem for crying out loud. It’s just that he’s so damn pretty and well manicured, you have to assume that he is.
But he does have an effeminate stride sometimes. It’s very noticeable when he and Tim DeKay are walking together. Either Matt is just very graceful or Tim has the stride of a surly caveman.
He also has this particular posture that- if you weren’t sure before – would undoubtedly set off your gaydar. I can’t explain it properly – but sometimes when he’s just standing and leaning his weight on one side, his hip is jutting out. It’s quite a feminine pose.
I find it a bit sad that I’m all over this article 🙁
It’s called acting. It’s called being Neal Caffery.
Sigh. Watch him on Traveler or In Time and he does not have that swag stride.
Also, watch him play football or walk in real life, he’s actually quite thick set.
Saying that, because I’ve known him before WC, I have to say I was shocked by how pretty and fey he was acting, cause he sure never used to dress like that, walk like that or look that pretty. Gorgeous yes, but not pretty.
The best example I can give you is to look of candid pics of MB. He’s the least pretty, fey man you’ll ever see. Always with a scruffy beard, a cap and trainers.
You do have a point. I’ve watched some YT videos of his when he was in Guiding Light and he wasn’t like that. Still, the way he moves sometimes -probably subconscious on his part- strikes me a bit odd.
I have to disagree with the last part of your comment though. He still looks great even if he’s in casual wear. I’d definitely do a double take if I pass him by on the street!
He has a dancer’s stride to be honest, he doesn’t do that clunky boy shuffle that most men don’t grow out of even if they should. He’s just coordinated if you ask me, I see it more like he just knows how to move his body.
GoodCapon,
Well he did dance at Carnegie Mellon, which may be where his gracefulness comes from. And in Guiding Light…he was like that but watch him in Traveler or Texas Chainsaw Massacre…it’s not feminine at all.
Either way he’s a natural dancer and very graceful, so even when he plays football or is roughing, he does it with grace.
There is this image of his at Paley Fest where his eyes are ice cold cutting blue grey, his jaw is sliced and his hair dark wavy brown. He is not staring into the camera but caught off looking to the side.
I still have not seen anyone so physically beautiful of all Hollywood actors. And it was a bit much to be honest…
Oh this is such a timely post Kaiser! I’ve been obsessing over White Collar these past few days. It’s not a great show but damn, I’m willing to stick through it because Matt is so hot!
To his credit, he doesn’t pretend that he’s straight. As far as I know he doesn’t have a string of beards and he doesn’t do PR relationships with other celebrities to hide his sexuality. He just doesn’t want to talk about Simon (he gushes about the kids but when it comes to Simon he clams up shut) but I don’t see anything wrong with that.
They both look happy and in love with each other. Good luck to them both!
I hate to show my obsession with him..well slight, I’m not fabgurl status but you can tell he’s also talking about the hubby when he speaks of his kids or family.
Especially as they wouldn’t hear that speech plus he said ‘you’ instead of ‘you all’. I’m sure that isn’t the right English and fans of Matt all know what a walking dictionary this dude is! Very, very articulate.
I already knew he was gay. As that wasn’t the only thing standing between us, it’s not really an issue. ;). He’s absolutely beautiful and he has chemistry with everyone he acts with.
Gay? Apparently I have been in a closet because that is news to me! Damn, lost another to the other team…oh well still hot to look at. Yummo!
I always had a feeling he was gay, he’s just too perfect and the fact that he has 3 kids, and seems like a nice guy, well, that’s just unusual behavior for a straight man lol. And then I read here that he really is, that doesn’t make me love the show any less, just admire him more. More power to him! Great post!
I really think straight women have this WEIRD perception of gay men!! They are men. Just like all other men! Just cause your gay friend was sweet and sensitive….doesn’t mean he wasn’t an ass to others.
But it does make me laugh because so far, I am yet to me this sweet, sensitive gay man!
And with all the projecting on Bomer..please. The guy says he was a nightmare at school, played high school football and like to play the guitar. Apparently the only thing he watches is football.
So I think it’s so funny that straight women think he will want to go shopping with him just because he likes to sleep with men.
Lol.
I find it really irritating that gay celebrities are expected to be open books when it comes to their personal lives. Straight celebrities get to carefully dodge questions about their relationships all of the time, so why should it be any different for this guy or anyone else? It seems like he was more interested in privacy than trying to hide anything out of shame or for the sake of PR.
On another note, he has the most beautiful eye colour!
amen – straight celebrities are doing so freaky crap behind closed doors, and get a free pass, and poor gay celebrities not only have to be open books about their sexuality, they have to conform to some sort of mr and mrs beaver cleaver domesticated “tame” standard so as not to freak homophobes out further. It’s so prejudiced.
I’ve never understood why it matters if heart-throbs are gay.
Matt Bomer is gay. The likelihood of him showing up right now on my doorstep and saying, “Katija, I need to make love to you this very second” is incredibly low.
Brad Pitt is straight. Regardless, the likelihood of him showing up right now on my doorstep and saying, “Katija, I need to make love to you this very second”… also very low.
So, yeah… since I probably had just as much of a shot with gay Matt Bomer as I did with any straight famous hottie… doesn’t really affect me one bit.
Its the fantasy. I can’t have naughty dreams about Bomer…although he is great and all, just can’t cross that line.
he won’t be getting into my bed any faster if he was hetero, so I could give two shits. lol All I know is that he probably the most gorgeous boy on the planet, is talented up the yin yang, and can dance like one sexy mofo. And he’s a hot daddy-god, give him a cape already, call him superman and be done with it!
Fellow gay here. Back in the day when I was acting, I was never once cast as a gay character. I don’t read gay in overall appearance. Now get me started and rolling my eyes and a hand fly to my hip, then suddenly I am gay and I really could give shit who knows. It’s called acting, there are shit tons of gay men and women, who are not out that the masses swoon over. I am always happy when another name actor chooses to acknowledge that part of their life publicly. Good for him!
The looney’s on data lounge will be pleased.
Damn she said thinking only of herself. I can still enjoy the view.
And we care why? I think its naive & narcassistic for actors to assume anyone cares what their sexuality is gay, straight, bi, whatever- who cares. Just act for goodness sakes.
I did not know he was gay. Doesn’t matter I watch to support tiffany theisen.
I did not know he was gay. Does not matter, I only watch to support tiffany theisen
Already knew it. Matt and Simon have beautiful kids.
Good for him! I hope he has a long & happy career. He deserves it.