Ricky Martin asks you to show your hand

We're not entirely sure why he suddenly woke up and issued the statement - what the context was or, indeed, if there was any context at all - but Ricky Martin wants gays to come out:

The singer, who has often been the subject of gossip linked to his sexuality, has applauded Mexican pin-up CHRISTIAN CHAVEZ for 'coming out of the closet' recently - and insists all gay stars should feel good about telling fans the truth.

He says, "Life is too short to live closed up, guarding what you say."

Unless, of course, you live in a nation where homophobia is rife and hate murder commonplace, in which case life is too short unless you live closed up, guarding what you say.

Christian comes out

This is Christian Chavez, one-sixth of RBD, who has become (apparently) the first out Mexican celebrity - although it's not entirely clear if he's outed himself or been outed. His public statement was released because pictures of his Canadian wedding had circulated, but surely you can't simultaneously affirm your love in public and be in the closet, can you?

"Certain photographs were released that show a part of me, a part that I was not prepared to speak of in fear of rejection, of criticism," he said in a statement on the group's website. "I don't want to keep on lying and lie to myself because of fear."

Oh. Apparently he hoped to.