[boddism]

Ive read a lot of threads on DS re: the idea that "bearding" is going on, esp in the film business.

Of course I know it has gone on in the past (Rock Hudson a famous case) and perhaps it is still going on in Hollywood ( members of a weird religion spring to mind), but when everyone and their dog is accused of either bearding or having beards (of either sex) (and the rumours on here are pretty legion it has to be said)... I start to think we're tipping into conspiracy theory territory.

I dont work in the business, but I know a few (non famous) actors and Ive NEVER heard of bearding stories from them about people they've known, or even heard gossip from any of them about other people they'veheard about being or having beards.(And the acting community is pretty small all in all). In fact Ive never heard any bearding stories as gossip from ANYONE in real life, but Ive read plenty on here.(Ive heard other gossip that has turned out to be true)

I wonder if people are getting a bit obsessed??

[zx50]

You think there won't be film stars who'll want a woman/man by their side to hide the fact that they're gay? I'd say it definitely happens. I'd also say the woman/man will get paid as well, obviously.

[boddism]

... Im not saying it NEVER happens, just that we're seeming to see it everywhere.

Apparently half of pop stars are bearding, as well as sportsmen. Is this really that prevelant in Britain, a socially liberal country in the 21st century.

Naming no names but bearding stories were surrounding a young singer in recent months, but by more recent headlines, he seems pretty heterosexual to me.

[jackbell]

Who were the 'beards' over the years - Kelly Preston (John Travolta), Renate Blauel (Elton), Phyllis Gates (Rock Hudson) . Who else?

[Tulip19]

Originally Posted by boddism

... Im not saying it NEVER happens, just that we're seeming to see it everywhere.

Apparently half of pop stars are bearding, as well as sportsmen. Is this really that prevelant in Britain, a socially liberal country in the 21st century.

Naming no names but bearding stories were surrounding a young singer in recent months, but by more recent headlines, he seems pretty heterosexual to me.

1. People totally overlook bisexuality

2. The Cruise and Travolta rumours pre-date the fashion for labelling everything as bearding.

I don't know where I'm going with this

[zx50]

Originally Posted by Tulip19

1. People totally overlook bisexuality

2. The Cruise and Travolta rumours pre-date the fashion for labelling everything as bearding.

I don't know where I'm going with this

Yep. They might very well be bisexual. They might not want it coming out though, that they're 'interested' in the same sex as well.

[boddism]

Yes, I think bisexuality counts for much of it.

In more artsy circles definitions of sexuality are very fluid anyway

I find it hard to believe in 21st centrury Britain, where homosexuality/lesbianism is very socailly accepted, that half of showbiz/sportsmen are secretly gay and paying women to cover it up.

Surely if that were the case it'd be more publicly known??

[Tulip19]

Originally Posted by boddism

Yes, I think bisexuality counts for much of it.

In more artsy circles definitions of sexuality are very fluid anyway

I find it hard to believe in 21st centrury Britain, where homosexuality/lesbianism is very socailly accepted, that half of showbiz/sportsmen are secretly gay and paying women to cover it up.

Surely if that were the case it'd be more publicly known??

They're arguably not doing it because being gay is unacceptable, but because they want to exploit whatever angle will sell the best.

I do think DS probably overestimates the number of people engaged in these kinds of shenanigans though

[Beautiful_Harv]

Originally Posted by jackbell

Who were the 'beards' over the years - Kelly Preston (John Travolta), Renate Blauel (Elton), Phyllis Gates (Rock Hudson) . Who else?

mezhgan hussainy

[j0anne]

what the heck is bearding....

[j0anne]

OHHH i think i figured it out... i saw a advert for NU Nu not relevant now but what i thought when i first saw bearding

[Keyser Soze]

It has happened in the past (Rock Hudson etc etc.), but if it's still going on in this day and age I think it's a terrible shame.

People who had to hide their sexuality when attitudes (and the law) were different is one thing; people hiding it now because they put box office success above who they really are is sad.

[picklesandginge]

I think it's very sad but definitely still happens. The argument for it is that people won't be able to believe in the actor, for example as a love interest or action star, if they were gay, and so they're told by the studios/pr etc not to come out.

In terms of sports, I think the amount of abuse footballers for example would get would be horrific, and not worth it to many.

It's very unfortunate but a small percentage of celebrities are homosexual but have to hide it as a necessary to their careers.

[RealityRocks]

George Michael rang the gaydar, but was always 'straight' in his WHAM! days. He didn't come out officially until he was caught in a loo looking for special friends. I'm pretty sure he was 'linked' to some 80s stars, sort of pre bearding if you will.

Michael Barrymore is, I think, bisexual rather than gay - there was a report he was now dating a woman, after living with a man for many years? Either way I think this was kept quiet during his primetime fame era due to the damage it was thought it would have done (not that I think anyone would have given a monkey's).

No-one really cares if anyone's gay, do they? And it's their problem if they do. I think the problem these days is Scientology. I don't believe it as a religion, I don't respect it as a religion, I think that high profile gay or bisexual actors are terrified to come out because of the power the religion holds - not just regards their orientation but their power in general to screw up people's lives.

[dee123]

Originally Posted by zx50

You think there won't be film stars who'll want a woman/man by their side to hide the fact that they're gay? I'd say it definitely happens. I'd also say the woman/man will get paid as well, obviously.

Exactly. It's been happening since before films had colour.

[muddipaws]

Originally Posted by j0anne

what the heck is bearding....

Yes what is it?

[Domestiques]

a beard is a partner taken by a man or woman to disguise their true sexuality. a gay man might be seen with, or even married to a woman, this is his beard.

[bookaddict]

Originally Posted by boddism

Yes, I think bisexuality counts for much of it.

In more artsy circles definitions of sexuality are very fluid anyway

I find it hard to believe in 21st centrury Britain, where homosexuality/lesbianism is very socailly accepted, that half of showbiz/sportsmen are secretly gay and paying women to cover it up.

Surely if that were the case it'd be more publicly known??

I also think that a lot of people who are rumoured to be gay, are more likely to be bisexual.

As for homosexuality being socially accepted - well, certainly it is in comparison to the past. Sadly, I still think we are a long long way from it being accepted fully. I still hear some shocking and disgusting views from people about homosexuality.

I've no doubt that some of the rumours of people having beards are false. I definitely believe some of them are true. Not that I care. All an actor/sportsman/singer owes me is a good performance in their chosen career, as far as I'm concerned.

[Tairy Hesticles]

You have to remember that these people are in showbusiness though! Of course I'm not saying every male in the business is gay, but I do believe the straight ones are a minority. I remember a late night radio DJ years ago saying on his show that he had been involved in a theatre production and the star of the show was an actor who had probably the 'butchest' image ever to everybody, a ladies man, alpha male character...yet behind the scenes he was in his dressing room knitting with his boyfriend! So it does happen..

[Listentome]

Originally Posted by boddism

Yes, I think bisexuality counts for much of it.

In more artsy circles definitions of sexuality are very fluid anyway

I find it hard to believe in 21st centrury Britain, where homosexuality/lesbianism is very socailly accepted, that half of showbiz/sportsmen are secretly gay and paying women to cover it up.

Surely if that were the case it'd be more publicly known??

Unfortunately it is the studios, management and PR that like to keep a certain image for their stars.

I find it harder to believe, certainly in the acting and showbiz world there are so few gay people. Which leads me to believe there is a lot of closet cases.

Having worked in the industry for a long time, I certainly know 'bearding' happens.

[Abriel]

Originally Posted by Domestiques

a beard is a partner taken by a man or woman to disguise their true sexuality. a gay man might be seen with, or even married to a woman, this is his beard.

did anyone see this today

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18497881

slightly different

[wilehelmas]

Originally Posted by boddism

... Im not saying it NEVER happens, just that we're seeming to see it everywhere.

Apparently half of pop stars are bearding, as well as sportsmen. Is this really that prevelant in Britain, a socially liberal country in the 21st century.

Naming no names but bearding stories were surrounding a young singer in recent months, but by more recent headlines, he seems pretty heterosexual to me.

1.) Yes

2.) He's gay according to some industry sources and bi to others (who may or may not be correct). Hence the cover stories...

He's certainly outed himself a couple of times.

[Domestiques]

Originally Posted by wilehelmas

1.) Yes

2.) He's gay according to some industry sources and bi to others (who may or may not be correct). Hence the cover stories...

He's certainly outed himself a couple of times.

Are you talking about Harry Styles?

[wilehelmas]

It's important to realise straight bearding goes on too, for those people that are straight but don't necessarily want to have a partner. They want to stay single. But their image requires a date or a certain type of partner to enhance it.

Anyone thinking we are more 'enlightened' in all areas than the middle ages needs to wake up. There have been movements to liberate people but they don't always translate into society as a whole or certain fields, esp. ones that are built on sex appeal and image.

It's sad but bearding is big business. It also happens in sport.

[wilehelmas]

Originally Posted by Domestiques

Are you talking about Harry Styles?

Could be.