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Ricky Martin says Ian Thorpe is a powerful new voice for the gay community

THE Voice coach Ricky Martin says swimming champion Ian Thorpe coming out has given the gay community a powerful new voice.

'I'm not straight'

THE Voice coach Ricky Martin says swimming champion Ian Thorpe coming out has given the gay community a powerful new voice.

Martin, 42, who came out four years ago, told Confidential: “(Thorpe) has no idea what he’s doing for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community around the world.

“He is so powerful.’’

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Ricky Martin The Voice finale at Eureka Skydeck
Ricky Martin The Voice finale at Eureka Skydeck

“I’ll say it now, and I’ve said it on many occasions. there are millions of little boys and girls around the world struggling with their sexual identity.

“To have someone as powerful as him, and as successful as (Thorpe) saying: ‘It’s OK to be who you who you are, and be happy. Kudos, Ian, I’m very proud of you.”

Thorpe came out last week during a tell-all interview with Sir Michael Parkinson.

“Some people die without being able to accept themselves,” Martin says. “It took me 35 years.”

Ricky Martin and Jackson Thomas promoting The Voice finale at Eureka Skydeck.
Ricky Martin and Jackson Thomas promoting The Voice finale at Eureka Skydeck.

Pop superstar Martin visited Eureka Skydeck with his Team Ricky singer, Jackson Thomas, who will compete in The Voice grand finale against Johnny Rollins, Anja Nissen, ZK and Frank Lakoudis.

Thomas, a former railway worker from Geelong, said Martin was an inspirational mentor. “Ricky taught me not to sit back and expect it to happen. He taught me to bring the audience in, tell them a secret, tell them a story.”

Ricky Martin and Jackson Thomas promoting The Voice finale at Eureka Skydeck.
Ricky Martin and Jackson Thomas promoting The Voice finale at Eureka Skydeck.

Asked how he mentally prepares for performances, Jackson’s reply was classic cosmic Ricky.

“I’m in the river, in the peace zone, letting it flow,” Thomas said with a straight face.

“I get out of the war zone and the social media zone and get in the peace zone.”

The Voice grand finale airs 7:30pm, Monday 21 on Channel 9

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/ricky-martin-says-ian-thorpe-is-a-powerful-new-voice-for-the-gay-community/news-story/ba6153e2fc4211dc32319efc36c19a2d