Walking out of the 3rd and Fairfax Whole Foods market this morning, I spotted an abandoned copy of The National Enquirer on a table with the big headline: "Who's Gay and Who's Not!" Scooped it up to read later. I now see the issue is from Dec. 12 so it's old news to some. It speculates on the usual like Ryan Seacrest and Al Reynolds (both have publicly stated that they are straight).

Ironically, just a few days ago, The New York Times ran a story about straight stars like Brandon Routh, Marcia Cross and Oprah Winfrey having to publicly state that they are not gay. "Brokeback Mountain" star Jake Gyllenhaal has been the target of speculation for playing gay on-screen and riding bikes with hunky Matthew McConaughey this summer. But the Oscar nominee has had a thoughtful answer to the speculation: "I can honestly say I've never been attracted to a man sexually, but I don't think I'd be afraid of it if it happened."

So here are my thoughts on all this speculation and gossip about a famous person's sexuality: WHO CARES!

I admit, I have been as guilty as anyone in speculating privately about these things but much less so in recent years because my perspective is changing on the whole thing. If a star is gay and wants to keep their private life private, that is their choice. And even those who create a false life for publicity purposes, I have some compassion for them since many non-famous gays have done the same thing with their families and communities. It's not an easy decision for anyone to come out, especially with the world watching.

What is great though is that in the past 10 years or so, we have had so many famous gay people come out, owning who they are and putting an end to the gossip and speculation. Let's talk about THEM, not about who might be, who was spotted at a gay bar etc.

Lance Bass is the latest example but others in an even brighter spotlight preceded him including the incredible Ellen DeGeneres, the outspoken Rosie O'Donnell, Oscar nominee Ian McKellen, Emmy and Tony winner Cynthia Nixon, superstar Elton John, rocker Mellissa Etheridge, Tony winner Nathan Lane, singer-actor John Barrowman, country crooner K.D. Lang, actor Rupert Everett, actress Portia de Rossi (pictured w/girlfriend DeGeneres) , comedianne Sandra Bernard, author Chastity Bono, and the terrific young actors Chad Allen, Charlie David, Robert Gant (pictured right), Wilson Cruz, Randy Harrison and Peter Paige.

It should be noted that the careers of most of the above-mentioned people are absolutely thriving. Their appeal, I believe, has only increased since coming out because their authenticity is now shining through.

So we will not be speculating about "Who's Gay and Who's Not!" on this blog. Instead, we will celebrate those who have the courage to come out and be who they are under the immense pressure of the spotlight.