Barry Manilow finally felt comfortable enough in his own skin at the age of 73 to reveal to the world that he was gay. The easy listening singer revealed this life-long secret to People. He also revealed that he’s been in a relationship with his manager Garry Kief for nearly 40 years. He told the lifestyle magazine that he felt knowing he was gay would disappoint his female fans, and that’s why he kept his orientation a secret even after he and Kief were wed in 2014.
I thought I would be disappointing them if they knew I was gay. So I never did anything,” Manilow said. “When they found out that Garry and I were together, they were so happy. The reaction was so beautiful — strangers commenting, ‘Great for you!’ I’m just so grateful for it.”
Of course Twitter used the news in its own special way, in a mix of celebratory fandom, congratulations and jokes. There were folks who felt saddened that Manilow felt the need to hide this part of his life for nearly four decades.
I've always liked Barry Manilow. I'm sad he felt he had to live a secret his whole life. I'm glad he can be himself now.
— Doug Burrell (@dougwburrell) April 5, 2017
Barry Manilow comes out as gay at the age of 73. I don't care how long it took him, he's brave, & one of the great entertainers of our time. pic.twitter.com/o4wBvF3wi3
— Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) April 5, 2017
And many who were happy that a celebrity was trending for something other than tragedy.
*Sees Barry Manilow trending on twitter. Worries he died. But no, he came out. Eats muffin.*
Didn't we know this? Did he only tell me?
— Amy Matayo (@amymatayo) April 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/icreatedopeness/status/849650388575899648
A significant chunk of the Twitterverse saw the opportunity to make jokes (or were just genuinely thought that Manilow had already come out).
https://twitter.com/Hector_Srsly/status/849645580859179009
Next you'll be telling me Barry Manilow's had a little bit of plastic surgery. pic.twitter.com/nLMnAgqmj6
— pee is stored in the balls (@robotattack) April 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/vickiglynn12/status/849653773828059136
Barry Manilow is gay?? Nice try, you Fake News people. Next you're going to tell me the Pope is Catholic, too.
— OMC (@oldmancrowder) April 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/natnatles/status/849648328467820545
https://twitter.com/CombeGibbet/status/849632505162596352
And then, there was the response to the jokes, pointing out that it’s a time to celebrate Barry and not take easy shots.
https://twitter.com/fauxEu/status/849653492616544256
Lot of people seem really proud of themselves for announcing they "already knew" Barry Manilow was gay. Yeah……ur the true heroes today guys.
— Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) April 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/seankent/status/849632597722398721
We went through the “news-jokes-backlash” cycle in record time. Congrats, internet (and congrats, Mr. Manilow)!
Thank you to my fans for the years of support. My story is out and I look forward to many more years of sharing my music. https://t.co/fRA9BPwqIU
— Barry Manilow (@barrymanilow) April 5, 2017
