Singer DARREN HAYES has posted this letter to his fans:

Monday, 17 July 2006
I very rarely make comments about my private life.

But today, as I'm about to begin 6 months in the studio to record what I hope to be the best record of my career, I feel an overwhelming gratitude for the past 10 years of being a performer.

Most recently, I've been moving toward a career that is more closely aligned with 'art' than it is 'commerce'. And in keeping on this trajectory - I have become increasingly more emotionally authentic in my music, writing and my relationship to my audience. As so many of you have given me your heart and soul over the past 10 years I thought it only fitting that I too return the respect and inform you of the most significant event in my life.

On June 19th 2006 I married my boyfriend of two years, Richard, in a Civil Partnership Ceremony in London.

I can honestly say it was the happiest day of my life.

I feel lucky to live in an era where my relationship can be considered legally legitimate and I commend the UK Government for embracing this very basic Civil Liberty.

I'm proud of who I am, and after what felt like an eternity, I'm finally in a place where my heart is secure and content. And I can finally make sense of all of the searching.

I still maintain the belief that families and relationships are not commodities to be sold off for public consumption. In this regard, I am and will continue to be a public person with a private life.

I have always written songs about human relationships and our journey in life. I've never felt the need to differentiate or speak to a specific part of society. This hasn't changed. I will continue to write songs for everybody and hope that the feelings and thoughts I sing about are universal. Today, as I get on a plane to return to London, my head will be filled with all the future possibilities that I hope to explore musically.

To the people who buy my records, come to my shows and demonstrate on a daily basis their love and support for me and what I do: thank you.

Your overwhelming message to me lately seems to be that you are just glad that I am happy. For this, I am eternally grateful.

To my Mum, Dad, Sister and Brother - thanks for always being so cool and loving me unconditionally.

With love and respect always
Darren Hayes

Replied by Popmaster		Post time: 2006-07-19 22:18:14
We always knew, didn't we? What's happening to the world, seems 'everyone' is coming out! :D Just last week Shayne Ward admitted to having 'been' with a boy or two in his life, but still claims his 'straightness'. Wonder who'll be next? Robbie, Marshall, Justin (in that order, I think).

Replied by Rohan		Post time: 2006-07-20 23:07:36
He he - I agree Robbie must be next... if Ricky Martin doesn't beat him to it! Mind you, as Shane's latest single seems to be flopping, his 'coming out' might be a good and timely 'marketing trick' to put him back in the spotlight again...!

Replied by Pet Shop Boy !		Post time: 2006-07-21 07:18:40
Maybe one of these days Elton John will come out and admit that he's actually straight! nothing surprises me anymore!

Replied by Rohan		Post time: 2006-07-21 10:46:34
GREAT new single by Darren: 'Unlovable' (from his last album 'The Tension And The Spark'). And a must-see: watch the great video for 'Unlovable' by going to his official site: www.darrenhayes.com (The video opens up and starts to play as soon as you click on 'Unlovable'). While you're there, also click on the FREE downloadable Acoustic version of 'Unlovable'. Good idea to click on it, as every click ensures more money is donated to Darren's favourite charity: 'Positive Kids'. 'Positive Kids' helps fund 'Camp Goodtime' which supports HIV positive children and their families from across Australia and helps reduce the social isolation some of these kids experience. In an effort to raise awareness for this charity Darren is giving away this special acoustic version of his new single 'Unlovable' as a free download. Darren will donate one dollar for every donation given and all proceeds will go directly to 'Positive Kids'. So c'mon - nice to know with just a 'click' we can make a difference!

Replied by Popmaster		Post time: 2006-07-22 13:30:34
Hey Rohan Shayne Ward's single didn't really flop - it's only because it wasn't available as a downloadable single. On physical sales (figures were released today) the single reached No. 4, which isn't bad considering it's a track on the album that has already sold more than 600 000 copies: Physical sales: 01 (01) Smile – Lily Allen 02 (02) Hips Don’t Lie – Shakira ft Wyclef Jean 03 (NE) Voodoo Child – Rogue Traders 04 (NE) Stand By Me – Shayne Ward Oh, and I forgot about Ricky Martin - I am willing to bet he'll be next to turbo out of his closet. It will Robbie a few years still, I think. Marshall Mathers, unfortunately, won't come out and will take his 'secret' to the grave. Does that mean he will have to "come out of his coffin" then?

Replied by Rohan		Post time: 2006-07-24 02:14:35

Replied by Popmaster		Post time: 2006-07-26 21:19:31
So, Lance Bass, surprised us all, and 'came out' yesterday. " Lance Bass, the former 'N Sync heartthrob, reveals that he is gay, in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. "I knew that I was in this popular band and I had four other guys' careers in my hand, and I knew that if I ever acted on it or even said (that I was gay), it would overpower everything," says Bass, referring to bandmates Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, JC Chasez and Justin Timberlake. "I didn’t know (back then): Could that be the end of ’N Sync? So I had that weight on me of like, ‘Wow, if I ever let anyone know, it's bad.' So I just never did," he says speaking about his sexual orientation for the first time. "

Replied by Rohan		Post time: 2006-07-28 04:45:14
Wow... surprise! I guess it's true what they say... in every boyband there is at least one!