NC: Raleigh native Clay Aiken to give equality speech at Saturday's HRC Carolinas Gala

[ccharles000]

http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/02/24/354895/pop-voice-pipes-up-for-gays.html?storylink=misearch

RALEIGH -- Clay Aiken will take the stage at the convention center Saturday night to do something he has never done before: deliver a speech about gay rights.

But don't expect him to pound his fist and scream for the right to get married.

"There are people who are loud and make noise, and there are people who are deliberate and slow and steady," Aiken said during an interview this week at a downtown coffee shop. "Right now, at this point in my life, I feel like a slow and steady person."

Aiken, a Raleigh native and platinum-selling pop singer, made headlines in 2008 when he appeared on the cover of People magazine with the headline, "Yes, I'm gay." This weekend, he will speak as part of the Human Rights Campaign Carolinas gala at the Raleigh Convention Center. Meredith Baxter, the "Family Ties" actress who recently came out of the closet on the "Today" show, also will deliver a speech.

Since it was announced that Aiken would speak at the HRC gala, organizers have received e-mail from his fans. Some have said that Aiken's appearance has caused them to have conversations about sexuality they wouldn't have had otherwise, said Joni Madison, who is helping to organize the gala.

[dsc]

1. I am perfroming there tonight

the TGMC (triangle gay men's chorus) is singing a song. I don't know if I will get to hear Aiken though.

[ccharles000]

2. I am sure you will be great.

:)

[dsc]

3. thanks so are you going

or like me, did you find it a bit pricey.

[Bluebear]

4. You're only singing one song!!!!!!1

:) Good luck!

[dsc]

5. yeah only one song

but I am hoping for a chance to convert a straight guy to my ex straight ministry.

[Bluebear]

6. Email me photos of the conversion session.

Thank you.

[dsc]

7. wow in negative territory already

[Dappleganger]

8. K&R

Why is this being unrecc'd?