The Boyzone singer's death casts a light into Thailand's 'glass closets'

Not being a Boyzone fan, I can't say I was especially affected by Stephen Gately's sudden death at the age of 33. Since he came out 10 years ago, he's been known as "the gay one" (and we all suspect that every boy band has one).

I also can't say I give him extra points for coming out, since it wasn't completely voluntary. He came out only when threatened by the tabloid Sun to smoke him out.

It's understandable why he didn't want to. It would be difficult to say his career didn't suffer from coming out.

After Boyzone split up, Gately was dropped by his label when his first solo album didn't do too well - especially compared to those of ex-bandmate Ronan Keating.

His Boyzone manager, Louis Walsh, once said he would have thought twice before picking Gately for the band had he known of his sexual orientation. In a way, the closet was a money machine for Gately, as it is for many gay entertainers.

But one thing we can safely say is that Gately was finally happy after bursting the closet door. He lived and died in honesty, being able to be who he was, and be open about his relationships.

And he succeeded at being a responsible gay public figure. He even featured as part of the first gay couple in another boy band's music video for the song "Better". For that, he earned my respect.

Gately and an increasing number of out entertainers are paving way for the next generation of gay artists who grow up among increasingly gay-friendly straight fans.

Unfortunately, that culture of respect and integrity still can't be found in Thailand, where gay gossips abound but most celebrities opt to stay put in the closet.

Only a few can sneak out of the closet unscathed. A notorious online gossip column recently revealed that an alternative musician went for a happy-ending massage in a male-only spa.

The column, which usually receives favourable comments, was bombarded with fans' requests that his privacy be respected. The artist in question has been open but low-keyed about which team he bats for.

It's refreshing that his vast army of fans recognised his huge musical talent and integrity over the minor detail of his sexual orientation. But his case must be regarded as an exception. Otherwise why do those who are widely known to be gay still choose not to come out of the "glass closet"?

Sadly, if things don't change, these glassed-in superstars will probably die in the closet - while blaming the public for hammering the nails in.