Ricky Martin warns of rising fear among gay men: “We’re Having to Hide Again”

Gay pop icon Ricky Martin has voiced concern over what he describes as a resurgence of fear within the LGBTQ+ community, saying that some gay men feel they are “having to hide again” amid growing hostility.

Speaking to USA Today while promoting his Apple TV+ series Palm Royale, Martin reflected on the parallels between his character - a closeted man in the late 1960s - and the challenges faced by gay men today. “This is a story of a man, a gay man in the late ’60s, but unfortunately, we’re dealing with the same fears and uncertainty and rejection today,” said the 53-year-old singer. “It’s crazy that we’re talking about this story of the ’60s, but it’s so relevant.” 

We can say, yeah, it’s a problem in other countries of the world. No - here in America, we’re having to hide again.

Martin, who publicly came out in 2010 after years of pressure to remain silent, expressed dismay at recent developments in the United States. According to FBI data, more than 20% of reported hate crimes in 2024 were motivated by sexual orientation or gender identity. In addition, several states have proposed legislation to roll back same-sex marriage rights, though the Supreme Court recently declined to revisit its landmark 2015 ruling.

The Grammy-winning artist said his involvement in Palm Royale was driven by a desire to highlight these ongoing struggles. “When I was approached for Palm Royale, I wondered, ‘How are we going to create a social impact and tell the story of Robert, which could be the story of many men nowadays struggling with fear?’ So for me, it was wonderful to do this.”

Martin’s comments come at a time when LGBTQ+ advocates warn of increasing hostility and legislative threats, underscoring the fragility of hard-won rights. For Martin, the fight for acceptance remains as urgent as ever: “We can say, yeah, it’s a problem in other countries of the world. No - here in America, we’re having to hide again.”