Michael Stipe Came Out?

I just read that Michael Stipe of R.E.M. came out of the closet on St. Patty's Day. I don't think anyone in the world is surprised. This isn't really news. Any kid who is struggling with his sexual identity in 2008 is too young to have Stipe as a role model anyway. I think he did this for publicity for the new album. I hope the album would stand on its own without this. I do love me some R.E.M.