Is Adam Lambert Gay?

"American Idol" contestant Adam Lambert

It seems as though every year there's some sort of flap about the way gays are represented on "American Idol," TV's top-rated talent show. This year's gay-related "Idol" controversy, however, is of particular interest because it involves San Diego's own "Idol" hopeful, Adam Lambert. Everyone wants to know: is Adam Lambert gay?

A graduate of Mt. Carmel High School, Lambert has been prominently featured throughout this season's telecasts. Lambert's striking emo looks and big, powerful voice have made him a fan favorite. A few weeks ago, somnambulant "Idol" judge Paula Abdul even went so far as to predict Lambert would make it all the way to the end of the competition, which is still a month and a half away.

So what's the problem? Well, pictures have begun popping up all over the interwebs showing Lambert in various acts that run counter to the image "Idol" likes to portray of its family-friendly contestants. In some of the pictures, Lambert is performing in bizarre punkish drag. In other pictures, Lambert is clearly making out with a male companion.

Does any of this mean Lambert is gay? There has been no official confirmation from Lambert yet and no Clay Aiken-style expressions of outrage at being asked about his sexuality. But the point is, should any of this even matter? Will America--or at least the folks who call in and vote on these things--crown an "Idol" champion who is perceived as gay?

One thing is certain, "Idol" has a dubious history of handling gay matters. It began in the first season when out finalist Jim Verraros was asked to remove content from his "Idol" web page that identified him as gay. Season two brought us the aforementioned Aiken who spent years denying his sexuality until he finally chose to come out long after everyone stopped caring. In the fourth season, Anwar Robinson was voted out the week after news broke that he had been looking for a male hookup online. A similar fate befell David Hernandez last year after everyone found out he used to work in a gay bar. And every season of "American Idol" has featured inane banter between host Ryan Seacrest and judge Simon Cowell where one of these men insults the other by inferring he's gay.

In many ways, "American Idol" can come off as one of the least gay-friendly shows on TV--with lesbians and transgendered contestants remaining completely invisible. This has always been odd since the whole show would seem to be tailor-made for a gay audience.

At any rate, the pink-tinted glass ceiling is still a fact of life on "American Idol." We'll all have to stay tuned to see if the pride of San Diego, Adam Lambert, will be able to break through it.