Ricky Martin is opening up about his sexuality. "I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man," the singer, 38, posted on his website Monday afternoon. "I am very blessed to be who I am."

Ricky Martin's out of the closet

Ricky Martin is opening up about his sexuality. "I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man," the singer, 38, posted on his website Monday afternoon. "I am very blessed to be who I am." Martin says his twin boys, Matteo and Valentinou00a0-- whom he welcomed via surrogate birth in August 2008u00a0-- inspired him to speak out. "This is just what I need, especially now that I am the father of two beautiful boys. To keep living as I did up until today would be to indirectly diminish the glow that my kids where [sic] born with," he writes.

Martinu00a0-- who has dodged questions about his sexuality in the pastu00a0-- continues, "These years in silence and reflection made me stronger and reminded me that acceptance has to come from within." He says he's relieved after making the announcement." The word 'happiness' takes on a new meaning for me as of today. It has been a very intense process," he writes.

Boyfriend on the beach
In 2005, these photos of Ricky working out and spending time with his close friend popped on the net. Even though Ricky never encouraged speculation, he didn't deny being close to his model friend. Sources revealed that the man with Ricky on the beach was his personal trainer and boyfriend who he dated for a few months.

Gay activists ecstatic
American gay rights activists are ecstatic. "When someone like Ricky Martin comes out, hundreds of millions of people now have a cultural connection with an artist, a celebrity and, perhaps most importantly, a father who happens to be gay. His decision to model this kind of openness and honesty can lead to greater acceptance for countless gay people in the US, in Latin America and worldwide," a statement from GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios reads.

Ricky jokes
After his announcement there was a SMS doing the rounds saying, "What exactly was Ricky thinking when he sang "she bangs"?"

Sush connection
In the late '90s, Sushmita Sen had a chance meeting with Ricky during her international trips. The two spent some good time travelling and getting to know each other. In fact, Ricky even credited Sush being an inspiration to one of the songs on his album.