*Please note that this article is an opinion-editorial.

In a strange turn of events in recent “really big” news, Olympic Legend Bruce Jenner shared with Diane Sawyer his story of inner struggle with gender identity, and X-Men founding father Bobby Drake (a.k.a. Iceman) was outed as gay by fellow teammate Jean Grey.

Admittedly, neither was a huge surprise. Jenner has been dodging headlines for months; seen in public with ponytails and pink nail polish, it was only a matter of time before his truth would be revealed. In a poignant, touching, and, at times, heart-wrenching interview with Diane Sawyer, Jenner did reveal his truth, and it was as painful as it was inspiring. If you can’t identify with the awful feeling that you don’t fit in somehow, I’d like to know what planet you are from and if they have holiday rates. I think it is truly inspiring to finally come to terms with your truth, no matter how late in the game. Ironically, the reality show that put Bruce Jenner back in the spotlight neglected the one “reality” that was begging to be revealed.

Conversely, Bobby Drake (a.k.a. Iceman) was confronted and outed by teammate and mind reader Jean Grey. I’m not a fan of outing, as I think it is a personal choice to reveal whatever it is about you that you want the world to know, whenever you want them to know it. To force someone to reveal personal truths before they are ready is irresponsible at best. I think it shows a little naïveté on the part of the writer; it’s not exactly the same as pushing someone into the pool. But, then again, Jean Grey would move on to become possessed by the Phoenix Force and ravage a billion innocent souls, so I guess outing one of your best friends pales in comparison. It’s not like Bobby Drake’s sexuality is that shocking. Cute, cocky, sarcastic with a frosty disposition, and a few “Daddy issues” for good measure? Sounds like a few of my favorite, vapid friends. I’m just surprised The White Queen (a.k.a. Emma Frost) didn’t pluck this gem of man lust from Bobby’s brain when she squatted in his mind/body for a spell. She does seem like the ultimate “fruit fly” after all.

So, naturally, people are up in arms over the sexuality of a revered character. I just don’t understand what it has to do with the price of tea in China? I never held it against Warren Worthington for being straight. (Damn him!)

I guess the moral of the story is that sexuality and gender identity are as important as eye color or cologne choice . . . Everyone has their preference, but, at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter.