Johnny Weir Says He's Gay In 'People'

Three-time U.S. National Figure Skating champion John G. “Johnny” Weir says he's gay in this week's issue of People magazine.

The Skating with the Stars celebrity judge is talking just five days before his memoir Welcome to my World is set to hit bookstores. His first book signing is scheduled for January 11 at the Columbus Circle Borders Books in Manhattan at 7PM.

“With people killing themselves and being scared into the closet, I hope that even just one person can gain strength from my story,” Weir says in the article.

Weir also talks about a romantic affair with a male skater referred to only as “Alex.” In previous interviews, Weir had described his single long-term relationship as a “miserable failure.”

Weir goes on to defiantly chide the gay media for pressuring him into coming out.

“A lot of the gays got downright angry about my silence [on being gay]. But pressure is the last thing that would make me want to 'join' a community.”

And he adds that he's proud to be Johnny Weir: “I'm not ashamed to be me. More than anyone else I know, I love my life and accept myself. What's wrong with being unique? I am proud of everything that I am and will become.”