<p><br /> Pop singer Ricky Martin has announced that he is gay on his website, confirming what many had believed for years.<br /> </p><p><br /> The Latin star wrote: "I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am."<br /> </p><p><br /> The 38-year-old said his coming out marked "an amazing turning point in my life".<br /> </p><p><br /> The decision was made a few months ago when he began writing his memoirs.<br /> </p><p><br /> He continued: "From the moment I wrote the first phrase I was sure the book was the tool that was going to help me free myself from things I was carrying within me for a long time,"<br /> </p><p><br /> The star, who has twin sons by a surrogate mother, said he did not come out earlier because his advisors said the move would ruin his career.<br /> </p><p><br /> Gay rights groups said the singer would be an inspiration to millions of young people coming to terms with their sexuality.<br /> </p><p><br /> Martin became a household name with songs such as the 1999 hit Livin' La Vida Loca and She Bangs.<br /> </p>
