Welcome To The Gayborhood!

Filed under: Gay Gay Gay > Australiastic > Media Minute

Respected and well-known Australian news anchor Peter Hitchener has come out as a gay man.

Congrats!!!!

Cue George Michael's "Freedom."

Posted: Apr 6, 2008 at 1:01 pm / Email this »

See All 110 Comments

110 comments to “Welcome To The Gayborhood!”

More comments: [1] 2 »

ArmPitt™ says – reply to this

1

Who is he and who cares!!!!
Risssssss says – reply to this

2

first!…crazy….
Mona says – reply to this

3

like we care.
ArmPitt™ says – reply to this

4

Lovin those old people today Perez????
heather says – reply to this

5

First! Yeah!Love you Perez…
e says – reply to this

6

okay why do we care?
Sally Kern says – reply to this

7

Why now, at his age? Looking for some new boy candy?
perla says – reply to this

8

first
omggg says – reply to this

9

AWWWW! Welcome to the gayborhood. =) hehe.

He waited a long time to do it!!

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE YOU PNASTTTY!!
red says – reply to this

10

Why does anyone have to come out? Why can't they just lead their lives as they please without bothering the rest of us? Are ALL gays as self centered and self destructive as you?
omggg says – reply to this

11

P.s.- the old people, hahahahaha

they're out & about today "armpitt" what can you do?

that guy def. has some beefy hands! yuck!
Whatever says – reply to this

12

Who gives a shit
MLAWWWW8282 says – reply to this

13

FIRST!
Diana says – reply to this

14

OH SHYT, NOT ANOTHER PERVERT ERUPTION!!!!!
andrea says – reply to this

15

Ok, at least you didn't say that he is an old fart.
Came out, good for him. The world IS changing!! Used to be they'd take that to the grave.
SarahSahara says – reply to this

16

these sickos need to be beaten back into the closet. homosexuals are disgusting and way out of control
van says – reply to this

17

so now hetero's are supposed to come out too, because they don't walk or talk about their bedroom activities on a daily basis. wtf is the point and why is it such a big deal to SAY what sex you perfer? are we supposed to walk around saying I'm half this, 2/3's that, alittle bit black, blue eyes and I have thirty thousand in the bank and, I like the same sex as I am. too much information, I think.
MO says – reply to this

18

HOT DADDY!!!!
fuck yeah!!
Transexual Transylvania says – reply to this

19

Good for him, whoever he is.
MO says – reply to this

20

Re: SarahSahara –

FUCK YOU BITCH
Emmie G says – reply to this

21

Good on him,

I LOVE how these pathetic homophobes come to the website of an openly gay man just to bash homosexuality, haven't they got anything better to do? Spend time with your families, fools.
Oh, and interestingly, many homophobes turn out to have homosexual tendencies themselves They fight against it because they're scared of the unknown…awww
cass says – reply to this

22

EWWWWW!!! old ppl…
How about a cute YOUNG gay boy? that works…
and why did this dude wait about 100 yrs to come out?
anyways…yeah…
Ailsa says – reply to this

23

Good on him!!
Gay is OK !
lou says – reply to this

24

Re: SarahSahara – honey, WRONG SITE for you to be on then! redirect yourself to a forum for prejudiced bigots because that's all you are you sad little girl! get over it and yourself.
Amy says – reply to this

25

"CUE" George M's "Freedom"?
haha says – reply to this

26

Re: Emmie G – yes, damn straight! no pun intended… but University of Georgia did that study where two groups of men (homophobes and men who don't care if someones gay) they both watched gay porn, the homophobes are the group that got turned on. Hmm. says a lot about the gay bashers!
simone says – reply to this

27

perez u know u want it! lol
PINKtheHAM says – reply to this

28

That's cool. He's cute for his age.
LARGE MARGE says – reply to this

29

Re: SarahSahara – SUCK MY SNATCH BITCH! I KNOW YOU'D LIKE IT, THE JUICES ARE READY TO RUN DOWN MY THIGHS!
xan says – reply to this

30

Ok, you guys need to work on spelling. Especially in your punchlines. It fucks everything up when you want to say "cue" and you say "cure." Seriously.
kelli says – reply to this

31

i have to say, im an aussie and i have no efffing clue who this guy is, buy the way.. who cares anyhow?
gayisgood says – reply to this

32

Lots of REG people are gay, WHY NOT people in the media?
Look at WILL SMITH- he is gay all the way and he still makes $$$…wait - he hasnt cum out yet? WTF???

Also, Jodie Foster, Ellen Page, ELLEN, Rosie, Ryan Seacrest, Eddie Murphy, High School Football Teams in the Locker Room, The guys on Dancing with the Stars, SuperNanny, Mormen Men, ect.
george f says – reply to this

33

He is hot! I would do him…up and down.
yeahhhh
:)
lucairns says – reply to this

34

Re: SarahSahara –
what the fuck is your problem? another fat assed white trailer park trash cunt out of rehab for a minute? grab your vibrator, get it whirring and fuck off.
bathog says – reply to this

35

hes lying, trying to be cool. he is too fat to be gay
CamTheMan says – reply to this

36

For all of you saying 'who is this/who cares' - this is one of the biggest newsreaders in Australia - it'd be like Matt Lauer coming out and saying he's gay. Pretty cool they've all embraced him. And to all the gay-bashers making comments on this….um, dude…ur on PEREZ HILTON…the background is pink for godssakes - GO AWAY AND BLOG ABOUT JESUS OR SOMETHING.
Salem says – reply to this

37

GAY PRIDE BITCHESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

CHYEAAAAA!!!
Damian says – reply to this

38

Re: Diana – the fuck??
TehDevil says – reply to this

39

Oh look! Perez THINKS he's helping out the gay community!
Mike says – reply to this

40

Congrats???? Who the fuck cares 1st off an congrats to what? that you just bought you an your family embaressment the rest of their lives fuckin gross!
Joel says – reply to this

41

Adorable! Congratulations! If I was older I woul totally be cuddling up to that!
TehDevil says – reply to this

42

Hey fat boy! When areyou going to comment on the gay porn tapes that you had that guy send you? Or is your life off limits?
Family Pride says – reply to this

43

Re: Mike – YOU seem like a lifetime of embarassment to YOUR family or are they all as fucking stupid as you?
Peter says – reply to this

44

Re: van –
Van, the point is that homosexuals do not have equal rights, and by 'coming out' like this and showing that "normal" people can be gay, he is helping to break down stereotypes and bring about equality.
lilone says – reply to this

45

This isn't news of any kind. You ostracize the majority of your readers by reporting on every detail as it pertains to homosexuality. We applaud that you are comfortable with your sexuality, but give it a rest. We're all comfortable with ours as well and we don't feel the need to talk about evey heterosexual union on the face of the planet.
damein says – reply to this

46

yay yay peter's gay .. i watched peter for years and it didn't even cross my mind .. what's wrong with my gaydar ? depleted, repeated or pumpedmeatered .. where are The Veronicas perez ?
dysonbry says – reply to this

47

alot of gay people in AUS care, we all know how well educated American's are when you show them a world map!!
munch says – reply to this

48

Wow!! Who knew? Go Hitch!! Congratulations!!
Natalicious!!! says – reply to this

49

Love Peter Hitchener. Channel 9 news will never be the same again!
only took 100 years says – reply to this

50

who cares….. want a medal?
Belissa says – reply to this

51

hell I am Australian and I have no idea who he is!
Melbourne Aussie says – reply to this

52

To you dumb americans get a life you pathetic sad people. oh well Peter is gay so what and he's old who cares, as long as he's happy thats what counts and it doesnt stop him from delivering the news in a first class performance with professionalism.
dingodick says – reply to this

53

I'm Australian & I don't know him
ANOTHER SPREADER says – reply to this

54

JUST FUKKIN GREAT…ALL THE WORLD NEEDS IS ANOTHER AIDS SPREADER.GET YR ASS BACK IN THE CLOSET JAK-OFF.
HOW CAN SOME MALES EVEN REMOTELY LIKE THE SMELL OF SHIT ON THEIR DICKS?????
Mel in Oz says – reply to this

55

Hitchie is a bloody legend in Melbourne news reading!!!!!
ash says – reply to this

56

im an aussie and have no idea who this is
Exyank says – reply to this

57

Dude, we already knew. Seriously. Everyone (in Australia) knows. I'm sure it's important for him to come out, but everyone already knew about it.
IAN says – reply to this

58

Well that's just………gay.
Eric says – reply to this

59

Big Deal! Who Cares???
joeyOh says – reply to this

60

At first glance thought it was Robert Wagner. When is he going to come out already. Hurry before it's too late…..and bring along Tom Selleck, Leonardo, Robert Downey, and a few others to BiG to mention…
Aunty em says – reply to this

61

To all the dickheads saying 'ooh i love peter hitchener' get a fkn grip he reads the news nobody's ever given a shit before. Is there a name for people who cash in on homos when they come out of the closet? I dont care if he likes to feed it up the arse or watever all i want and expect is the days news.
Dee says – reply to this

62

pfft most melbournians have known that for years!!!
nothing new perez..
SHINANIGANS says – reply to this

63

interesting…
nice 2 know!!!
pretty yummy
me says – reply to this

64

Re: Natalicious!!! – channel 9 news in what state? please confirm.
me says – reply to this

65

Re: SHINANIGANS – just read the comments to the end. He is from melbourne, Im from sydney, That's why i didn't know who he was.
Anyway, so his gay! what's the big deal perez?
fernando says – reply to this

66

i'm Australian and i have no fucken clue who this guy is
El Ron says – reply to this

67

I think this IS worth reporting on because it was a channel 9 news reader. Of all the Aussie free-to-air channels it probably has the most socially conservative demographic, and for him to come out is definitely a sign that this is no longer "shocking" to their viewer base, at least not to a level that's deemed career-jeopardizing. Is this a sign of shifting perceptions of homosexuality Australia-wide, or does it pertain only to Melbourne? (I'm not sure what other states he is broadcast in.)
.
…and I also wonder where the homophobic comments are originating from? See, I don't think this would raise an eyebrow amongst anybody I knew. Not that him being gay is common knowledge, but that it's got nothing to do with him as a news reader. I'm hoping this is just a U.S. thing…although if it is, it must suck living in a perpetual whirlwind of moral outrage. Half an hour of today tonight would be enough to send me batty.
.
Anyhow, I still think channel 9 was a shitty Howard-government mouthpiece which is now having to do the same soul searching as the liberal party if it wants to be "number one" again. Their ratings have really slipped in the last few years. Who knows? Maybe it's all a bit publicity stunt! Ooh aah! Now, THAT would be scandalous!
Jess says – reply to this

68

we already knew that…
From Melbourne says – reply to this

69

Good on Peter Hitchener, but the Australian media, particularly television still remains in the dark ages with regards to women. One woman was "boned" ie sacked from her news program while on maternity leave because at 40 she was no longer considered eye candy. She took them on and it was settled out of court. Take a look at Peter. He's no spring chicken but the same rules don't apply to the guys with the majority of male newsreaders on most channels being mature to say the least. On another station, one of Australia's most respected newsreaders (female) was suddenly sidelined to reading "human interest" stories while her new male colleague read the "real news". She also took them on and again it was settled out of court. It is interesting that the Australian television stations while supposedly keeping the public informed with their news services, are so coy when they are taken to court for cases of sexual discrimination. Both of the cases above had clauses which did not allow for comment. So while homosexuals (even mature-age ones) may be ok on Aussie TV news, it still seems that women are not there for their talent, but for their perve appeal.
yeahyeah says – reply to this

70

Go Hitch! Love your work. To all the 'Aussies' who don't know who Peter Hitchener is, he is Channel 9's main Melbourne newsreader. You could find that out in two seconds by Googling him, you numbnuts.
phil says – reply to this

71

Re: SarahSahara –
Move into the 21st Century you ignorant prat.
It is you homophobic morons that make people ashamed to be themselves.
Grow up and get a life!
You're the one that should be staying behind closed doors, with stupid comments like that.
P.S. Well done Peter Hitchener, you have graced Aussie TV for over a decade and I think it is very brave and noble to publicise your personal life for all the world to see.
yuck says – reply to this

72

Ewww why would you say congrats??????? Just nasty old grey haired cornhole getting torn open by a cock not right not natural
Leith says – reply to this

73

I've met Hitch and he's one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet! For those who have no idea who he is, he reads the news for Channel Nine Melbourne and he's one of the best in Australia.
tangerine says – reply to this

74

Woo! Go Peter
Oogabooga says – reply to this

75

Throw another shrimp up his barbie!!
Who? says – reply to this

76

Being an aussie I've never seen this old fart before. Well respoected etc? WTF the guy is a nobody but I guess if he is gay he must be important.. Talk about a lack of self esteem and an inferiority complex to have to pump up hasbeen nobodies.

I always have to laugh when the grey crowd comes out and declares gayhood. No on gives a shit. Obviously your careers have finished and your life is boring so I guess nothing is left but to seek attention. We all know old people go a little fucked in the head with age. To me it just proves gays have a mental problem
zsa zsa says – reply to this

77

Congratulations Sport!
Melody says – reply to this

78

Is that for real?? I live in Melbourne i have not heard that, not that i mind. Good one Peter
tome says – reply to this

79

congrats on being a queer??? wtf??
candy smith says – reply to this

80

Peter Hitchener is a long term top newsreader for the Nine Network in Melbourne. Im an Aussie and I say good on you Pete. So many others are afraid to come out cause they are afraid of the judgements.Respect.
candy smith says – reply to this

81

Re: From Melbourne – I agree , but what about Jo Hall, And SBS woman( I Forget her name), Caroline Wilson,?
From Melbourne says – reply to this

82

Re: candy smith – They are very much in the minority. Nor do they look quite as "mature" as some of their male counterparts. The ABC (government channel) is probably the only real exception where female journalists are employed on their ability and not their looks. Some have been around for years - think Geraldine Doogue (not sure of spelling) and Caroline Jones. I also feel that after the 2 out of court settlements re sexual discrimination the commercial stations are starting to wake up and enter the 21st century. Are you old enough to remember the "weather girls"? When I was a little girl in Adelaide, they had a blonde bimbo present the weather on Channel 10 in a bikini. She didn't even speak, but just pointed to the maps as some guy voiced over. At least we've progressed a long way from that!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kat says – reply to this

83

Re: yuck – Why do all you homophobes read this site, yet alone bother commenting on it!???!! Geeze!!

Thanks Perez for reporting on the Aussie Gay Scene, no one in this country bothers, as the Media (but not the people) in Oz is still so conservative.

Homophobes get over it!! Im not gay, but my sister is and I respect the right for all people to love as they choose!

Go Hitch!!
Annon says – reply to this

84

I met Peter when I was in Primary school, 7 or 8 years ago.
He's the nicest guy.
Congrats Hitchie!
Oz sheila says – reply to this

85

LOVE Peter Hitchener, he is a lovely man, been on tv over here for years……never knew he was gay, didn't care then, don't care now……he's just a great bloke.
Oz sheila says – reply to this

86

To all the Aussie's who say they don't know who this is………look around, Australia is bigger than just your neck of the woods.
From Melbourne says – reply to this

87

Re: Who? – I would call Peter Hitchener middle-aged rather than old. Regardless of his age, why do you use it as a means to disparage him? And no, not all people lose their mental faculties with age. In fact, age can bring wisdom and tolerance brought about by life exerience. Then you start on homosexuals saying they have a mental illness. Let's hope as you age (as we all inevitabley do) you may mellow somewhat. You comment about lack of self esteem, but your own behaviour indicates that may be a problem you have as you see it so necessary to stereotype and put down other groups of people. Some food for thought for you… As for my previous comment about the Adelaide weather girls, at least South Australia was one of the first places in the world to give women the vote, and to decriminilize homosexuality.
victoria says – reply to this

88

The reason it is necessary to "come out" as gay is very simple: if you don't, it's assumed that you are straight because we live in a heterosexist society. It is necessary to clarify that not everyone is straight.
B-Rad says – reply to this

89

OUT & PROUD! NICE ONE PETER!

If your not an Aussie this wouldn't be of interest to you, (going by half the comments on here) but the whole point behind perez blogging on it just goes to show that Gays & Lesbians in the Media will no longer go unrecognised or be hidden from the spotlight!

THIS IS A MASSIVE STEP FORWARD FOR THE AUSTRALIAN NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS INDUSTRY.

Some parts of Australia have already recognised same sex couples under the law and we have opened up same-sex registers to recognise the union between gay and lesbian couples…I wish America and other parts of the world would start to move forward when it comes to equal rights, especially for the gay community!

FUCK YEAH!
B-Rad says – reply to this

90

Re: ArmPitt™ –

OUT & PROUD! NICE ONE PETER!

If your not an Aussie this probably wouldn't be of interest to you, (going by half the comments on here) but the whole point behind perez blogging on it just goes to show that Gays & Lesbians in the Media will no longer go unrecognised or be hidden from the spotlight!

THIS IS A MASSIVE STEP FORWARD FOR THE AUSTRALIAN NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS INDUSTRY.

Some parts of Australia have already recognised same sex couples under the law and we have opened up same-sex registers to recognise the union between gay and lesbian couples…I wish America and other parts of the world would start to move forward when it comes to equal rights, especially for the gay community!
Melon says – reply to this

91

Why odes he need to be congratulated for his sexual preferences.Are they important to anyone save his lovers. ? FFs you gays are obsessed.
annonoz says – reply to this

92

good on peter… he's a nice man… but he's definitely not melbourne's best newsreader - peter mitchell on channel 7 is.
annoz says – reply to this

93

good on him. peter hitchener is a nice man, but he is not melbourne's best newsreader. the guy from Channel 7 - Peter Mitchell is.
MelbourneGirl says – reply to this

94

Finally!! Journalist with integrity first, out and proud gay man second.. Good on you Pete!
ricky says – reply to this

95

he should have come out as a gay woman, that would have been news.
JOJO says – reply to this

96

oMG PETER HITCHENER? I never would have picked this.
go pete go.
carl says – reply to this

97

OMG, I actually saw this guy as credible. This changes everything.
idiot says – reply to this

98

Re: carl –
So what, knowing that he sleeps with men changes his news reporting?
What are you, 12?
Johnny says – reply to this

99

what the hell. 3 am in australia and i was bored. then i see my local news reader on perez hiltons website? He read melbournes news to me at 6pm! how do the americans know hes gay before i do?
DIRTY COCK SUCKER says – reply to this

100

Re: ANOTHER SPREADER – DAMN! IT WAS REALLY YOUR BREATH!

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