''I'm very surprised by the reaction. I'm a person -- I've never lived in a closet. I've never claimed to be anything -- I've never claimed to be straight or gay. I claim to be Johnny Weir. And I think that's something that's very important for anybody in this world, is to own who you are, regardless of what you're born into.
''I was born a white male. A white gay male, and I don't celebrate being white or male. So, why should I celebrate being gay. That's my opinion on the whole thing.
''I know people have been after this for years, and have worked so hard and tirelessly.... They definitely wanted me to be an activist. But the best way I can be an activist is to live my life, and not make that the main thing that is Johnny Weir. I'm much more than just a gay man.''
Figure skater Johnny Weir promoting his new book, ''Welcome to My World'' on the Today show. (Today / MSNBC)
Weir, now 26, has been the subject of controversy -- for not being masculine enough in his skating gestures and costumes, for being the subject of media jabs, and for never directly admitting to his seemingly obvious sexual orientation. His ties to Lady Gaga and tendency to wear outlandish outfits has added to his mystique. Recenly he engaged in a brief stint as a judge on the reality TV contest, "Skating with the Stars."
