"Yes, I'm Gay," reads the cover of this week's People. The 29-year-old told People that coming out was a promise he made as a new father. "I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things," he said. "I wasn't raised that way, and I'm not going to raise a child to do that." Parker Foster Aiken was born on August 8.

"We congratulate Clay for making this decision and for setting an example for others and his family," said GLAAD President Neil Giuliano. "As we’re seeing, more and more gay people, including celebrities, are living openly and honestly, and this has tremendous impact in terms of creating awareness, understanding and acceptance."

"Whether it be having a child out of wedlock, or whether it be simply being a homosexual, it's going to be a lot" for fans to process, said Aiken, "...but if they leave, I don't want them to leave hating me."

"Much like Rosie O'Donnell," said Family Equality Council Executive Director Jennifer Chrisler, "the announcement that Clay Aiken is gay reinforces a simple reality: the American public can no longer say it does not know a gay or lesbian parent. Clay Aiken's desire to raise a child in an open and honest manner will make his life, and his son's, all the better. We hope he and his son find all the happiness they deserve, and the Family Equality Council will work toward the day that Clay and Parker Foster Aiken can enjoy the same rights as other American families."