I've Got a Secret, and it involves Billy Bean

Billy Bean has the distinction of being the only living former major league baseball player to publicly acknowledge he was gay. From 1987-95, Bean played for the Tigers, the Dodgers, and then finally the Padres. When he came out in 1999, it was very big news. Since then, Bean has had an eclectic career as a real estate developer, as a motivational speaker, and as a gay rights advocate. His most whimsical venture has to be his recent turn as a panelist on I've Got a Secret, the Game Show Network's 2006 queer-infused remake of the 1950's classic. The original premise remains unaltered: Blindfolded panelists try to guess the "secret" of each celebrity contestant through a series of yes and no questions. But the updated version introduces a new twist: all four of the celebrity panelists are gay. Ribald, campy hijinks ensue! Or such was the intention. The show might be missing the mark a bit because it seems to be aiming for two very disparate audiences. First, gays & lesbian viewers interested in the gay-themed witticisms of the panelists. Second, typical game show fans (who are older and presumably more conservative.) The LGBT community might find it too tame, whereas housewives and senior citizens might find it a bit too risque. But I quibble. I sort of like the show actually -- or at least the few episodes I've seen. (Though I've been known to sit through entire weekend marathons of the Golden Girls, so perhaps my tastes are suspect.) If nothing else, I've Got a Secret seems very good-natured and occasionally funny thanks to the gay panelists. Billy Bean plays the (metaphorical) straight man for the other three more flamboyant panelists: lesbian comic Suzanne Westenhoefer, Sirius radio talk show host, Frank DeCaro, and actor/dancer Jermaine Taylor. If you're a gay sports fan with a crush on Billy Bean, or just looking for some good-natured, moderately campy fluff, you can check out the show tonight at 10:30 on GSN. The network airs I've Got a Secret Tuesdays through Fridays at 10:30pm. Note: these are repeats of the fifty odd episodes taped in 2006. Who knows, if enough people tune in, maybe GSN will order some more. The clip below has the blindfolded panelists trying to guess the identity of celebrity contestant, Martha Wash. Check out Jermaine Taylor's stunned reaction to the former Weather Girls singer when he takes off his blinfold. Priceless and very sweet.

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