Read it for yourselves HERE:

http://www.bet.com/celebr...mmons.html

At least this story ties into the previous story about Richard being missing for the last 2+ years.

My dad told me a few hours ago.

I do not know much about him besides that he did home exercise videos and is a 80s icon.

If it is true? I hope this decision brings him happiness.

Sounds like it might just be a rumor though.

http://www.people.com/people/package/article/0,,20981907_21011522,00.html

[Edited 6/8/16 20:39pm]

I guess Caitlyn helped give him the guts to do it as a public person... sad to wait until you're 100 though, the makeup just don't lay the same way (said the soon to be old woman)

& before any flames ensue, I'm just joking - I know it's a highly personal & difficult thing to do (to pursue living your truth in a body you don't feel quite right in), & I can only imagine what it must be like for anyone transgender, but especially celebs

Simmons is not taking steps toward transitioning into a woman.

According to his rep, he is not.

OldFriends4Sale said:

Simmons is not taking steps toward transitioning into a woman.

Richard Simmons' Rep Deni...nsitioning

The reclusive fitness guru "has decided to live quietly the last few years, Simmons' rep Tom Estey tells PEOPLE

people.mag

So what exactly is the official explanation behind the the alter-ego "Fiona"?

Another reality show in the making

kpowers said:

Another reality show in the making

Maybe.

TonyVanDam said:

kpowers said:

Another reality show in the making

Maybe.

Well if I thought of it you know some one in Hollywood has.

CalhounSq said:

I guess Caitlyn helped give him the guts to do it as a public person... sad to wait until you're 100 though, the makeup just don't lay the same way (said the soon to be old woman)

& before any flames ensue, I'm just joking - I know it's a highly personal & difficult thing to do (to pursue living your truth in a body you don't feel quite right in), & I can only imagine what it must be like for anyone transgender, but especially celebs

That's the first thing that crossed my mind when I saw the headline. That must be extremely difficult. I remember that it was hard enough for my Mom's first cousin to come out of the closet as a gay man in the early 80s; too bad he had to wait until he was in his 40s after his parents died to come out with a vengeance (lots of attitude! LOL) in Oklahoma of all places... The gay movement of the 70s gave him the courage... Okay, now I'm confused. Is Richard Simmons transgender or not?

[Edited 6/10/16 14:18pm]