After more than a decade of dodging rumors and speculations about his sexual orientation, Latin singer Ricky Martin has come out of the closet and declared himself a "fortunate homosexual man."

The 38-year-old singer posted a long statement on his official website on Monday (March 29), saying "I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am."

Martin says the birth of his twin sons led to his decision to come out -- and according to the singer, "now that I am the father of two beautiful boys that are so full of light and who with their outlook teach me new things every day. To keep living as I did up until today would be to indirectly diminish the glow that my kids where born with.

He wrote, "Many people told me: 'Ricky it's not important,' 'it's not worth it,' 'all the years you've worked and everything you've built will collapse,' 'many people in the world are not ready to accept your truth, your reality, your nature.' Because all this advice came from people who I love dearly, I decided to move on with my life not sharing with the world my entire truth. Allowing myself to be seduced by fear and insecurity became a self-fulfilling prophecy of sabotage. Today I take full responsibility for my decisions and my actions.

These years in silence and reflection made me stronger and reminded me that acceptance has to come from within and that this kind of truth gives me the power to conquer emotions I didn't even know existed.," he continued. "Writing this is a solid step towards my inner peace and vital part of my evolution. I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am."

The 1998 World Cup theme song singer has evaded questions of his sexuality since his "Livin' La Vida Loca" heyday for years.

Martin welcomed twin sons, Matteo and Valentino, via a surrogate mother in 2008 and has largely stepped away from the limelight to be a dad.