In a world where celebrities are often put on pedestals, it can be refreshing to see someone who is open and honest about their flaws. In the past year, many celebrities have come out as LGBT, despite the risks that come with doing so. Here are ten of them.
1. Ellen Page
Best known for her role in the movie “Juno”, Ellen Page came out as gay in February of this year. In a speech she gave at Human Rights Campaign’s “Time to Thrive” conference, she said that she was tired of hiding who she was. “I’m here today because I am gay,” she said, “and because maybe I can make a difference.”
Since coming out, Page has been an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights, and has even helped to produce a documentary about gay Conversion Therapy.
2. Jussie Smollett
Actor Jussie Smollett came out as gay in 2015, but only recently came out as bisexual. In an interview with Out Magazine, he said that he was hesitant to label himself, but ultimately decided that it was important to be open about his sexuality. “If I can see somebody like me doing that, then maybe I can do that,” he said.
Smollett has been a vocal proponent of LGBT rights, and even released a song called “Freedom” which advocates for same-sex marriage.
3. Raven-Symoné
Former child star Raven-Symoné came out as a lesbian in 2012, but only recently came out as bisexual. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, she said that she was scared to come out at first, but that she ultimately realized that it was important to be true to herself. “I never want to be labeled,” she said, “I just am.”
Since coming out, Raven-Symoné has been an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights, and even married her partner in a private ceremony earlier this year.
4. Lance Bass
Former *NSYNC member Lance Bass came out as gay in 2006, and has been an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights ever since. In an interview with The Advocate, he said that he was inspired to come out after seeing other celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres do so. “I realized that if Ellen can come out and have a successful career, then maybe I can too,” he said.
Bass has since been a vocal supporter of same-sex marriage, and even officiated the wedding of his bandmate Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel.
5. Neil Patrick Harris
Best known for his role on “How I Met Your Mother”, Neil Patrick Harris came out as gay in 2006. In an interview with People Magazine, he said that he was inspired to come out by the progress that had been made for LGBT rights. “I am happy to dispel any rumors or misconceptions and am quite proud to say that I am a very content gay man living my life to the fullest,” he said.
Since coming out, Harris has been married to his partner David Burtka, and the two have twin children together.
6. Zachary Quinto
Actor Zachary Quinto came out as gay in 2011, and has since been an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights. In an interview with New York Magazine, he said that he was inspired to come out by the suicide of a teenager who had been bullied for being gay. “I felt like maybe there was an opportunity to make a difference,” he said.
Quinto has since married his partner, model Miles McMillan.
7. Frank Ocean
R&B singer Frank Ocean came out as bisexual in 2012, and has since been an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights. In an interview with New York Times, he said that he was inspired to come out by the progress that had been made for LGBT rights. “I wanted to create something that would hopefully make a difference in someone’s life,” he said.
Ocean has since released two critically acclaimed albums, and is set to release a third later this year.
8. Ellen DeGeneres
Perhaps the most famous person on this list, Ellen DeGeneres came out as gay in 1997. In an interview with Time Magazine, she said that she was inspired to come out by the progress that had been made for LGBT rights. “I realized that I could make a difference,” she said. “I could be honest about who I was and that might help somebody else.”
Since coming out, DeGeneres has been married to her partner Portia de Rossi, and the two have hosted their own successful daytime talk show.
9. Cynthia Nixon
Actress Cynthia Nixon came out as bisexual in 2004, and has since been an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights. In an interview with The Guardian, she said that she was inspired to come out by the progress that had been made for LGBT rights. “I feel a personal obligation and a social responsibility,” she said.
Nixon has since married her partner, education activist Christine Marinoni.
10. Jodie Foster
Actor Jodie Foster came out as lesbian in 2013, and has since been an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights. In an interview with The Daily Beast, she said that she was inspired to come out by the progress that had been made for LGBT rights. “If I had to label myself, I would label myself as a lesbian,” she said. “But I’ve never really thought of myself as having an orientation.”
Foster has since married her partner, photographer Alexandra Hedison.
