With more and more people becoming open with others’ sexualities (or their own, in any case), it’s only fitting that we pay tribute to those moments that truly awed us. Here are Hollywood’s 10 proudly gay celebs!
1. NEIL PATRICK HARRIS
People, 2006: “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 and feel most fortunate to be working with wonderful people in the business I love.”
2. ROSIE O’DONNELL
Caroline’s Comedy Club, 2002: “I’m a dyke! I don’t know why people make such a big about the gay thing. People are confused, they’re shocked, like this is a big revelation to somebody.”
3. LANCE BASS
People, 2006: “I knew that I was in this popular band and I had four other guys’ careers in my hand, and I knew that if I ever acted on it or even said [that I was gay], it would overpower everything.”
4. CYNTHIA NIXON
2007: “In terms of sexual orientation I don’t really feel I’ve changed. I’d been with men all my life, and I’d never fallen in love with a woman. But when I did, it didn’t seem so strange. I’m just a woman in love with another woman.”
5. SIR ELTON JOHN
Rolling Stone, 1976: “You’re gonna ask me if I’m gay or not. I’ve been waiting for people to ask me this. It’s not exactly a secret. I live with my manager. I’m openly gay outside. I don’t have a girlfriend… I just thought it was common knowledge.”
6. JANE LYNCH
Mirror UK, 2010: “I didn’t want to be gay. I wanted to be… I wanted an easy life. And you know what? I am gay and I still have an easy life.”
7. ADAM LAMBERT
Rolling Stone, 2009: “Right after the finale [of “AI”], I almost started talking about it to the reporters, but I thought, ‘I’m going to wait for Rolling Stone, that will be cooler,’… I didn’t want the Clay Aiken thing and the celebrity-magazine bullshit. I need to be able to explain myself in context.”
8. WANDA SYKES
Anti-Prop 8 rally, 2008: “I felt like I was living my life, I wasn’t in the closet, but I was just living my life. Everybody who knows me personally, they know I’m gay. And that’s the way people should be able to live our lives, really.”
9. RICKY MARTIN
His own website, 2010: “I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am.”
10. ELLEN DEGENERES
Her letter to the Supreme Court, 2013: “The truth is, Portia and I aren’t as different from you as you might think. We’re just trying to find happiness in the bodies and minds we were given, like everyone else.”
