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Whether you're leaving the closet this, last, or next National Coming Out Day, it's cathartic to see other LGBTQ people stand in your place. From high schoolers announcing their truth to celebrities blasting out their identities, these viral coming out videos will exhilarate and inspire you.
Scroll through to discover some of our favorite coming out moments that changed lives and minds.
While accepting an award for best actor in his class, Jacob Rudolph explains how he’s done acting like he’s straight. In front of everyone he knows, and likely many parents and teachers he didn't, the high school senior eloquently demonstrates the importance of being authentic.
This comedian first came forward about being gay in the wake of the passage of California's Prop. 8, which banned marriage equality. During a demonstration to end Prop. 8, Sykes spoke up about her own sexuality in this moving speech. Now she's married to Alex Niedbalski, with whom she has twins.
For some parents, finding out their child is gay is a major shock. Well, not to this mother, who acts out her experience with an actual closet. This video went so viral that you've probably seen it before, but it's always worth replaying for a laugh.
In 2007, Jim McGreevey stepped down as governor of New Jersey after the press discovered he was gay. Rather than denying it, he came out in his unforgettable resignation speech, asserting that now that he’s out he would be an even better governor — whether the public was ready for it or not.
Created by Kat Jackson, this visually entrancing play-by-play of a young girl deconstructing her homophobic education draws out the emotions of “revulsion, panic, same, and relief.” It also shows how out LGBTQ artists (like Halsey) inspire queer youth to love themselves.
During a university class, this student took a presentation as a moment to educate his community on transitioning and to reach out to other struggling queer youth. This footage is an immense show of bravery equipped with lessons no exam can measure.
Muslim women’s activist Blair Imani didn’t come out to someone she loved; she opened up about being queer to someone who regularly undermines her existence. While arguing that Muslims deserve safe spaces with Tucker Carlson, the radical right Fox News commentator rants that people will next ask for resources for black and queer people. Imani then says she is all three. A powerful moment of courage and intersectionality, Imani’s appearance garnered her support from LGBTQ Muslims across the globe.
After years of tabloids whispering about Jodie Foster’s sexuality, the acclaimed actress brought her full self to light during the 2012 Golden Globes. Giving a deep thanks to her partner Cydney Bernard and the family they created together, Foster is clearly concerned that coming forward may end her stardom. “I will continue to tell stories, to move people by being moved, the greatest job in the world. It's just that from now on, I may be holding a different talking stick. And maybe it won't be as sparkly, maybe it won't open on 3,000 screens, maybe it will be so quiet and delicate that only dogs can hear it whistle. But it will be my writing on the wall,” the actress proclaimed. “Jodie Foster was here, I still am, and I want to be seen, to be understood deeply and to be not so very lonely.”
A sweet and humble tune about embracing one’s bisexuality, this musical coming out video delivers positivity in a genre where there is so much tragedy. Not only is it the author’s way of leaving the closet, but the relatable lyrics make it a great tool for bisexuals everywhere to reveal who they know they are on the inside to whoever matters most.
