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Coming Out

The Advocate covers everything you need to know about coming out, including the latest stories on public figures who come out as LGBT. The process of coming out varies for each person. Some lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people come out to friends and family at an early age, while others lead a more private life. Activists such as Harvey Milk advocated for all LGBT people to come out of the closet, in order to help increase visibility of the cause and sway the hearts and minds of the American public. For many, the process is difficult and ongoing throughout a lifetime.

V Pappas and TikTok logo
Coming Out

TikTok Executive V Pappas Comes Out as Nonbinary

The chief operating officer said they were inspired to reflect on their gender thanks to discussions with their children.

Images of Campbell Johnston playing rugby and another of him retired
Sports

Campbell Johnson, Former All Blacks Pro-Rugby Player, Comes Out As Gay

Campbell Johnstone is the first member of the famed New Zealand rugby team to come out.
Daria Kasatkina
Sports

Russian Tennis Champ Daria Kasatkina Says She's Relieved After Coming Out

Kasatkina not only came out as queer, but she's also been a vocal critic of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Noah Schnapp
television

Noah Schnapp, Will on 'Stranger Things,' Comes Out as Gay

"I guess I'm more similar to Will than I thought," Schnapp captioned a TikTok video, as his character has been going through a coming-out process as well.

Gloria Estefan and her children Emily and Sasha Argento Estefan
Arts & Entertainment

Gloria Estefan Opens Up About Her Daughter Coming Out

The iconic singer said she's since apologized to her daughter, Emily, about what happened.

Olivia Colman Kit Connor
Arts & Entertainment

Olivia Colman Proud of Kit Connor for Coming Out, Slams His Bullies

Olivia Colman, who plays Kit Connor's mom in Heartstopper, called out those who "bullied" Connor into coming out as bisexual last month.

Isaac Humphries
Sports

Isaac Humphries, Pro Basketball Player, Comes Out as Gay

Humphries said that he's ready to "live my true life."

Robert Halford/Eminem
Music

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inducts Gay Metal God, Eminem on Same Night

The musical celebration honored a trailblazer and someone who drops antigay slurs with regularity.
Sam Williams
Music

Hank Williams Jr.’s Son Sam Williams Comes Out

Sam Williams evokes his famous lineage and breaking free of gender norms in a lovely music video.

Kit Connor and Joe Locke
Arts & Entertainment

Heartstopper Star Kit Connor Comes Out as Bi, Says He Was Forced

Connor wrote on Twitter that some people apparently didn't get the message of the popular queer Netflix show.

Rebel Wilson and Ramona Agruma
Arts & Entertainment

Rebel Wilson Opens Up About Being Forced to Come Out

Wilson says that an Australian journalist had "threatened" to publicize the actress's same-sex relationship before the couple was ready to make the announcement.
Byron Perkins
Sports

Byron Perkins Makes History As First Out Football Player at HBCU

The defensive back plays for Hampton University in the Colonial Athletic Association.

Carl Nassib Saying Coming Out Was Tough, But Rewarding
Sports

NFL's Carl Nassib Says Coming Out Was Tough But Rewarding

In a recent interview, the out and proud pro football player described being the first out NFL player as "f*ck*ng cool."

Ellis, Mitchell, Wilson
Arts & Entertainment
Badge
gallery

20 LGBTQ+ Celebrities Who Came Out in 2022

Here are some of the stars who decided that 2022 was the year to step out of the closet.

Betty Who
People

Queer Pop Star Betty Who On Inspirations, Coming Out, and New Music

"You have to do what's best for you in the time that it's best for you and be gentle with yourself along the way," Betty Who says to those thinking of coming out.

Queer son coming out to his parents
News

An LGBTQ+ Guide to Coming Out Safely and Happily

Today is a day for honoring coming out, and all the related hopes, fears, dreams, and expectations for the queer future.
Madonna in a recent TikTok video
Arts & Entertainment

Did Madonna Just Come Out? Some Fans Think So

"I think everybody has a bisexual nature," Madonna told The Advocate in a 1991 interview.