National Coming Out Day: Which Gay Celeb Or Character Inspired You To Come Out?

October 11, 2019
HIS_EXCELLENCY

Friday, October 11th is National Coming Out Day - a day that was established thirty-one years ago as a way of encouraging folks from all across the LGBTQ+ spectrum to embrace their true identity and make it public for all the world to see. (Inqueering minds can read a little more about the history at HRC.org).

The visibility of gays in the media can play a huge role in both destigmatizing homosexuality in the minds of non-gays and bolstering the self-confidence of closeted gays - hopefully encouraging them to come out and be openly fabulous. In 2012 Joe Biden somewhat famously stated regatding LGBTQ representation in the media:

I think Will & Grace did more to educate the American public (about homosexuality) more than almost anything anybody has done so far. People fear that which is different. Now they're beginning to understand.

And if it's good enough for legendary gay icon Joe Biden, it's good enough for me! Joe Biden bring it to you every ball, why y'all gagging so? But really, gay characters and gay celebs play a huge role in the coming out stories of many a gay guy and gurl, and today I want YOU to share your story in the comments!

I ruvealed back in 2017 that mine was the gay character Jack McPhee on Dawson's Creek. If we're being frank, middle school me was probably attracted to him in the Biblical sense, and there was also something about his confusion and vulnerability that clicked.

I haven't watched the Creek in four hundred years, but I still remember a scenario in which Joey wants to introduce Jack to boys, but Jack hesitates and says something along the lines of "There's a huge difference between realizing you're gay and being gay." That tiny bit of insight into a fake gay character's coming out process was explosive for me, and I'll never forget it. (Also, like, Jack's face and body and lips and hair. I was hornty!)

So ya please head to the comments to share which man or menz influenced your decision to come out!