In a world where being true to oneself can be challenging, celebrities coming out is a powerful moment of visibility and encouragement for the LGBTQ+ community. Their stories inspire countless fans and help break down stereotypes and barriers. Here are 15 celebrities whose coming-out stories surprised and uplifted their audience.
1. Ellen DeGeneres
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When Ellen came out publicly on her TV show in 1997, it was a groundbreaking moment for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media.
2. Neil Patrick Harris
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Known for his role as the womanizing Barney Stinson on “How I Met Your Mother,” Neil’s coming out in 2006 was a surprise to many fans.
3. Jodie Foster
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The acclaimed actress and director subtly confirmed her sexuality during her acceptance speech at the Golden Globes in 2013.
4. Ricky Martin
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The pop sensation and “Livin’ la Vida Loca” singer broke hearts when he came out in 2010, becoming an icon for gay Latinos.
5. Anderson Cooper
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The CNN anchor came out in 2012, stating that visibility is important and expressing pride in his identity.
6. Ellen Page
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Now known as Elliot Page, he came out as gay during a speech at the Human Rights Campaign’s “Time to Thrive” conference in 2014, and later shared his trans identity in 2020.
7. Lance Bass
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The NSYNC member’s coming out in 2006 was a significant moment for fans of the boy band era of the ’90s.
8. Wentworth Miller
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The “Prison Break” star came out in 2013 in a letter declining an invitation to a Russian film festival, citing Russia’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
9. Sam Smith
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The British singer-songwriter shared their truth in 2014, later identifying as non-binary and using they/them pronouns.
10. Kristen Stewart
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While she was speculated to be bisexual, the “Twilight” actress openly discussed her sexuality in various interviews, emphasizing the fluidity of her attractions.
11. Matt Bomer
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The “White Collar” actor publicly acknowledged he was gay in 2012 during an acceptance speech, thanking his partner and family.
12. Tim Cook
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The Apple CEO’s coming out in 2014 made him the first openly gay CEO of a Fortune 500 company, hoping to inspire others to live openly.
13. Miley Cyrus
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Miley has been open about her pansexuality and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, challenging traditional narratives around gender and sexuality.
14. Troye Sivan
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The South African-born Australian singer and actor came out to his fans on YouTube in 2013, before launching his music career.
15. Jonathan Bennett
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Famous for his role in “Mean Girls,” Jonathan Bennett confirmed his relationship with TV host Jaymes Vaughan in 2017, embracing his identity publicly.
Celebrating Authenticity
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By coming out, these celebrities didn’t just embrace their truth—they amplified the conversation around LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. Their bravery enriches our world, championing love, identity, and self-expression. Their journeys underscore the transformative power of living authentically, inspiring acceptance and change across society.
The post 15 Personalities Who Unexpectedly Came Out as LGBTQ+ first appeared on Pulse of Pride.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Laura Hutton.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.