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
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
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
The acclaimed actress and director subtly confirmed her sexuality during her acceptance speech at the Golden Globes in 2013.
4. Ricky Martin
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
The CNN anchor came out in 2012, stating that visibility is important and expressing pride in his identity.
6. Ellen Page
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
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
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
The British singer-songwriter shared their truth in 2014, later identifying as non-binary and using they/them pronouns.
10. Kristen Stewart
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
The “White Collar” actor publicly acknowledged he was gay in 2012 during an acceptance speech, thanking his partner and family.
12. Tim Cook
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
Miley has been open about her pansexuality and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, challenging traditional narratives around gender and sexuality.
14. Troye Sivan
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
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
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.
