Coming out is never a requirement for any queer person, but for many, it can feel like a homecoming. In a year where LGBTQ+ people are being targeted by legislations, campaigns and hate crimes, these celebrities came out, fighting against fear and providing some important representation.
Chloë Grace Moretz
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In a heartfelt post endorsing Kamala Harris before the 2024 US election, Chloë Grace Moretz came out stating, “I believe in the need for legal protections that protects the LGBTQ+ community as a gay woman.” Moretz had never previously defined her sexuality publicly, but she stated back in 2018 after splitting with her long-term boyfriend Brooklyn Beckham that she didn’t identify as homosexual or “anything”.
Reneé Rapp
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Reneé Rapp, who had previously identified as bisexual, publicly came out as a lesbian on SNL earlier this year. In the sketch, fellow LGBTQ+ community member Bowen Yan called Rapp “little lesbian intern Reneé,” officially marking her new label.
Bulk Bronson
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In support of his fiancé Gabby Forza’s own X post during Pride month, wrestler Bulk Bronson reposted her pansexual flag with a bisexual flag, sharing his identity. After coming out, Bronson said in a later post that he was overwhelmed with support and that Forza’s openness and acceptance made him feel comfortable to provide others with representation in wrestling.
Sasheer Zamata
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After her run on SNL as a cast member from 2014 to 2017, Sasheer Zamata recently graced our screens in the queerest Marvel project yet, Agatha All Along. After playing many queer roles, Zamata realised that the casting directors were onto something and she started reckoning with her sexuality. In an interview with Them promoting the show, Zamata said she was done mincing words to avoid coming out and identified as a “late-in-life lesbian.”
Sophia Bush
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Unable to say it without a smile, Sophia Bush came out as queer this year. During her divorce, the One Tree Hill star realised she wanted to date women and felt she deserved a shot at queer joy of her own. She also felt it was important to showcase queer resilience by coming out in a year with an increased number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the US.
Amanda Tori-Meating
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After providing the internet with a variety of reaction images this year on the 16th season of Ru Paul’s Drag Race, Amanda Tori-Meating came out as trans. In an interview with EW, Amanda, who previously identified as non-binary before competing, said that being she/her’d on Drag Race made her feel more comfortable, identifying as a “T-girl.”
Sean Gunn
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When he came out to his teammates at the University of Kentucky, Sean Gunn was afraid of receiving backlash, but after being met with support and acceptance, Gunn felt comfortable telling other people in his life. The swimmer who competed for Zimbabwe in the 2016 Rio Olympics came out publicly this year in an article with OutSports and is currently living out and proud in South Africa.
Julia Fox
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Fashion icon Julia Fox stunned TikTok users around the globe when she came out as a lesbian in response to a viral video joking about lesbians with boyfriends. The clip resonated with Fox, who replied “That was me. I was that lesbian. So sorry boys. Won’t happen again.” Fox was linked with Kanye West back in 2022, but since parting ways has released her debut memoir, and is currently hosting a reality competition with fellow trendsetter Law Roach called OMG Fashun.
Ilana Glazer
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Broad City star Ilana Glazer not only became a parent this year, but they also came out as non-binary (using they/she pronouns) in an interview with The Independent. They said that pregnancy helped them connect to both their femininity and masculinity. Stating that her female gender expression felt sometimes like drag, Glazer made it a point that identity was a journey, and coming out to yourself and others was a part of that process.
Maren Morris
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Maren Morris, a long-time supporter of the queer community, claimed the B in LGBTQ+ with an Instagram post this year. Pride month marked the end of a chapter and the start of a new one for Morris. The country singer told fellow entrant on this list, Sophia Bush, that she wanted to be open and truthful about herself after her own divorce, and the start of that was coming out.
Jessica Gunning
Baby Reindeer’s Richard Gadd and Jessica Gunning posing with their Emmys. (📸: Getty) pic.twitter.com/SMsnwCn3P3
— Netflix (@netflix) September 16, 2024
Star of this year’s Baby Reindeer, Jessica Gunning proclaimed herself a “big, old gay” in an episode of Reign with Josh Smith. Although Gunning had been surrounded by queer people, it didn’t click for her until later in life. After coming out, she is happier than ever and ready for the next chapter and whatever it may bring.
Grace Wilson
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In a social media post this year, Grace Wilson, goalkeeper for the Young Matildas and Adelaide United, made Australian football history by coming out as non-binary. The decision to come out publicly came from a place of freedom for them. They not only wanted other people to refer to them with the right pronouns, but they also wanted to fully embrace their identity. Coming out, and receiving nothing but support from their teammates, not only helped Wilson, but young people in sports everywhere.
Taylor Tomlinson
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During her latest Netflix comedy special, Taylor Tomlinson joked about exploring her sexuality, saying “I’ve been trying to figure out if I’m bisexual, or if I just binged Euphoria too fast.” In the same special, Tomlinson talked about the differences between dating women and men, and how having queer siblings made self-acceptance that much easier.
Detox
Detox has come out as a transgender woman. Congratulations! 🎉🏳️⚧️pic.twitter.com/f7gYtFfCLc
— Drag Crave (@Drag_Crave) August 26, 2024
Another Drag Race alum, Detox came out as trans this year during a stage performance where she changed the lyrics of her song to “I’m trans now,” from “I’m a top.” Although not much else has been said, the bold statement stands on its own.
Colin Grafton
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After making his public debut on the Olympic figure skating team for the United States, Colin Grafton made his move to TV. Now a Dancing on Ice star, Grafton came out during a time when he is more popular than ever. When talking about the decision, Grafton told Pink News that he “want(ed) to show that there is representation in any way (he) can.”
Nick Dumont
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Nick Dumont, widely recognised for their performance in the Oscar-winning film Oppenheimer, came out as trans-masculine and non-binary in December. While continuing to use their birth name professionally, Dumont’s publicist announced that they have adopted a different name for personal use. They also updated their pronouns to “they/them” on Instagram.
Representation is vital in all aspects of life, and these LGBTQ+ celebrities are happily taking up space. They reinforce that there is no one way to come out and no timeline for coming out – you can find yourself at any age.
© 2024 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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