Although it might surprise you to think that Daniel Franzese was ever in the closet, considering his “too gay to function” role in the iconic teen comedy – he says that being an “insecure actor” in his twenties made him “terrified” to be his true self – until now.

In the open letter posted on Indiewire, Daniel explains that following the release of Mean Girls he was rejected for many “masculine” roles, and in some cases not even allowed audition.

He writes, “Damian, you had ruined my life and I was really pissed at you. I became celibate for a year and a half.  I didn’t go to any gay bars, have any flings and I lied to anyone who asked if I was gay.”

At the same time, Daniel turned down many roles as stereotypically flamboyant gay men, asking himself, “How could I go from playing an inspirational, progressive gay youth to the embarrassing, cliched butt-of-a-joke?”

Daniel added that his decision to publicly come out now has lifted a 35 year weight off his chest, and thanked Tina Fey for writing a “true representation of a gay teenager – a character we laughed with instead of at.

“You became an iconic character that people looked up to; I wished I’d had you as a role model when I was younger. I might’ve been easier to be gay growing up.”

Congrats, Daniel!

Watch Daniel Franzese read an excerpt from his open letter below.

What are the rest of the cast up to? Read Mean Girls Cast – Where Are They Now?