Like Lady Gaga stated pre-Chromatica release, Earth has been somewhat ‘cancelled’ hasn’t it?
Due to the global coronavirus pandemic, Pride events around the world have been put on hold (or delayed until 2021) due to lockdown restrictions, and countless members of the LGBTQ+ community have been disproportionately affected; facing further inequality, exclusion, discrimination and poverty due to the outbreak and the less-than-satisfactory responses from worldwide governments.
However, 2020 saw more celebrities than ever proudly coming out and flying the rainbow flag as members of the LGBTQ+ community. Yes, it’s 2021 and a person’s sexual preference or gender identity should no longer be headline news, but the impact of these stars discussing their experiences on such a public scale cannot be overstated for those who are struggling to accept their authentic selves.
Here, we round up all the stars who proudly – and publicly – came out last year and inspired a whole new generation of queer youth in the process.
Aaron Schock
Known for: Anti-LGBTQ+ congressman
Identifies as: Gay
“The fact that I am gay is just one of those things in my life in need of explicit affirmation, to remove any doubt and to finally validate who I am as a person. In many ways I regret the time wasted in not having done so sooner.”
Read the full story here.
Adonis Bosso
Known for: Model
Identifies as: Sexually fluid
“I don’t necessarily believe in labels. I feel like I could fall in love with anyone, regardless of their sex, or their orientation, or anything. I feel like love is energy.”
Read the full story here.
Amybeth McNulty
Known for: Actress
Identifies as: Queer
“Well, I think I just accidentally came out hahaha happy pride month lovelies.”
Read the full story here.
Andrew Gillum
Known for: Democratic politician
Identifies as: Bisexual
“I don’t identify as gay, but I do identify as bisexual, and that is something that I have never shared publicly before.”
Read the full story here.
Angie Kent
Known for: Reality star
Identifies as: Pansexual
“I’ve always said since I was younger, I fall in love with a soul rather than a gender.”
Read the full story here.
Avery Wilson
Known for: Singer
Identifies as: Bisexual
“I’m bisexual. Ok bye.”
Read the full story here.
Auli’i Cravalho
Known for: Actress and singer
Identifies as: Bisexual
“if i may escort you to my tiktok…”
Read the full story here.
Billy Lunn
Known for: Singer
Identifies as: Bisexual
“Ok. Just for clarification. Me coming to terms with my sexuality (bi) doesn’t suddenly mean I want to go on a rampage of fucking guys. I’m married.”
Read the full story here.
Braunwyn Windham-Burke
Known for: Real Housewives of Orange County
Identifies as: Lesbian
“I like women. I’m gay. I’m a member of the LGBTQ+ community.”
Read the full story here.
Cara Delevingne
Known for: Actress and model
Identifies as: Pansexual
“I always will remain, I think, pansexual. However one defines themselves, whether it’s ‘they’ or ‘he’ or ‘she,’ I fall in love with the person and that’s that. I’m attracted to the person.”
Read the full story here.
Clément Beaune
Known for: French European Affairs Minister
Identifies as: Gay
“I am gay, and I have no problem saying it.”
Read the full story here.
Curdin Orlik
Known for: Swiss wrestler
Identifies as: Gay
“I thought: I don’t want to be gay. But it’s me. Now it’s out.”
Read the full story here.
Da Brat
Known for: Rapper
Identifies as: Queer
“I’ve always been a kind of private person until I met my heart’s match who handles some things differently than I do.”
Read the full story here.
Dalton Harris
Known for: Singer
Identifies as: Pansexual
“To the boys with fragile egos, I am a TOP to you and your girlfriend. Or non-binary partner.”
Read the full story here.
Daniel Arcos
Known for: Basketball player
Identifies as: Gay
“I want to be part of the change and build a society in which we treat each other with respect and can be happy.”
Read the full story here.
Darin Zanyar
Known for: Singer
Identifies as: Gay
“Took me a while, but I am proud to be gay. Happy pride!”
Read the full story here.
Denis Finnegan
Known for: Irish national track champion
Identifies as: Gay
“We’re used to, as a gay person, hiding parts of yourself that you build up stories about what’s actually going on as to what is.”
Read the full story here.
Devin Ibañez
Known for: American rugby player
Identifies as: Gay
“I will proudly call myself “that gay rugger” in hopes that one day it won’t sound strange in men’s rugby.”
Read the full story here.
DJ Qualls
Known for: Actor and comedian
Identifies as: Gay
“Yep, I’m gay. Been gay this whole time. Tired of worrying about what people would think of me. Tired of worrying about what it would do to my career.”
Read the full story here.
Dominique Provost-Chalkley
Known for: Actress
Identifies as: Queer
“I am queer. I am into ALL humans. I guess maybe I am just really into love? Who knows? But finally… I am OUT.”
Read the full story here.
Eleanor Tiernan
Known for: Comedian
Identifies as: Gay
“I started going through that process of owning the fact that I’m gay, and sharing with and including people in my life, living my life as a lesbian. It’s been great.”
Read the full story here.
François Arnaud
Known for: Actor
Identifies as: Bisexual
“Silence has the perverse effect of perpetuating those stereotypes, making bi guys invisible, and leading people to doubt that we even exist.”
Read the full story here.
Guillaume Cizeron
Known for: Olympic skater
Identifies as: Gay
“Even though I have never spoken publicly about my sexual orientation, I am one of those who think that it is not something that [people] should have to do. Straight people don’t come out.”
Read the full story here.
Gwendlyn Brown
Known for: Reality star
Identifies as: Bisexual
“There wouldn’t be any queer liberation to be proud of were it not for the queer people of color that fought to set it all in motion, especially trans women of color.”
Read the full story here.
Haylie McCleney
Known for: Olympic softballer
Identifies as: Gay
“Faith is a big part of my life; always has been, always will be. I kind of got away from it up until the coming out process because I didn’t think I could be gay and be faithful.”
Read the full story here.
Hig Roberts
Known for: US skier
Identifies as: Gay
“Not being able to be who I am and not be able to be openly gay as a professional athlete was truly hindering my performance.”
Read the full story here.
Hugh Sheridan
Known for: Actor and singer
Identifies as: LGBTQ+
“By sharing my story now, and becoming more transparent, maybe I can help to give others who are private a break. We might live and let them live as they wish. I believe labels are for clothes, not for people.”
Read the full story here.
Hunter Hunt-Hendrix
Known for: Musician
Identifies as: Transgender woman
“I am a woman. I’ve always been one.”
Read the full story here.
J. August Richards
Known for: Actor
Identifies as: Gay
“I knew that I could not portray this gay man honestly without letting you all know that I am a gay man myself.”
Read the full story here.
Jacqueline Wilson
Known for: Children’s author
Identifies as: Gay
“I’ve never really been in any kind of closet. It would be such old news for anybody that has ever known anything much about me.”
Read the full story here.
Jameela Jamil
Known for: Actress and television presenter
Identifies as: Queer
“Twitter is brutal. This is why I never officially came out as queer.”
Read the full story here.
Jannik Schümann
Known for: German actor
Identifies as: Queer
“I am overwhelmed by all the messages, comments, and the love you give us.”
Read the full story here.
Justice Smith
Known for: Actor
Identifies as: Queer
“As a black queer man myself, I was disappointed to see certain people eager to say Black Lives Matter, but hold their tongue when Trans/Queer was added.”
Read the full story here.
Kimberly Hart-Simpson
Known for: Actress
Identifies as: Bisexual
“I represent the B. So for me to do that was really, really important.”
Read the full story here.
Kwon Do Woon
Known for: Singer
Identifies as: Gay
“I am coming out as the first gay trot singer. I wanted speak out for the human rights of sexual minorities and play a role in opening the horizon for others in entertainment to come out.”
Read the full story here.
Låpsley
Known for: Singer
Identifies as: Bisexual
“My sexuality is something I have struggled with understanding and accepting since I was a teenager.”
Read the full story here.
Layla Moran
Known for: Liberal Democrat MP
Identifies as: Pansexual
“I’m in a really happy, loving, stable relationship. She’s amazing and I’m really lucky.”
Read the full story here.
Levi Davis
Known for: Rugby player
Identifies as: Bisexual
“At this moment in time, I feel so free. I am really, really happy that this is coming out and I can be myself.”
Read the full story here.
Lili Reinhart
Known for: Actress
Identifies as: Bisexual
“Although I’ve never announced it publicly before, I am a proud bisexual woman.”
Read the full story here.
Lottie Moss
Known for: Model
Identifies as: Pansexual
“I’m pansexual so I don’t really mind any gender.”
Read the full story here.
Luke Strong
Known for: Trampoline gymnast
Identifies as: Bisexual
“I’ve never hidden anything and I’m really open about the fact that I’m attracted to both sexes, male and female, but I’ve never been in a relationship with either of them so I don’t know.”
Read the full story here.
Maarten Hurkmans
Known for: Rower
Identifies as: Bisexual
“I have a clear presence, you can always read my mood straight of my face, and I can be the absolute worst morning person. I am also bisexual, something that I consider to be an important part of who I am.”
Read the full story here.
Markus Thormeyer
Known for: Olympic swimmer
Identifies as: Gay
“I was willing to put everything on the line, but something was holding me back. It was the secret I was keeping – that I was gay.”
Read the full story here.
Martha McCabe
Known for: Olympic swimmer
Identifies as: Gay
“I think because there haven’t really been any superstars in the sport publicly come out as lesbian and advocate for women in the LGBTQ+ space, it makes it more challenging to realise these things about yourself.”
Read the full story here.
Matthew Paul Turner
Known for: Author
Identifies as: Gay
“I can say with confidence that I’m ready to embrace freedom, hope, and God as a gay man.”
Read the full story here.
Nick Petricca
Known for: Singer
Identifies as: Bisexual
“I am Bisexual. Today is the last day of Pride Month here in the year 2020, and I think it’s time I said that.”
Read the full story here.
Niecy Nash
Known for: Actress
Identifies as: Queer
“I was not suppressing my sexuality my whole life. I love who I love.”
Read the full story here.
Nikki Blonsky
Known for: Actress
Identifies as: Gay
“Mama, I’m a Gay Girl Now!”
Read the full story here.
Nikkie de Jager
Known for: YouTuber
Identifies as: Transgender woman
When I was younger I was born in the wrong body, which means that I am transgender. I am NikkieTutorials, and I am Nikkie. I am me.”
Read the full story here.
Niki Albon
Known for: YouTuber
Identifies as: Gay
“I feel like I haven’t been honest and truthful the entire time with myself.”
Read the full story here.
Non Evans
Known for: Athlete
Identifies as: Gay
“Please don’t judge me I am Gay. Sorry taken me 30 years to say that.”
Read the full story here.
Pablo Alborán
Known for: Spanish singer
Identifies as: Gay
“I’m here to tell you that I am homosexual, and it’s okay.”
Read the full story here.
Pearl Mackie
Known for: Actress
Identifies as: Bisexual
“Proud to be bisexual. Proud to be Black. Proud of all my LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters and everyone in between.”
Read the full story here.
Phillip Schofield
Known for: TV presenter
Identifies as: Gay
“With the strength and support of my wife and my daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay.”
Read the full story here.
Quinn
Known for: Footballer
Identifies as: Transgender
“As I’ve lived as an openly trans person with the people I love most for many years, I did always wonder when I’d come out publicly.”
Read the full story here.
Raymix
Known for: Mexican singer
Identifies as: Gay
“I feel very relaxed now because I can be myself now. People are OK with that and that’s something I really appreciate.”
Read the full story here.
Rebecca Black
Known for: Singer
Identifies as: Queer
“I think to me the word ‘queer’ feels really nice. I’ve dated a lot of different types of people.”
Read the full story here.
Rick Cosnett
Known for: Actor
Identifies as: Gay
“Dramatic pause…. I’m gay. I just wanted everyone to know because I made a promise to myself to live my truth everyday.”
Read the full story here.
Ricky Dillon
Known for: YouTuber
Identifies as: Gay
“I am gay, and I’m finally okay with it. It’s been a long journey to get here.”
Read the full story here.
Roddy Alves
Known for: Being the ‘Human Ken Doll’
Identifies as: Transgender woman
“I just hope people can accept me as a woman and don’t judge or ridicule me.”
Read the full story here.
Rosario Dawson
Known for: Actress
Identifies as: LGBTQ+
“I never did come out come out. I mean, I guess I am now.”
Read the full story here.
Sebastián Vega
Known for: Argentinian basketball player
Identifies as: Gay
“When I started to feel attracted to a man, I had a very bad time. I felt shame, guilt, a lot of rejection, but at the same time the desire to be with someone.”
Read the full story here.
Spencer Brown
Known for: Musician
Identifies as: Gay
“I am gay. It’s so much easier to say today than it was even a few years ago.”
Read the full story here.
Stacy London
Known for: TV presenter
Identifies as: Queer
“I used to date men. Now I date her. That’s it. That’s all I have to say.”
Read the full story here.
Tana Mongeau
Known for: YouTuber and singer
Identifies as: Pansexual
“i be about pansexual as hell.”
Read the full story here.
Tanner Pendelton
Known for: Snowboarder and filmmaker
Identifies as: Gay
“I don’t think it’s possible to understand what a closeted person is going through unless you’ve been through it yourself.”
Read the full story here.
Tatiana Ringsby
Known for: Model and TikTok star
Identifies as: Bisexual
“Surprise I’m bi.”
Read the full story here.
Tegan Nox
Known for: WWE star
Identifies as: Gay
“My life has always been a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ situation, but I felt like it was the right time, especially when you’ve found the right one you’re in love with.”
Read the full story here.
Thomas Beattie
Known for: Former footballer
Identifies as: Gay
“My name is Thomas Beattie. I’m a brother, son, friend, former professional footballer, entrepreneur and annoyingly competitive lad. I’m a lot of things, and one of them is gay.”
Read the full story here.
Trevi Moran
Known for: YouTuber
Identifies as: Transgender woman
“Hi. My name is Trevi Moran, I am a transgender female. That’s a good start, I can’t believe I said that out loud.”
Read the full story here.
Witold Sadowy
Known for: Polish theatre actor and journalist
Identifies as: Gay
“I was born different. I’m gay. Now I have said everything, as in confession.”
Read the full story here.
Zach Sullivan
Known for: Professional ice hockey player
Identifies as: Bisexual
“I have battled with mental health problems over this issue and with the support, understanding and acceptance from my family, friends and teammates, I finally feel ready to say; I am bisexual.”
Read the full story here.
More
