Coming Out Stories: October 2007 Archives

In this scene from the movie "Get Real," two high school guys are in love. One is the good looking jock, John, who is the big man in campus - and a huge closet case. The other is the cute social misfit Steven (right) who doesn't want to hide their secret love anymore. It's a wonderful film that I saw years ago. It's on DVD and I high recommend watching it - and having a box of tissue handy - just in case.
Anyway, the movie has just one of the ten great coming out scenes spolighted on AfterElton.com today in honor of Coming Out Day.

I don't know how many people actually come out on Oct. 11 but whoever is doing so or plans to, congratulations! I'm damned glad to be out because I suffered so much being in. It's a character builder for sure! You have to come out so many times, and keep coming out, and you have to be strong and brave and know who you are. I admire everyone who has taken that step and not settled on living a secretive life or a life of lies and self-loathing.
I'd like you to check out my Out Heroes page (created a year ago and updated) where I have posted the pictures of many out famous people who are out. I'm grateful to them for being strong and brave, for showing the world who they are with a spotlight shining on them. People like actor B.D. Wong of "Law & Order: SVU" and, of course, "OZ." He hasn't gotten as much attention as say, T.R. or NPH, but he's been out for several years and even wrote a book about becoming his journey to becoming a father.
Here are some people who I plan to add to the gallery who have either come out since my last update or I had not included them before. If you can think of any glaring omissions, lemme know!

Related Items:
- Sharing their coming out stories
- Coming Out Day: DVDs to see
- Coming Out Day thoughts from 10 famous people
- Coming Out Day: Greg's Story

Coming Out Day is Oct. 11. So if you are still in the closet to anybody...COME OUT!!!
But seriously, it's a deeply personal step and everyone should do it in their own time. If you want encouragement from others who have taken the step, I encourage you to read a collection of Coming Out Stories on the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center's site.
Mine should be up soon but it is mainly a truncatated version of a long-assed version I posted a year ago. To read that, CLICK HERE. Meanwhile, here is sampling of stories from people who i like and admire. Here is a LINK to the site so you can read them all!!!

Jane Lynch, actress: "I have much to be grateful for in those who came before me, the die-hard activists, the loud and angry protesters, and those for whom first names will do: Ellen, Melissa and Rosie. For those who blazed the trail and made my path so much easier, I am forever in their debt. I hope that my story will lighten your load somewhat and allow you to see what is possible for you. I love you and want you to live a full and happy life being all that you are. Find the people in this world who will love you for that. I guarantee you they're out there."

Alec Mapa, actor/comic: "Coming out, standing in my own truth has been the most liberating, life affirming thing Ive ever done, personally or professionally. One of the most ironic things about my life is that I initally worried what effect coming out would have on my career when the truth is, I really didn't have one until I did. Covering up my authentic self to friends, families and co-workers required enormous energy and only fueled my own Filipino Catholic feelings of shame. The minute I stood up for myself, everybody else did too. Now, I can't imagine living any other way."

Kenneth Walsh, blogger, friend: "I came out in college during Thanksgiving break in 1988, and my mom acted as if she was completely shocked. It was kind of hard to believe, though, given the fact that when I was in junior high I heard her washing my little sister's hair in the bathroom sink and she started getting frustrated with the squirmy little girl and slammed her head against the faucet and my sister started to cry. I got concerned and poked my head in and said: "Mom, take it easy. You're hurting her," to which she snarled back at me, "Stay out of this, woman." (Yeah, she had no idea.) It's moments like these that give writers a lifetime of material to draw from!"