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Coming Out

The Advocate covers everything you need to know about coming out, including the latest stories on public figures who come out as LGBT. The process of coming out varies for each person. Some lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people come out to friends and family at an early age, while others lead a more private life. Activists such as Harvey Milk advocated for all LGBT people to come out of the closet, in order to help increase visibility of the cause and sway the hearts and minds of the American public. For many, the process is difficult and ongoing throughout a lifetime.

Breaking barriers: 13 gay NFL players who made LGBTQ+ history

From Jerry Smith to Carl Nassib, these players paved the way for visibility and acceptance in football.

Shawn Mendes addresses gay speculation in new unreleased song

The singer previewed his song "The Mountain" off his upcoming self-titled album at a recent show.

Giorgio Armani reveals first gay crush: 'I couldn't wait to be near him, to be touched'

“I’ve never told anyone about this," Armani recalls. "It’s still a very emotional memory for me."

Utah great-grandma has heartwarming reaction to her great-granddaughter coming out as trans

"It doesn't matter to me if you’re male or female. Whoever is in there, I love," Jenna Tea's 89-year-old great-grandmother Katherine says in a viral video.

Luke Evans is 'shocked' that he's 'still working' after coming out

“I was the only one doing these big action movies and being gay. I was on my own for a long time," the actor recently told Out.

Yes, the 'business partners' from 'Supermarket Sweep' were a gay couple — and they're still together

Tim Leach and Mark Dammann married in 2008, "the first day you could get married," and now both work as flight attendants.

18% of LGBTQ+ adults have never come out — Here's why

Most LGBTQ+ adults come out to their friends and family by age 22, but a significant portion said they have never come out to anyone.

George Santos to gays at the RNC: 'Just come out of the closet boys'

The disgraced politician took seriously a satirical post referring to the Republican National Convention as "Grindr's Super Bowl."

Lesbian reveals the reality of being LGBTQ+ in Cameroon after president's daughter comes out

After the coming out of Brenda Biya, the president of Cameroon's daughter, one lesbian in the country opens up about being “afraid for my life every day."

Cameroon president's daughter Brenda Biya faces backlash from family after coming out

Biya said her mother and brother have both urged her to delete the recent Instagram post revealing her relationship with a Brazilian model.

U.S. hurdles star Trey Cunningham comes out as gay: 'I had to take my time'

Cunningham did not qualify for the upcoming Paris Olympics but is ranked 11th in the world in the men's 110-meter hurdle race.

Cameroon president's daughter comes out, reveals relationship with Brazilian model

LGBTQ+ relationships are criminalized in Cameroon, carrying a sentence of up to five years in prison.

Devery Jacobs didn't have the 'option to be in the closet' — and she didn't want it

The Reservation Dogs and American Gods actor has a message for queer Indigenous youth.

Zane Phillips figured out his sexuality by acting 'stupid in a very specific way'

"Straight boys are stupid with each other in their own kind of way, but I never really accessed that," the out actor recently told PRIDE.com.

A veteran came out as gay in his obituary. Now, his family is praising his final 'salute'

The niece of Edward Thomas Ryan, the decorated military veteran who came out as gay in his obituary, is proud her uncle "got to open doors for other people."

This CNN Analyst broke off an arranged marriage. Now, he's celebrating Pride Month

Saju Mathews, a medical analyst for CNN, opened up about his escape from an arranged marriage in a recent Pride Month post.

Magic Johnson says he'll always 'support, guide, and love' his gay son in moving birthday post

Magic Johnson didn't always support his son EJ, but now the former basketball player is his "biggest fan."

How Wayne Brady found the courage to come out: 'I finally dealt with all those demons'

The Emmy-winning star of The Wiz opens up about how family support and finding self-love allowed him to come out as pansexual at 50.

Jonathan Groff thought coming out would make fame 'impossible.' Here's why he did anyway

The Broadway veteran thinks that "everyone that was closeted at some point" can relate to his latest role in Merrily We Roll Along.

Watch Sherry Cola passionately defend LGBTQ+ youth: 'Queerness is such a superpower' (exclusive)

The Joy Ride and Good Trouble star got emotional while talking to The Advocate about coming out and the new GLAAD campaign #ProtectThisKid.