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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.

Khalid at the GRAMMY Museum L.A. Live
Coming Out

Celebrate Khalid's coming out with these 12 essential bops

Whether you've been listening to Khalid for years or want to learn more about his music career, check out our comprehensive guide.

Shawn Mendes addresses gay speculation in new unreleased song
Music

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.

tktktk
News

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.

group elder women Cameroon traditional ceremonial dress
World

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."

Brenda Biya daughter of Cameroon president Paul Biya with girlfriend Brazilian model Layyons Valenca
News

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.

Zane Phillips
People

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.

viral hearts love coming out of cellphone voicemail on purple background
People

Dad's heartwarming reaction to his son coming out as gay goes viral 8 years later

On TikTok user is going viral for sharing his dad's moving voicemail in response to his letter coming out as gay.

​Khalid on The Today Show
Coming Out

R&B star Khalid comes out as gay after being outed

"Next topic please lol," the "Love Lies" singer wrote on social media.

Giorgio Armani
Fashion

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."

Luke Evans BAFTA red carpet interview
Arts & Entertainment

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.

Brenda Biya daughter of Cameroon president Paul Biya with girlfriend Brazilian model Layyons Valenca
News

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.

Devery Jacobs
Arts & Entertainment

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.

rainbow stripes american flag military participants LGBTQ pride parade 2022 San Diego california
News

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."

Andrzej Stekala of Poland competes during the training at the FIS World Cup Ski Flying Men Planica at Letalnica
Sports

Polish ski jumper Andrzej Stękała comes out as gay in heartbreaking post mourning partner's death

The 2021 World Championship bronze medalist took to Instagram over the New Year to open up about "the most difficult thing in my life."

Joao Lucas Reis da Silva
Sports

To this pro men's tennis player, coming out was 'so normal that I didn’t think about it'

Joao Lucas Reis da Silva surprised fans earlier this month when he posted Instagram photos of himself alongside his partner, Gui Sampaio Ricardo.

Esera Tuaolo; Carl Nassib; Michael Sam
Sports

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.

drag artist Jenna Tea with gramdmother on stage at show
People

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.

Supermarket Sweep business partners gay couple host vintage collared sweater
Arts & Entertainment

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.

George Santos
Politics

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."

Trey Cunningham
Sports

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.