Entertainment & Culture

Author: anonymDate: 2024-11-27 16:36:09

Public Figures Who Disclosed Their Lesbian, Gay, or Transgender Identity Later in Life

Contemporary popular culture showcases inspiring LGBTQ+ figures—such as YouTube star JoJo Siwa, who came out at 17, or Zaya Wade, the transgender daughter of Siohvaughn Funches and Dwyane Wade, who (according to her father) has understood her gender identity since age 3. Despite ongoing societal prejudice, progress is evident.

However, many individuals don't fully grasp their sexual orientation at a young age. Furthermore, numerous celebrities have discussed concerns about professional repercussions, media criticism, or estrangement from loved ones if they publicly reveal their true identities.

Consequently, several public figures, including Tommy Dorfman and Wayne Brady, have disclosed their orientations later in life. For them, embracing their authentic selves seems empowering and liberating.

“Many initially declared, ‘Niecy Nash has finally come out,’ but I questioned, ‘Come out of what?’ I wasn’t hiding,” Nash Betts stated in a 2021 interview following her marriage to Jessica Betts, adding, “I didn’t live a repressed life. I cherished past relationships. Now, this is who I love. I wasn’t deceitful or attempting to present myself as something I wasn’t. I genuinely enjoyed those relationships.”

“If I needed a label now, I’d choose ‘free’,” Nash added.

We applaud these stars for their courage in sharing their true selves and inspiring others to do the same—at any age, living authentically is paramount. See the individuals who revealed their identities later in life below!

Kelly Marie Tran

Kelly Marie Tran publicly disclosed her queer identity in a November 2024 interview at age 35.

“I haven’t shared this publicly, but I’m a queer person,” she stated, discussing her upcoming romantic comedy. “The project thrilled me because I could portray someone I understood.”

Khalid

At 26, singer Khalid came out as gay in November 2024 under unfortunate circumstances. He was outed, prompting him to confirm his sexual orientation on X (formerly Twitter).

“🏳️‍🌈!!! there yall go. next topic please lol,” he posted, adding, “and the world still continues to turn. Let’s get this straight (lmao) I am not ashamed of my sexuality! In reality it ain’t nobodies business! But I am okay with me 🖤 love yall.”

Chloe Grace Moretz

Though 27 is young, we include Chloe Grace Moretz’s coming out. On November 2nd, she announced her vote for Kamala Harris and declared herself a gay woman.

“I voted early for Kamala Harris. This election holds immense significance. I believe the government shouldn't control women's bodies; these decisions should solely involve ourselves and our doctors. Kamala Harris will defend this right. As a gay woman, I believe in legal protections for the LGBTQ+ community. We need protection and access to necessary care. Are you voting early? Let’s coordinate with friends! Visit IWillVote.com,” she stated.

Sophia Bush

Sophia Bush discussed her sexuality at 41 in a candid April 2024 essay.

“I dislike the necessity of coming out in 2024,” Bush wrote. “But I recognize the context of escalating attacks on the LGBTQIA+ community. Over 500 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills were proposed in 2023; therefore, I want to show coming out due respect.”

“I’ve found safety and love within the queer community, as an ally my whole life. I've always felt it was my home,” she continued. “My sexuality exists on a spectrum. ‘Queer’ feels most fitting. It brings a smile. And that's wonderful.”

Tommy Dorfman

Star Tommy Dorfman came out as a trans woman in a 2021 interview. “For a year, I’ve privately identified and lived as a woman—a trans woman,” she said at 29.

“It’s humorous to consider coming out, as I haven’t been hiding,” she continued. “This is a reintroduction as a woman, following medical transition.”

“Coming out is seen as a grand reveal, but I was never closeted,” she added. “This is about clarity: I am a trans woman. My pronouns are she/her. My name is Tommy.”

George Takei

George Takei came out in 2005 at 68. In a 2023 interview, he explained he did so due to anger over then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s veto of a same-sex marriage bill.

“Why the delay? Because I’m an actor and wanted to work. I learned early that an openly gay actor faced employment challenges. Being Asian-American further limited my opportunities. Many Hollywood actors remain closeted to protect their careers.”

“I was closeted for much of my career,” Takei continued. “My silence during the AIDS crisis fills me with guilt, although I donated to AIDS organizations. Schwarzenegger, presenting himself as gay-friendly, vetoed the bill, infuriating me, leading to my public disclosure at 68.”

Niecy Nash Betts

Niecy Nash Betts surprised people in 2020, revealing her marriage to Jessica Betts at 50.

“My marriage isn’t a coming out, but a self-acceptance and honesty about who I love,” she said. “I don’t limit love’s definition.”

“I wasn’t suppressing my sexuality,” she added. “I love who I love. I've had previous marriages, and I loved those people. Today, I love this person. My partner choice reflects my current self, not a change from who I've always been.”

Wayne Brady

Wayne Brady joyfully shared his sexuality at 51 in 2023.

“I am pansexual,” he stated. “Bisexual—with an open mind!”

“Researching myself and the world, I couldn’t label myself bisexual; I needed to understand it, especially since I hadn’t acted on those feelings,” he explained. “‘Pan’ to me means attraction to anyone—gay, straight, bi, trans, or non-binary. Attraction across the board. For me now, it fits. I mean it in terms of physical attraction, but also, attraction to the person.”

Queen Latifah

At the 2021 BET Awards, Queen Latifah confirmed her relationship, accepting a Lifetime Achievement Award at 51.

“Eboni, my love. Rebel, my love,” Latifah said, referring to her partner Eboni Nichols and son, Rebel. “Peace. Happy Pride!”

Victor Garber

In 2013, Victor Garber casually confirmed his relationship with Rainer Andreesen at 64.

“I don’t discuss it, but everyone knows,” Garber told Greg Hernandez. “He’s attending the SAG Awards with me.”

Barry Manilow

In 2015, news broke that Barry Manilow, previously silent about his sexuality, married Garry Kief in 2014 at 73.

Two years later, Manilow discussed the public's reaction.

“I feared disappointing people if they knew I was gay. So I remained silent,” Manilow said. It turned out, “Their reaction was beautiful—strangers expressing joy. I’m grateful.”

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster bravely came out at the 2013 Golden Globes at 51.

She teased the audience, “I have a sudden urge to say something I’ve never aired publicly,” before stating, “I am single. Yes, I am.” The room laughed.

“I hope you’re not disappointed there’s no big coming-out speech,” she continued. “I came out long ago. In the Stone Age. When a young person would confide in close friends and family, then gradually to others.”

Mo’Nique

In her Netflix special, Mo’Nique seemingly came out, describing suppressing feelings for women due to her religious upbringing, until revealing it to her father. She recalled: “‘Daddy, I want to be with another woman, sexually,'” she said. “He replied, ‘Bitch, me too!'”

Alison Brie

While reading Celebrity Thirst Tweets with Buzzfeed, Alison Brie, alongside her husband Dave Franco, revealed her bisexuality.

Brie read a tweet: “I’m bisexual for threesomes with Dave Franco and Alison Brie.” Brie responded: “That’s why I’m bisexual.”

Jena Malone

On August 20th, Jena Malone disclosed her pansexuality: “I felt like a heterosexual man in a woman’s body. But that wasn't the full story. I’m learning a new way to tell it. Using words as guides, not definitions. Pansexuality. Sapiosexuality. Polyamory.”

“I feel like I’m a bit late to this, having less shame,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed learning about myself and others through different terms that open doors to new understanding.”

Rebel Wilson

In 2022, Rebel Wilson shared a photo with her girlfriend Ramona Agruma, publicly coming out. She posted, “I thought I was searching for a Disney Prince… but maybe what I really needed all this time was a Disney Princess 💗🌈💗#loveislove.”

Chrishell Stause

In May 2022, Chrishell Stause announced her relationship with musician G Flip, confirming it at a reunion. “I’ve spent time with someone important—G Flip. They’re non-binary (they/them) and a talented musician.”

She added they met through a music video. An archived Instagram story showed Stause saying, “OK, I’m coming out of [the closet] now.”

Carl Nassib

Carl Nassib became the first openly gay active NFL player when he came out in June 2021.

“I’m gay,” he said in a video. “Representation and visibility are vital. I hope one day coming-out videos aren’t necessary, but until then, I’ll promote acceptance and compassion.”

Colton Underwood

Colton Underwood came out as gay two years after appearing on He discussed how his religious upbringing hindered self-acceptance.

“I prayed for God to take the gay away. I prayed for Him to change me,” he told Robin Roberts. “Now I can pray to God with faith, attend church authentically, without conditions. That’s helped.”

Elliot Page

In December 2020, Elliott Page came out at 33 on Twitter.

“Hi friends, I am trans, my pronouns are he/they, and my name is Elliot,” the actor wrote. “I feel fortunate to be writing this.”

Sir Ian McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen came out at 48 to protest a bill prohibiting “promotion of homosexuality.”

“I’d like to see it repealed,” he said. “It’s offensive to anyone—like myself—who is homosexual, apart from the whole business of what can and cannot be taught to children.”

Caitlyn Jenner

In 2015, Caitlyn Jenner came out as a transgender woman at 65 with a profile and photos by Annie Leibovitz.

“If I died keeping this secret, I’d regret it,” Jenner admitted. “I wouldn’t have dealt with myself, and I don’t want that.”

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes came out as a gay woman at 44 in 2008 at an LGBTQ rights rally.

“I didn’t feel I had to discuss my sexual orientation. I was living my life, not hiding, but living it,” Sykes said. “Close friends knew. People should be able to live authentically.”

“We advanced, then regressed,” she continued. “Now, I must be outspoken. I’m proud to be a woman, a black woman, and gay.”

Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin came out as gay at 38, addressing speculation on his website.

“I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man,” he wrote. “I am very blessed to be who I am.”

Cynthia Nixon

At 45, Cynthia Nixon clarified via a letter that she identifies as bisexual, after controversially stating she “chose” to be gay.

“While I don’t often use the word, ‘bisexual’ is technically accurate,” Nixon wrote. “Bisexuality isn’t a choice, it’s a fact. I ‘chose’ a gay relationship.”

Ellen DeGeneres

In 1997, Ellen DeGeneres came out as a gay woman at 39, with a magazine cover and a TV episode mirroring her coming out.

“I never wanted to be ‘the lesbian actress,'” she said. “I never sought to be a spokesperson. I did it for my truth.”

Braunwyn Windham-Burke

Braunwyn Windham-Burke's time on a reality series profoundly impacted her. Shortly after her second season, she disclosed her sexuality.

“I am a lesbian,” the reality star wrote. “At 43, I’ve accepted this part of myself. There are no rules about when to come out. This is my time.”

Rosie O’Donnell

At 32, Rosie O’Donnell wasn’t sure fans knew her orientation, but her 1992 confession to made it clear. She confirmed her sexuality in 2002 at Caroline’s Comedy Club.

“Big whoop,” said an attendee.