Tag: coming out

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Video: “The Walking Dead” Star, Daniel Newman, Comes Out As Gay

“Now is no longer the time to keep it private.”

Daniel Newman, one of the stars of the hit TV series The Walking Dead, came out last night on Twitter followed by a video where he shared his “aha moment.”

In the video, Newman recalls a conversation he had while volunteering at an LGBT homeless shelter.

A girl at the shelter thanked him for volunteering, especially because he was “straight.”

When he told her that he was gay, she said, “Why have you never said that publicly before? You could help change our lives.”

Here’s a partial transcript of the video via Towleroad:

“It hit me like a gut punch. It felt like someone had knocked the wind out of me. I realized how important it is in this day and age to be visible; have people know who you are.

“When you are accomplishing incredible things, and you are hiding who you are, you are hurting hundreds of millions of people.

“By us staying quiet, we’re partially to blame for kids getting beat up and ridiculed, stereotypes and stigmas.

“I grew up in an Irish Catholic family, a farm town in Georgia in the South, and it wasn’t even about homophobia or anything; it was about you just keep your private life private. So that’s the way I’ve always been. Now is not the time any longer to keep it private.”

“I’m an actor. The whole world, the industry, is like ‘here’s your big break, you’re on The Walking Dead, you can’t come out, you can’t be in the press, because everything you work so hard for is going to be gone. There’s no gay or bi leading men, no action heroes, your career’s going to be over.’ I don’t care. Because I know what’s right.”

Bravo, Daniel! And thank you!

Watch Newman’s poignant coming out video below:

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Pro Wrestler Anthony Bowens Comes Out As Bisexual

Professional wrestler Anthony Bowens (L) with boyfriend Michael Pavano

Professional wrestler Anthony Bowens has come out as bisexual, with a little help from his boyfriend, Michael Pavano.

From OutSports.

It was this past fall and I was three months into a relationship with my boyfriend, Michael Pavano. Mike and I had uploaded a video to YouTube on his channel called “The Laughing Challenge,” where he described me as his boyfriend.

The video was a blast to do, but I worried that someone from the wrestling world would stumble across it and learn my secret. I decided to let it be posted anyway.

Weeks later, I received a text that made my stomach drop.

It was from my best friend in the wrestling business, and someone I specifically made sure to keep my secret from. The text read: “Bro, why didn’t you tell me?” I knew exactly what he meant but I played dumb. “What do you mean?” I replied. He response was that he saw “the video.”

Much to my great relief, he told me he didn’t care and that I was one of his best friends in the business.

He also said that some of the other wrestlers had watched it too and tipped him off about it. I was relieved that he was cool with everything but a bit nervous because other wrestlers knew. It was after this that I came to the conclusion that I had a decision to make.

With my closest friend in my profession being cool with my orientation and having the continued love and support from by parents and best friends, I finally felt comfortable letting the world know. On Jan. 8 this year, I sent a message on Facebook:

I’m not going to make this a long winded post but I think it’s time. Just wanted to let everyone know im Bisexual. I look forward to changing perceptions and breaking stereotypes as I continue on my journey. I have zero patience for negativity so if this bothers you please delete me. Thanks!

After hitting send, I immediately turned off my phone. I didn’t want to think about what people would write. After about 30 minutes I told Mike to check his phone. I hadn’t told him I was planning on coming out, so I wanted it to be a surprise.

He had the biggest smile on his face, our friends in the room cheered, and I made the decision to turn on my phone. The response was overwhelming positive — 986 likes and more than 200 comments, all positive; only a very few people unfriended me. I couldn’t help but cry as I let loose all of the years of stress, anxiety and fear of judgment. It was the best decision I had ever made.

As is the case most of the time, coming out has been an uplifting experience for Bowens.

Congrats to Anthony! Check him out with his adorable bf below via Instagram:

A post shared by Anthony Bowens (@bowens_official) on Mar 12, 2017 at 4:35pm PDT

A post shared by Anthony Bowens (@bowens_official) on Sep 15, 2016 at 6:50pm PDT

A post shared by Anthony Bowens (@bowens_official) on May 6, 2016 at 3:32pm PDT

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Sara Gilbert “Comes Out” To Former TV Dad John Goodman In Classic ROSEANNE Roles

How an image can take you back 20 years in the span of a second.

Two decades after the 90s hit sitcom, Roseanne, signed off, two of the shows stars teamed up for a sweet one minute reunion this week.

John Goodman stopped by The Talk this week to promote his new movie, Kong: Skull Island. And clearly the temptation was too great to not take a trip in the “way back machine” with former TV daughter Sara Gilbert, now a host on the afternoon gabfest.

The scene opens with “Dan Conner” (Goodman) on the couch with daughter “Darlene” (Gilbert) watching a football game.

Gilbert: “So, uh, there’s something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about for a while now. I don’t know how to say this—I’m a talk show host.”

Goodman: “Well, as long as you’re happy, you know, me and your mom will support you. You know, for a minute there I thought you were going to tell me you were gay.”

Gilbert: “Let’s save something for halftime.” (sly smile)

And the crowd goes wild.

Of course, the fun here is that Gilbert came out publicly in 2010.

Watch below. Very cute.

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Viral Video: “The Big Deal”

An Australian birthday party turns tense when a young man stands and shares a secret about himself.

What happens when he comes out to his family regarding a very personal choice?

“A simple difference shouldn’t be a big deal”

From the organizers of The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festival which is currently under way in Australia.

Watch below:

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Country Music Personality Cody Alan Comes Out In Instagram Post

Hottie country music personality and host Cody Alan comes out in an Instagram post:

2017. As we start a new year, there is something I want to share with you. You see, I’m gay. This is not a choice I made, but something I’ve known about myself my whole life. Through life’s twists and turns, marriage, divorce, fatherhood, successes, failures – I’ve landed on this day, a day when I’m happier and healthier than I’ve ever been. And I’m finally comfortable enough for everyone to know this truth about me. Thanks for following me and supporting me over the years. As we continue our journey, I hope this news won’t change how you see me. I’m still the same Cody I always was. You just know a little more about me now. My hope for the future is to live the most honest, authentic, loving, and open life possible. Here’s to being happy with yourself, no matter who you are, who you love, where you come from, or what cards life has dealt you. Thanks again. With much heart, Cody

2017. As we start a new year, there is something I want to share with you. You see, I’m gay. This is not a choice I made, but something I’ve known about myself my whole life. Through life’s twists and turns, marriage, divorce, fatherhood, successes, failures – I’ve landed on this day, a day when I’m happier and healthier than I’ve ever been. And I’m finally comfortable enough for everyone to know this truth about me. Thanks for following me and supporting me over the years. As we continue our journey, I hope this news won’t change how you see me. I’m still the same Cody I always was. You just know a little more about me now. My hope for the future is to live the most honest, authentic, loving, and open life possible. Here’s to being happy with yourself, no matter who you are, who you love, where you come from, or what cards life has dealt you. Thanks again. With much heart, Cody
A photo posted by Cody Alan (@cmtcody) on Jan 12, 2017 at 7:50am PST

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Sean Hayes: I’m “Ashamed And Embarrassed” I Stayed In The Closet So Long

Will & Grace star Sean Hayes told the crowd at the Legacy Awards this past Sunday night, presented by Los Angeles LGBT film festival Outfest, that he has regrets about not coming out sooner.

From The Hollywood Reporter:

“[The press release] said that I took the stereotypical gay sissy and made him human, lovable, flawed and real. While this may be true, I think you should’ve led with flawed because at the time, I was a young closeted actor having his first taste of a little success and unfortunately, in my mind, my lucky break was inextricably tied to me thinking that I had to stay in the closet in order to keep moving forward,” Hayes said, receiving his award from longtime friend Dax Shepard, who was equal parts genuine and hilarious. “Looking back at my choice to stay silent, I am ashamed and embarrassed. What was I thinking? As If any of you had any doubts. I mean, right, could a straight actor ever do this…?”

“When it comes to nights like tonight and honors like this, I’m consumed with what I didn’t do. I know I should’ve come out sooner and I’m sorry for that. Especially when I think about the possibility that I might have made a difference in someone’s life. I would probably be able to sleep a lot better than I do if I had acted sooner, but such is life. We learn our lessons only when we are ready.”

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Olympian Gus Kenworthy Looks Back On Coming Out

I am gay. Those three words are how I began the caption on this same photo one-year-ago, today. I remember waking up that day, with the most overwhelming sense of emotions. I was excited for a future where I no longer had to mask myself with heteronormative posturing. But then, of course, I felt apprehensive because I didn’t know how people were going to react. I’d already told my immediate family and a few close friends and they all offered nothing but love and support and I decided that even if the rest of the world abandoned me, their support would be enough. However when the day finally came, I was terrified of losing friends, fans and sponsors. What I didn’t anticipate though, was all that I was about to gain. I’ve gained so much over the past year and I am so tremendously thankful for all of it. I’ve started to love myself, a big step for someone who spent their adolescence in self-contempt. I’ve made lifelong friends, fallen in love and felt truer and happier than I ever imagined. I’ve witnessed myself swell with pride while holding my guy’s hand walking down the street; no longer dictated by fear to walk with my hands in my pockets acting like the person I loved was merely a friend, an acquaintance. I got to ski completely unencumbered and ended up having my best competitive season ever because of it. And while competing I got to, finally, acknowledge my boyfriend standing at the bottom of the half-pipe cheering me on; something I regrettably failed to do in my previous 5-year-long closeted relationship. Ultimately, for the first time in my life, I got to feel free – something everybody should feel every day! I can’t thank you all enough for the support you’ve given me over the last year, it truly means the world to me. I get messages every day from guys saying my story has helped them come to terms with themselves or given them the confidence to tell their friends or family that they’re gay. And that, I have to say, has been the highlight of my past year. Of course there will always be nay-sayers but if I’ve helped even one person feel better about themselves then this process, for me, has all been worth it. I love you guys. ❤️💛💚💙💜
A photo posted by gus kenworthy (@guskenworthy) on Oct 22, 2016 at 12:33pm PDT

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Fox News’ Shepard Smith Casually Comes Out

Shepard Smith

Fox News anchor Shepard Smith casually came out as a gay man today in a new interview with Huffington Post.

Addressing a question of whether or not recently ousted Fox News head Roger Ailes ever asked him to stay closeted, Smith was clear and direct.

“That’s not true. He was as nice as he could be to me. I loved him like a father. I trusted him with my career and with ― I trusted him and trusts were betrayed. People outside this company can’t know [how painful that betrayal was]. This place has its enemies, but inside, it was very personal, and very scarring and horrifying.”

Additionally, Smith told the Huffington Post that Ailes had never made homophobic remarks around him.

“He treated me with respect, just respect,” Smith continued. “I wasn’t new in the business when I came here ― I’d been doing reporting for 12 years ― but I wasn’t old in it either, and he gave me every opportunity in the world and he never asked anything of me but that we get it right, try to get it right every day. It was a very warm and loving and comfortable place.”

Rumors have circled for years regarding Smith’s sexuality, which has resulted in his being regularly featured in the likes of OUT Magazine’s “Power 100” issue.

I’m never one to ‘out’ another, unless someone is using their position (as some closeted politicians have done) to hurt the LGBT community. So, Smith’s sexuality has never been a big story for me here on The Randy Report.

That said, I’m happy to see that Smith feels comfortable enough to live his life authentically. Congrats to Shep Smith!

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News Round-Up: September 29, 2016

(image via Boy Culture)

Some news stories you may have missed:

• Gay print magazines Frontiers and Next shut down as the publications’ parent company experiences financial difficulties.

• Former aide to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie testified in court that not only did Christie know about “BridgeGate,” but he laughed as it was happening.

• GOP White House hopeful Donald “good for the gays” Trump has pledged to sign the anti-LGBTQ ‘First Amendment Defense Act.’

• The California state legislature has passed a law that prohibits state agencies from forcing their employees to travel to states that discriminate against folks based on sexual orientation or gender identity. North Carolina, we’re looking at you.

• Taco trucks in Houston are helping register new voters. Let’s get a truck on every corner!

• Arnold Schwarzenegger’s dad used to beat him as a child thinking the former body-builder was gay due to posters of his idols on his bedroom walls.

• Brian Anderson, retired legend in the hyper-masculine sport of pro-skateboarding, comes out – “Everything got better.”

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Arrow/Teen Wolf Star Colton Haynes To Be Honored With HRC’s “Visibility Award”

Colton Haynes

The Human Rights Campaign announced today that Colton Haynes (Teen Wolf, Arrow) will be honored for his work on behalf of LGBTs with the organization’s Visibility Award this year’s Annual Gala event in Seattle tomorrow night.

Via press release:

“Colton Haynes has inspired countless LGBTQ young people across the country and around the world to live their lives as their authentic selves,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “By simply being open about who he is, Haynes is helping to break down barriers and tear down closet doors. We are pleased he will be joining us at the 17th Annual HRC Seattle Gala, and we are proud to honor him with the HRC Visibility Award.”

Haynes, who recently came out publicly as gay in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, said, “I’m happier than I’ve ever been, and healthier than I’ve ever been, and that’s what I care about.”

Haynes also recently participated in a video released by HRC paying tribute to the 49 victims of the Orlando shooting at Pulse nightclub. The 18-minute tribute — directed by Emmy Award-winning Ryan Murphy and Ned Martel, with the support of their colleagues at Ryan Murphy Television — features a diverse cast of 49 actors, directors and other entertainment leaders recounting individual stories of the people killed in our nation’s deadliest mass shooting.

In addition to Teen Wolf and Arrow, Haynes has been featured on Fox’s The Grinder and ABC’s The Gates.