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Out, Proud & Authentic

In recent years, Hollywood has done some phenomenal work to explore the sensitive topic of homosexuality. From shows like ‘Sex Education, ‘Tales Of Cities’ to movies like ‘Call Me By Your Name’, ‘The Half Of It’ to songs like ‘I Will Survive’, ‘I’m Coming Out all bring forth the queer narrative that until very recently wasn’t depicted in popular culture.

In the past years, many celebrities have struggled with considerable homophobia when they first came out publicly. Actor Michael Kearns and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres faced huge backlash and hatred when they announced that they were gay. However, they dared to be who they are publicly, and many followed suit. From Billy porter to Elton John, Several Hollywood celebrities not only paved the way for the current crop of celebs to live more free lives but also showed the general public that they too can come out without apprehension or fear.

The fight against gender and orientation stereotypes is far from over, even in a progressive space like Hollywood. But, there is now a newer generation of celebrities who are out and proud and giving a voice to queer issues and speaking up against discrimination. Here's a look at them.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres, the host of 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' has been entertaining daytime TV audiences with a heartwarming blend of eccentric comedy and celebrity cameos for more than 19 years, shattering stereotypes and beaming into homes across the world.

However, on April 30th 1997, her image of being a warm and funny TV persona took a considerable hit when she announced for the first time openly that she is a lesbian. While she faced a lot of discrimination she also became the first woman to come out on a US network television show and simultaneously on the cover of Time Magazine.

Initially, the comedian faced huge criticism and her show was cancelled. People announced that her career was over. However, in 2001 she made an equally big statement by becoming a host of a major talk show and reclaiming her space in American television.

In her interview with People DeGeneres said, "So, it's been 25 years since my coming-out episode, and the only time I'm in the closet now is when Portia and I play hide and seek ... I think about what the next 25 years will bring, and I hope that we keep evolving. I hope, like a little tiny egg that turns into a caterpillar that then turns into a cocoon that eventually, emerges and spreads its big gay butterfly wings".

Jim Parsons

‘The Big Bang Theory’ actor came out as gay in the year 2012. On various occasions, he has opened up about how being gay has impacted his professional as well as personal life. Parsons in an interview with Attitude a UK-based lifestyle magazine expressed that he didn't anticipate the courage and happiness he acquired after coming out in 2012.

He stated that many people still disparage the LGBTQ population, and other public personalities also make offensive remarks about them. But after coming out, he felt a sense of strength and satisfaction that he had never anticipated. Despite the fact that primetime Emmy Award-winning actor's orientation has impacted him professionally, Parsons believes that it has also enlightened his work about the "layers" he must communicate as an artist.

Elton John

Band member of The Rolling Stones Elton John revealed his bisexuality to a magazine in 1976, he was 29 years old and already a global phenomenon at the time. However, later the singer confessed that he was gay and very content being so.

In an interview with Variety, he said, “It’s wonderful to be gay. I love being gay. I do.” His first and only authorized memoir, 'Me' was published by Macmillan in which he said, “I think I wouldn’t have had the life I’ve had if I hadn’t been gay. And I’m very proud of that. I’m very proud that I can appreciate that ... Don’t let anybody torture you for being gay or for your sexuality.” ( Image courtesy: Instagram)

​Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart’s much-talked-about relationship with Robert Pattinson, and the subsequent public shaming that she faced when she cheated on her Twilight co-star with a then-married film-maker, Rupert Sanders had a significant impact on her public persona.

However, she did focus on her work and has over the years solidified her position in Hollywood as one of the best young actresses. Apart from Stewart’s love life, her orientation has also been fodder for tabloids with many people speculating that she is bisexual. On various occasions, the actress dodged the question of being a lesbian and when she replied she stated that it wouldn’t be true to herself to announce that she is coming out. However, in 2019, Kristen and her girlfriend Dylan made it Instagram official.