Sexuality in the Spotlight
Neil Patrick Harris (2006) at the age of 27
"The public eye has always been kind to me, and until recently I have been able to live a pretty normal life. Now it seems there is speculation and interest in my private life and relationships.
"So, rather than ignore those who choose to publish their opinions without actually talking to me, I am happy to dispel any rumors or misconceptions and am quite proud to say that I am a very content gay man living my life to the fullest and feel most fortunate to be working with wonderful people in the business I love."
Elton John (1976) at the age of 29
George Michael (early 90's) in his early 20's
Adamo Ruggiero (2008) at the age of 22
Ellen Degeneres (1997) at the age of 46
Gays and lesbians everywhere celebrated Ellen’s coming out. Parties and gala events were held around the country. One station in Birmingham, AL refused to air the show and Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) swooped down there and with Birmingham Pride put on private showings for 3,000 local Ellen fans.
“I experienced both sides of it because when I came out, everything was great. I was ‘entertainer of the year,’ and I was one of the ‘ten most fascinating people.’ And it was a whole year of celebrating Ellen. And then it went to the complete opposite end. Suddenly I had become this person that everybody was saying, "Oh, I hate her. Oh, I love her." And I heard about all of it. It just got to be where I couldn't watch TV without somebody saying something mean. I was the punch line of every joke, like Monica Lewinsky.”
Lance Bass (2006) at the age of 27
Portia De Rossi - came out as a teen
George Takei (2005) at the age of 70
Cynthia Nixon (2004) at the age of 38
