There are many memorials that mark important milestones for queer people and their allies: Pride Month, LGBTQ History Month, Lesbian Visibility Week, and Transgender Day of Remembrance, among many others.
The festivities surrounding many of these events often turn them into headline-grabbing displays of community pride. But on National Coming Out Day, recognized annually on October 11, wonderful people at every point in their journey identify who they are, as many take a more personal and primal step to celebrate who they are.
Although for celebrities and others in the public spotlight, coming out means sharing your sexuality or gender identity with millions of people around the world. Some stars, like Rep. Renée and Ron Capela, this year saw their rapid rise to stardom (both singers were embraced as part of their Lesbian Pop Renaissance). Others said they were part of the LGBTQ community for the first time.
Here are some of the ones that have been released so far in 2024.
Sofia Bush
In a cover story for Glamor magazine in April, Sophia Bush revealed that she identifies as queer. She confirmed her relationship with woman and football player Ashlyn Harris.
“I felt so much safety, respect and love in an isolated community as an ally my entire life, that when I entered mine, I already felt like this was my home,” he wrote to magazines. “Right now I think the word that best describes it is strange. I can't say it without laughing, actually. And it’s really good.”
Amber Ruffin
Comedian Amber Ruffin posted a hilarious photo of herself wearing a shirt emblazoned with the word “queer” on the last night of Pride month. “Be proud of who you are, little children! I know I am! Ruffin wrote as part of the post, adding that the news should come as a shock to “exactly zero people.”
Julia Fox
Actor and writer Julia Fox came out as a lesbian in a TikTok video shared in July. Fox jokingly announced that “I’m that lesbian” in response to a viral video in which comedian Emily Grassin joked about seeing “a lesbian with her boyfriend.” Fox was previously married to a man and had a brief but high-profile relationship in 2021 with rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West.
Maren Morris
Singer Maren Morris took to Instagram for Pride Month by sharing that she is “happy to be B in LGBTQ+.” The country singer has been open about her support for the LGBTQ community in the past. In 2021, he raised $100,000 for organizations that support trans rights after Fox News host Tucker Carlson called her a “crazy country music person” for criticizing her for anti-transgender comments.
Trey Cunningham
Shortly after competing in the US Olympic Trials, track and field star Trey Cunningham came out as gay in an interview with The New York Times. Although she has been with friends and family for nearly five years, Cunningham told The Times that coming out was “the scariest thing I’ve ever done.”
Louisa Jacobson
Actress Louisa Jacobson The family had many celebrations in June. Jacobson came out as a lesbian in a stylish Instagram carousel that included screenshots of a New York Times article, “We’re Entering a Joyful New Era of Lesbian Fashion.” The post coincided with the 75th birthday of her mother, acclaimed Oscar winner Meryl Streep.
Shashi's son-in-law
The self-described “late-life lesbian” and former “Saturday Night Live” star came out as gay last month in an interview with The LGBTQ media outlet. Jamata explained that after playing queer characters repeatedly throughout his comedy career, he began to wonder, “What are these casting directors seeing that I’m not seeing?”
Amanda Torrey Reunion
The “RuPaul's Drag Race” Season 16 alum shared in an interview with Entertainment Weekly Being on the show in January allowed her to feel “more comfortable reforming my identity.” Metting, who has identified as non-binary for years, said at the time that while she doesn't feel completely comfortable calling herself a trans woman, she sees herself as a T-girl now.
Maya Masafera
Brazilian social media sensation Maya Masafera came out as a trans woman to her 5.5 million Instagram followers in May. The post shared a photo of what appears to be her new name and a legal document showing her government ID now lists her gender as female. ONE The June article was published in the Pride edition of Vogue Brasil. Massaferra writes poignantly: “There is a saying that life begins at 40. Mine literally began at 43”.
Bruce Joel Rubin
“Ghost” screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin proved in June that it’s never too late to come out. The 81-year-old Hollywood veteran shared in his memoir, “It's Only a Movie,” that he had known he was gay for decades. He added that his wife knew about his sexuality during their marriage and that he had also come out to his children and grandchildren. According to The Guardian.
