Big Gay Closet

Quinto seems to see himself in transition. He asks if he can record our conversation, for, he explains, “archival purposes … I just find that there’s something about looking back on interviews, whether for purposes of remembering what I said about something or if it’s for posterity when I’m 75 … I find that communication as an actor and person is an important part of who I am … and I’m really drawn into the psychology of those dynamics.

For one thing, he’s willing to unambiguously talk about his sexual orientation. His eight-month role in Angels was both “the most challenging thing I’ve ever done as an actor and the most rewarding” he says. Having to inhabit that terrible lost world, if only in his mind, took a toll. “And at the same time, as a gay man, it made me feel like there’s still so much work to be done, and there’s still so many things that need to be looked at and addressed.”

via Zachary Quinto on His Latest Film, ‘Margin Call’ — New York Magazine.

And from his own blog:

when i found out that jamey rodemeyer killed himself – i felt deeply troubled.  but when i found out that jamey rodemeyer had made an it gets better video only months before taking his own life – i felt indescribable despair.  i also made an it gets better video last year – in the wake of the senseless and tragic gay teen suicides that were sweeping the nation at the time.  but in light of jamey’s death – it became clear to me in an instant that living a gay life without publicly acknowledging it – is simply not enough to make any significant contribution to the immense work that lies ahead on the road to complete equality.  our society needs to recognize the unstoppable momentum toward unequivocal civil equality for every gay lesbian bisexual and transgendered citizen of this country.  gay kids need to stop killing themselves because they are made to feel worthless by cruel and relentless bullying.  parents need to teach their children principles of respect and acceptance.  we are witnessing an enormous shift of collective consciousness throughout the world.  we are at the precipice of great transformation within our culture and government.  i believe in the power of intention to change the landscape of our society – and it is my intention to live an authentic life of compassion and integrity and action.  jamey rodemeyer’s life changed mine.  and while his death only makes me wish that i had done this sooner – i am eternally grateful to him for being the catalyst for change within me.  now i can only hope to serve as the same catalyst for even one other person in this world.  that – i believe – is all that we can ask of ourselves and of each other.

By 14, Matranga, didn’t want to pretend anymore. So she handed a note to a classmate at Theodore Roosevelt Middle School in Kenner, scrawled with the words, “Pass it on.”

Inside, she wrote: “My name is Jeannette Matranga. I am gay and I’m proud of it. If you have any questions or comments, meet me at the second tree during second lunch.”

via Gay people are coming out younger | NOLA.com.

John Barrowman

There was a period before I was in the public eye when I wasn’t out because I was still coming to terms with things. I think a lot of people are in the closet for personal reasons and that’s fine. But if they’re in the closet for a career reason, that’s just stupid. It’s 2011 – get out!

via Torchwoods John Barrowman: I love that Tom Jones sings from his crotch | Metro.co.uk.

Things really are changing. I think John Barrowman’s answer here really represents a lot of sentiment out there about people who stay closeted for their careers.

Georgia state Representative Rashad Taylor acknowledged he’s gay after a man accused him of sexual misconduct.“I’ve spent the last few days with my family and my friends and my pastor. I needed to sit down with them and tell them what I’ve come to tell you and my constituents. And that is that I’m a gay man,” Taylor told reporters on Friday at a news conference organized by the gay rights group Georgia Equality.

via Rashad Taylor Comes Out Gay Amid Allegations Of Sexual Misconduct | On Top Magazine :: Gay & Lesbian News, Entertainment, Commentary & Travel.

Half of me wants to comment that this should no longer be a press conference-worthy event. But the other half of me thinks it’s tragic it took this before he could tell his family and friends.

At age 37, Jared Max came out on his New York sports radio show yesterday. He came out to his mother 16 years ago, and has been out with close friends and family, but not professionally.

You can listen here. It’s 7 and a half minutes worth listening to as he talks about recent sports figures who’ve come out and given him the courage to do so too.

Are we ready to have our sports information delivered by someone who is gay? Well we are gonna find out. Because for the last 16 years, I’ve been living a free life among my close friends and family, and I’ve hidden behind what is a gargantuan sized secret here in the sports world. I am gay. Yeah. Jared Max. The sports guy who is one of the most familiar faces in New York sports isn’t quite like the majority. And while you already knew I was a little different, this might help make sense of it. But more so, I’m taking this courageous jump into the unknown having no idea how I will be perceived…
transcript via Towleroad

He finally admitted to himself that he was gay. It left him lonely and depressed.
“I felt like I would never, ever be in love,” Challender said.

He thought about suicide, and developed a stutter. He felt so awful and fearful in public restrooms, he’d cross the street to use a bathroom.

By his junior year, however, he was able to talk with friends about it, and they were supportive. He started to accept being gay and told his family.

Today as an 18-year-old senior, Challender has taken a bigger step, telling his story publicly in a video posted two weeks ago on YouTube as part of the national “It Gets Better” Project.

Out of the closet, onto YouTube – A gay Bozeman teen shares his struggles – The Bozeman Daily Chronicle: News.

 

“True Blood” vamp Evan Rachel Wood has let it be known: She’s bisexual.

“I grew up in love with David Bowie,” she told Esquire. “So I was always into very androgynous things. Guys, girls … I’m into androgyny in general,” she said, which is why ex-fiance Marilyn Manson was so appealing.

“I’m more kind of like the guy when it comes to girls. Im the dominant one. Im opening the doors, Im buying dinner. Yeah, Im romantic.”

Wood, 23, stars in HBOs “Mildred Pierce” with Oscar winner Kate Winslet, whom she said she’d marry if she could. She also stars in Robert Redford’s “The Conspirator” and George Clooney’s upcoming flick “The Ides of March.” You might have also seen her in “The Wrestler” or “Thirteen.”

“I’m constantly changing, I’m constantly growing. I think I’m a little controversial?” Wood said. “I just try and keep some mystery, so hopefully people can’t really put their finger on it.”

The actress said she doesn’t do drugs, recently quit smoking and doesn’t drink much. But it was her affinity for tattoos and androgyny that she kept revisiting for the mag.

“I’m up for anything. Meet a nice guy, meet a nice girl,” she teased.

Perhaps she’s following in her costar Anna Paquin’s footsteps, who last April famously announced her sexual preferences in a PSA with Cyndi Lauper and Clay Aiken.

via True Bloods Evan Rachel Wood says shes bisexual, into androgyny in general | Ministry of Gossip | Los Angeles Times.

Mr Davies described how he faced the team for the first time after the coach told them he was gay. He said that each man shook his hand and told him he had done the right thing.

But he said that the strain of hiding his sexuality had been hard.

“If I am brutally honest, I never enjoyed touring because of my secret and having to conceal my sexuality,” he says.

“My friendships with the guys would reach a certain level, then I’d have to take a step back.”

via England cricketer Steven Davies comes out as gay – PinkNews.co.uk.

The Sun -- risking people's personal safety for a few quid.

I don’t buy tabloids (sometimes I snap pics of the front page though). And here’s one damn good reason why you shouldn’t either.

First, let me say, this is no “World Exclusive”. The woman involved is on the board of directors for the country’s largest trans advocacy group.

Unfortunately, this still puts her at risk of being targeted.

This isn’t journalism. It’s using anti-trans prejudice to sell bundles of newsprint.

All the girls loved Jordan. I — always different — loved Jon. He only solo’d one song, I think. That didn’t bother me though because I didn’t really like NKOTB that much anyway.

First Doogie Howser, now Jon Knight. If Roch Voisine comes out, my childhood crush trifecta of gay will be complete!

“I have never been outed by anyone but myself! I did so almost 20 years ago. I never knew that I would have to do it all over again publicly just because I reunited with NKOTB! I have lived my life very openly and have never hidden the fact that I am gay! Apparently the prerequisite to being a gay public figure is to appear on the cover of a magazine with the caption I am gay. I apologize for not doing so if this is what was expected!”

via New Kid on the Block Jonathan Knight Comes Out of the Closet | Rolling Stone Music.

Of course, this hit the tabloids two years ago too.