Living Out Loud

Ellen DeGeneres and Rosie O’Donnell may be two of the most famous lesbians; both of which came out at a time that it could have seriously damaged their career. Times have changed though. Just fifteen years ago, a show about homosexual couples would have been ripped off the air. However, now many shows have become quite successful and have even paved the way for many more like them. These include Will and Grace and The L Word (one of my favorite shows). Many stars are now discovering that it is okay to be “out” and that it can actually help rather than hinder their career.

Cynthia Nixon, more commonly known as Miranda Hobbes from hit show Sex and the City is proud to be out. Former American Idol, Clay Aiken, came out not too long ago, making him a true idol to many who fear having their sexuality known. Comedian Wanda Sykes and her partner have recently had twins. Another comedian, and one of my favorites, Lily Tomlin has been in a successful relationship for more than 30 years with Jane Wagner. Neil Patrick Harris aka Doogie Howser revealed that he was gay in 2006.

I am proud that our country has come such a long way with race and sexuality. Although, it can still be difficult for some, I am glad for those who have the courage to come out and give strength to those still scared to do so. -Famous or not. 

Of course, we do not live in a perfect world and there are still many who are homophobic and there are still many stigmas out there. This is a sad reality, but our world will never be filled with peace. I have had friends who kept their sexuality a secret. And although it appeased their parents, my friends were still very much a mess inside. One friend fell into a deep depression. He would tell me how terrified he was to tell his parents because they were against who he really was.

I understand his pain, but I also feel that it is not his parents who have to live his life or feel his pain. I am not naive, I know that a parent’s love is not always unconditional. I know that this can be really tough. I have another friend, who happens to be one of my best friends, whose parents actually threw him out when he told them that he was gay. I am not telling anyone this to scare them rather than to just state how the situation can sometimes go. My friend however made a family through his friends. And eventually his biological family came around. His sexuality is not spoken of, but at least they have accepted it. My friend is so happy “living out loud”. Not everyone agrees with his way of living, but that’s why it’s his life and not theirs. And although these kinds of persecutions used to bother him, he has found a happiness with himself and who he truly is.

You, yourself may not agree with homosexuality. But you would not want someone to persecute you for being straight. I don’t think it would be pleasurable for anyone to hide who they are. Or be terrified of allowing the people you love most to disown you for who you are. You too, would not like to be made fun of, beaten up or murdered for your sexuality-which has happened often. 

And so, I hope that those of both sexual preferences can can take something from this article.And I hope that if you are hiding who you are that you can perhaps look at some of these celebrities who could have lost everything for coming out and find strength to let others know who you truly are-not for them but for yourself.