Whilst coming out publicly has never been a determining factor in affirming your place in the LGBTQIA+ community – representation has and will always be important. This is especially so for queer youth who may be struggling with their own LGBTQIA+ identity, having the opportunity to see visible role models in the mainstream media can provide a source of inspiration and security to lean into their own authentic identity.
2023 saw notable stars from across the world entertainment, sport and politics publicly coming out to identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. From Ncuti Gatwa to Bella Ramsey and Miss Benny (checkout the full list here).
Continue reading to see all the stars who have come out publicly (so far) in 2024.
Amanda Tori Meating
Known for: RuPaul’s Drag Race
Identifies as: Trans woman
“I refer to myself as a t-girl at the moment.”
Read the full story here.
Colin Grafton
Known for: Dancing On Ice
Identifies as: Gay
“I never really felt the need to announce it before but the reason I am saying this now is because I want to show that there is representation in any way I can.”
Read the full story here.
Erika Casupana
Known for: Survivor winner
Identifies as: Lesbian
“Throwback to last New Year’s Eve when I tried to do the “eat grapes while sitting under a table at midnight and you’ll be get a boyfriend by the end of the year.But I didn’t have grapes, so I chugged wine, and instead, that year, I realized I’m a lesbian. Close enough, right?”
Read the full story here.
Grace Wilson
Known for: Matildas goalkeeper
Identifies as: Non-binary
“You don’t realise how much of a difference it makes. Being referred to as ‘they/them’ for the first time gave me this euphoric feeling. I just wanted to be free.”
Read the full story here.
Lauv
Known for: Singer
Identifies as: Gay
“I feel like I’m gay, okay. I’ve said this so many times and still not claimed to actually be, because I’ve not had enough experience to say.”
Read the full story here.
Madame LaQueer
Known for: RuPaul’s Drag Race
Identifies as: Trans woman
“It’s now or never. I think this serves for me to be a voice for those that have persuaded themselves into not pursuing their truths and let time take over.”
Read the full story here.
Mario Alcalde
Known for: Spanish Bullfighter
Identifies as: Pansexual
“It’s now or never. I think this serves for me to be a voice for those that have persuaded themselves into not pursuing their truths and let time take over.”
Read the full story here.
Matt Terry
Known for: Singer
Identifies as: LGBTQIA+
“I’m very proud [of my sexuality], and I’m no longer afraid.”
Read the full story here.
Parvati Shallow
Known for: Survivor winner
Identifies as: Queer
“I am pansexual and I feel very identified with the LGTBI flag. I fall in love with the interior, I don’t care about gender.”
Read the full story here.
Reneé Rapp
Known for: Singer / Actor
Identifies as: Lesbian
“I’m a lesbian, but wow, do I love Justin Bieber.”
Read the full story here.
Zoe Lister-Jones
Known for: Law & Order
Identifies as: Queer
“I’m here, I’m queer, I have some fear but I’m working through it.”
Read the full story here.
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