Jim Parsons
In a New York Times article, the writer revealed The Big Bang Theory star was a gay man.
Sam Champion
The Good Morning America weatherman was never shy about his sexuality in a private setting. But when he announced his engagement, his sexual orientation was made public.
Cynthia Nixon
The former Sex and the City star came out on the cover of The Advocate. "I was like, ‘Really, we can just confirm?'" the actress recalls telling her publicist and manager before the announcement. "So that's what we did. It was so fantastic."
Cheyenne Jackson
You've seen this hot Broadway belter on Glee and 30 Rock. And in 2008 he was not only on the cover of Out magazine, but the gay publication crowned him "Entertainer of the Year."
Jason Collins
Paving the way for gay professional athletes, the NBA center wrote a piece in Sports Illustrated about his sexuality. "I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black and I'm gay," he wrote.
Adam Lambert
The former American Idol contestant appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine with the headline, "The Liberation of Adam Lambert."
Melissa Etheridge
The "Come to My Window" singer came out in a big way at a gay ball as part of Bill Clinton's inauguration in 1993.
Zachary Quinto
After coming out as a gay man, the Star Trek star thanked fans for their support. "I feel really grateful," the actor said. "It's been an incredibly overwhelming experience for me, but all in a really positive way."
Ellen Degeneres
The talk show queen appeared on the cover of Time magazine in 1997 with the headline "Yep, I'm Gay." Today, the funnywoman is happily married to Portia de Rossi.
Clay Aiken
After his sexuality came into question when he admitted to fathering a child with Jaymes Foster, the former American Idol contestant came out on a People magazine cover story.
Rosie O'Donnell
In hopes of shedding light on Florida's ban on gay adoption, the former talk show host came out publicly.
Wanda Sykes
During a Las Vegas rally for gay marriage, the comedian came out of the closet when she revealed she had married her longtime girlfriend.
Anderson Cooper
In July of 2012, the CNN host became the news when he shared his sexual orientation with The Daily Beast columnist and gay rights activist Andrew Sullivan.
Elton John
When he sat down with Rolling Stone magazine in 1976, the singer came out of the closet. "I've never talked about this before," he said. "I'm besexual. There's nothing wrong with going to bed with somebody of your own sex."
Lance Bass
In July 2006, the boy band member finally thought it was time to tell his truth. On the cover of People magazine, the singer posed with the headline, "I'm gay."
Frank Ocean
On his Tumblr page, the rapper "fessed up" and admitted that his first love was a man.
Chely Wright
The same week she released an album and memoir, the country music star came out as a lesbian.
Sir Ian McKellen
Even though fellow actors knew of his sexual orientation early on in his career, McKellen didn't go public until a 1988 interview with BBC Radio.
T.R. Knight
In 2006, the former Grey's Anatomy star came out to People magazine. "While I prefer to keep my personal life private, I hope the fact that I'm gay isn't the most interesting part of me," he said in a statement.
Sean Hayes
Known to Will & Grace fans as Jack, the actor admitted his sexuality on the cover of The Advocate. "I am who I am," Hayes said. "I was never in, as they say. Never."
George Takei
The Star Trek alum and his longtime partner were among the first same-sex couples to obtain California marriage licenses back in 2008. "Congratulations to all of us: May equality live long and prosper," the actor said.
K.D. Lang
In a 1992 article from The Advocate, the country singer admitted she was a lesbian.
Charice
The Glee star revealed she is gay during a tear-filled interview with her home country's ABS-CBN program, The Buzz.
Jonathan Knight
The New Kids on the Block member said he's always been open about his sexuality. "I [came out] almost twenty years ago," he said. "I have lived my life very openly and have never hidden the fact I am gay!"