Elton, Seuss And Others on Coming Out, Why It's Ok Out Here

“Don’t worry about society pigeonholing you or Hollywood pigeonholing you. Just don’t pigeonhole yourself. Stay open.” – Jane Lynch (Glee)

Did you know that yesterday was National Coming Out Day? Did you come out? If you were already out did you declare your homo-ness to the masses? Well, in a world that generally worships those in Famousland, celebrities often act as role models to those that feel less significant. When these celebrities of the homosexual kind decide to come out publicly, I hate to say it, but us regular homos feel a little more secure in the world.

In celebration of National Coming Out Day, I have put together a few quotes from our fabulously famous celebrity Gods and Goddesses of the world who discuss the art known as ‘coming out’.

“You can’t hide away forever. It’s just stupid and now I’ve come out I feel a lot more comfortable with myself. But it was a bit scary back then because some people do have horrible opinions.” – Lady Sovereign

“I think in the beginning of my career I was cautious, but not once was I told by someone not to be open. Once Jennifer and I began a family, I vowed that I would never deny them. I was always open to employers, colleagues but then came out to the public.” – Cat Cora (Iron Chef)

“Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life; define yourself. ” – Harvey Fierstein

And perhaps most famously, and most politically, from Harvey Milk:

“Gay brothers and sisters,… You must come out. Come out… to your parents… I know that it is hard and will hurt them but think about how they will hurt you in the voting booth! Come out to your relatives… come out to your friends… if indeed they are your friends. Come out to your neighbors… to your fellow workers… to the people who work where you eat and shop… come out only to the people you know, and who know you. Not to anyone else. But once and for all, break down the myths, destroy the lies and distortions. For your sake. For their sake. For the sake of the youngsters who are becoming scared by the votes from Dade to Eugene.”

In the Headlines:

Michelle Garcia. Gay Rights Pioneer Frank Kameny Dies. The Advocate (October 11, 2011.)

Raziel. The Rosie Show Debuts to Mixed Reviews. Xtra (October 11, 2011.)

Dale Smith. UK Civil Union is Not Marriage: Feds. Xtra (October 11, 2011.)

About the Author

Dallas

|Calgary Contributor| A girl with a passion for equality and all things good. I am first and foremost a friend followed by a big queer, advocate, writer, community builder, and feminist. I have an affinity for Jeopardy and Perez Hilton, and am a Facebook addict. I heart all furry creatures.