Champion diver Greg Louganis is openly gay and HIV positive. Although he is best known as an Olympic gold medalist, Louganis has also written a bestselling book, appeared in a handful of movies and television shows, and now competes in dog agility. He continues in the sports world as a diving coach in California. (credit: Mark Mainz/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Heather Matarazzo
In her first role in 1995’s “Welcome to the Dollhouse,” actress Heather Matarazzo played a young girl who was teased by her classmates and called a lesbian. Perhaps it was some form of foreshadowing, because Matarazzo came out in front of the press in August 2004, talking openly about her longtime girlfriend. (credit: Carlo Allegri/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Chely Wright
Country music star Chely Wright maintained relationships with women before and during her rise to stardom, but did not make them public until 2007, when she stopped believing that homosexuality was immoral. “I am gay, and I am not seeking to be tolerated,” Wright said. “One tolerates a toothache, rush hour traffic, an annoying neighbor with a cluttered yard. I am not a negative to be tolerated.” (credit: Mike Simons/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Richard Hatch
The first “Survivor” winner earned a reputation as the “fat naked gay guy,” but that didn’t stop his fellow players from awarding Richard Hatch the $1 million prize. Since that time, Hatch has spent his days in-and-out of jail for failing to pay taxes on his winnings. (credit: Paul Hawthorne/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Scott Thompson
As the single openly gay man in the Kids in the Hall comedy troupe, Scott Thompson was responsible for crafting a large number of the gang’s homosexual-oriented skits, of which there were plenty. Thompson, and his sketches, helped the Kids earn a sizeable fanbase within the gay community. (credit: Trish Lease/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Jim J. Bullock
Comedy actor Jim J. Bullock lost his partner to AIDS in 1996. Bullock himself learned that he was HIV positive in 1985, but has survived the virus so far and continues to perform in movies, television shows and local stage productions. (credit: Bowers/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Danny Pintauro
Child actor Danny Pintauro has seen his spotlight dim since starring in “Who’s the Boss?” when he was 8 years old. In January 2011, the San Diego Union-Tribune revealed that the former TV star was now selling Tupperware. He admitted that he is gay in 1997. (credit: Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Mo Rocca
Political satirist Mo Rocca has served as a special correspondent for Larry King, National Public Radio, “The Tonight Show” and CBS News Sunday Morning. But most people likely remember him for comedy pieces on “The Daily Show” with Jon Stewart. Rocca is openly gay. (credit: Fernando Leon/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Sophie B. Hawkins
When musician Sophie B. Hawkins wrote “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover,” the performer must have been singing about everyone, men and women. Hawkins is bisexual, and has been with partner and manager Gigi Gaston for many years. Hawkins gave birth to a son in November 2008. (credit: Phil McCarten/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Andy Dick
Comedian and actor Andy Dick was married to a woman from 1986 to 1990 and has three children. “After my divorce, the plot really thickened for me,” Dick explained. He has been describing himself as a gay man ever since. (credit: David Livingston/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Bryan Singer
Film director Bryan Singer is openly gay. He says that his experiences growing up gay in school have helped influence his movies. Singer’s films include “Valkyrie” and “The Usual Suspects” along with superhero flicks “Superman Returns” and “X-Men.” (credit: Michael Buckner/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Clay Aiken
Since admitting that he is gay in September 2008, former “American Idol” contestant Clay Aiken has spoken out against anti-gay bullying at Capitol Hill. The singer remains active in the recording industry and has even appeared on Broadway. (credit: Scott Gries/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Amanda Bearse
Known for her role as Marcy on “Married… With Children,” Amanda Bearse has been out of the closet since 1993. As the television sitcom ran from 1987 to 1997, Bearse’s sexual orientation was hinted at through a series of clever jokes. Bearse married her partner in 2010. (credit: Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Drew Barrymore
While the high-profile relationships of Drew Barrymore have all included men, the actress claims to be bisexual. “A woman and a woman together are beautiful, just as a man and a woman together are beautiful,” she once said. “When I was younger, I used to go with lots of women. Totally. I love it.” (credit: Charley Gallay/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Sean Hayes
Actor Sean Hayes won awards for playing the flamboyant Jack on “Will & Grace,” and he too is openly gay. Hayes skirted the issue for many years, so as not to be typecast, but he was quite frank about the issue in April 2010. “I feel like I’ve contributed monumentally to the success of the gay movement in America,” he said. (credit: Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Rufus Wainwright
Singer Rufus Wainwright came to terms with his sexuality as a teen, but said that his mom and dad “could not even handle me being gay. We never talked about it really.” After both spans of celibacy and promiscuity, Wainwright settled down with a partner in April 2010. (credit: Jo Hale/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Fred Schneider
In February 2010, The B-52’s lead singer Fred Schneider spoke with Howard Stern about coming out of the closet. He told his mother while she was vacuuming. Her response? “I know, Freddie,” she said, before continuing her work. Mother knows best. (credit: Mark Wieland/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Sinead O’Connor
Not usually one to shy away from controversy, singer Sinead O’Connor did not out herself until an interview in 2000. “I haven’t been very open about that,” O’Connor said. “I haven’t necessarily been terribly comfortable about being a big lesbian mule.” In 2005, the singer revised her statement. “I’m three-quarters heterosexual, a quarter gay.” (credit: SASCHA SCHUERMANN/AFP/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: RuPaul
Drag queen RuPaul has been an icon within the gay community for over 20 years, taking his fabulous supermodel routine to gay clubs and gay pride parades across the country. RuPaul has had cameo appearances in many films and TV shows, has hosted a handful of reality television shows and even had a hit song in 1992. (credit: Mark Mainz/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Cynthia Nixon
Known for her role in “Sex and the City,” actress Cynthia Nixon began a relationship with a woman in 2004. “I’d been with men all my life, and I’d never fallen in love with a woman. But when I did, it didn’t seem so strange,” Nixon said. (credit: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: George Takei
Although he made little effort to conceal his homosexuality, George Takei did not officially reveal himself to be gay until October 2005, when he talked about his relationship with his partner of 18 years. The “Star Trek” star is now a very active proponent of gay rights. (credit: VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: George Michael
British pop star George Michael has been involved in a couple of public sex controversies that ultimately led him to come clean about his sexuality. Michael has said that he kept his sexual orientation secret so as not to upset his mom. Michael and ex-partner Kenny Goss are the co-founders of the Goss-Michael Foundation, an art gallery based in Dallas. (credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Ellen DeGeneres
Standup comic turned television star Ellen DeGeneres first discussed her homosexuality on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in 1997, before mirroring the events with her character on the sitcom “Ellen.” Now hosting her own daytime talk show, DeGeneres has been legally married to actress Portia de Rossi since 2008. (credit: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Rachel Maddow
Political commentator Rachel Maddow has been given numerous awards and placement on many lists honoring important gay and lesbian cultural figures. She has appeared as a guest on several news programs and currently hosts her own show on MSNBC. (credit: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Annie Leibovitz
Highly acclaimed portrait photographer Annie Leibovitz was coy about the exact nature of her relationship with writer Susan Sontag for many years. But after Sontag’s death, the artist opened up a bit, admitting that the two had been “lovers.” (credit: Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Ani DiFranco
Grammy winning musician Ani DiFranco is bisexual, talking about love with both men and women in her song “In or Out.” She angered fans in 1998 by marrying a man, but the two split up five years later. (credit: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Jane Lynch
When not tormenting the New Directions kids on “Glee,” actress Jane Lynch and partner Dr. Lara Embry, who were married in May 2010, remain very active in the gay and lesbian community. (credit: Charley Gallay/Getty Images for FOX)
Gay Celebrities: Suze Orman
Financial advisor and television host Suze Orman opened up about her sexual orientation in February 2007. Orman married a co-producer of her cable show in September 2010 in South Africa. (credit: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Van Cliburn
Accomplished pianist Van Cliburn has special ties to Texas. He was raised in Kilgore and profiled by Time magazine as ‘The Texan Who Conquered Russia’ after he won a Russian piano competition during the Cold War. His Van Cliburn Foundation, which aims to foster and showcase extraordinary musical talent, is based in Fort Worth. (credit: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Montblanc)
Gay Celebrities: Billie Jean King
Former professional tennis champion Billie Jean King won the famous Battle of the Sexes against men’s champion Bobby Riggs in 1973. Her sexual orientation was thrust into view in May 1981 during an ugly legal hearing between King and her longtime partner. “It was very hard on me because I was outed,” King later said in 2007. “And I think you have to do it in your own time.” (credit: Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Harvey Fierstein
Gruff-voiced actor and playwright Harvey Fierstein has been openly gay for decades, at a time when many celebrities were not ready to admit their true feelings. Fierstein remains active in the entertainment industry, all while vocally battling for gay rights. (credit: Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Derek Jacobi
British actor Derek Jacobi has appeared in films like “Gladiator,” “The Golden Compass” and “The King’s Speech.” Jacobi entered into a civil partnership with his partner in March 2006. (credit: Fergus McDonald/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Ian McKellen
British actor Ian McKellen came out of the closet well before playing the wizard Gandalf in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. He made the announcement in 1988, after being involved in relationships with other men since 1964. McKellen helped found Stonewall, a gay rights group in the United Kingdom, and remains a spokesman for the organization. (credit: Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Michael Stipe
As the R.E.M. frontman, Michael Stipe has never actually defined himself as gay, straight, bisexual or anything else. He calls himself a “queer artist,” but feels that the term is “more inclusive of the grey areas.” However, Stipe has primarily been seen in relationships with other men. (credit: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Wanda Sykes
Standup comic Wanda Sykes was married to a man from 1991 to 1998, but came out as a lesbian at a same-sex marriage rally in November 2008, after getting married to a woman just a month earlier. Sykes remains active in the battle for same-sex marriage. (credit: Jesse Grant/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Tim Gunn
Fashion critic and “Project Runway” personality Tim Gunn is gay, but said that he has not been in a serious relationship for nearly 30 years, after being with the same partner for six years. (credit: Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: David Hyde Pierce
After 11 years of playing Kelsey Grammer’s brother on television’s “Frasier,” actor David Hyde Pierce publically confirmed his long-time relationship with Brian Hargrove in 2007. The two were married in California just days before same-sex marriages were banned by the controversial Proposition 8. (credit: Matt Carr/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Guillermo Diaz
Latino actor Guillermo Diaz has been in movies like “Half Baked” and “Cop Out.” Diaz hid his sexual orientation for several years while growing up in a tough neighborhood of New York City. “That façade of being somebody I’m really not, just to protect myself, definitely helped with acting,” Diaz said. (credit: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: John Waters
Film director John Waters is openly gay and addresses gay issues in many of his movies, most famously the cult hit “Pink Flamingos.” Waters is also a very outspoken proponent of gay rights and gay pride. (credit: Jordan Strauss/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: David Geffen
Entertainment mogul David Geffen is a record executive, film producer, theater producer and one of the founders of DreamWorks SKG. In May 2007, Geffen placed first on a list of Out magazine’s Most Powerful Men and Women in America. (credit: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Nathan Lane
Film and stage actor Nathan Lane came out publicly in 1999. When a reporter once asked Lane if he was gay, the actor said, “I’m 40, single and work in musical theater. You do the math.” (credit: Jemal Countess/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Jillian Michaels
Personal trainer and former “The Biggest Loser” coach Jillian Michaels is open to having a relationship with men or women. “I’ve been in love with both,” she told Women’s Health magazine in May 2010. Michaels now appears on the self-help show “The Doctors.” (credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Nate Berkus
Interior design expert Nate Berkus is openly gay. He was vacationing in Sri Lanka with his partner in December 2004 when a tsunami hit. Berkus survived the storm, but his partner was among the missing and presumed dead. Berkus now hosts a daytime talk show. (credit: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Melissa Etheridge
Musician Melissa Etheridge came out as a lesbian at a 1993 event celebrating the election of President Bill Clinton. Since that time, Etheridge has become just as known for being a significant gay rights activist as she is for her music. (credit: Jemal Countess/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Mika
Lebanese pop singer Mika has discussed his sexuality in a number of media interviews. “I have never limited my life. I have never limited who I sleep with,” he once stated. “Call me bisexual, if you need a term for me.” In another interview, he said, “I could fall in love with anybody, literally. Any type, any body – I’m not picky.” (credit: SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Lady Gaga
Music icon Lady Gaga told Rolling Stone magazine that her song “Poker Face” is actually about her own bisexuality. Between speaking at numerous gay pride events and creating the gay anthem “Born This Way,” Lady Gaga has become a popular advocate for the gay community. (credit: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Billie Joe Armstrong
The Green Day frontman married a woman in 1994 and has two kids. But he claims to be bisexual. “I think I’ve always been bisexual,” he said in a 1995 interview. “It’s ingrained in our heads that it’s bad when it’s not bad at all. It’s a very beautiful thing.” (credit: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Sara Gilbert
Former “Roseanne” star Sara Gilbert came out as a lesbian in 2010, just as she was being announced as the executive producer and co-host of the CBS daytime show “The Talk.” In August 2011, Gilbert announced that she was separating from her partner of 10 years. (credit: Toby Canham/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Kelly McGillis
She took Tom Cruise’s breath away in “Top Gun,” but actress Kelly McGillis came out as a lesbian in April 2009, saying that she had been coming to terms with her sexuality since she was 12 years old. (credit: Arthur Mola/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Cat Cora
Celebrity chef Cat Cora specializes in Greek-American cuisine as one of the culinary pros on “Iron Chef America.” When not donning an apron in front of cameras, Cora raises four sons with her wife. The two have been married since 1999. (credit: Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Muppets Kitchen)
Gay Celebrities: T.R. Knight
Former “Grey’s Anatomy” star T.R. Knight had his sexuality thrust into the spotlight when castmates Patrick Dempsey and Isaiah Washington began arguing on the set, prompting Washington to allegedly insult Knight and his sexual orientation. (credit: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Tommy Tune
Wichita Falls native Tommy Tune has performed, directed, produced and choreographed some of the biggest shows on Broadway, winning nine Tony Awards along the way. Tune continues to perform to this day, while running an art gallery in New York. (credit: Andy Kropa/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Portia de Rossi
Afraid of being exposed as a lesbian so early in her career, actress Portia de Rossi did not open up about her sexual orientation until 2005, after she had started dating daytime talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. The two are now married. (credit: D Dipasupil/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Carson Kressley
Fashion expert Carson Kressley was part of the Fab Five (with food and wine connoisseur Ted Allen, interior designer Thom Filicia, culture expert Jai Rodriguez and male grooming expert Kyan Douglas – all of whom are gay) on the makeover show “Queer Eye.” Kressley has since starred in several reality shows, helping people with their fashion and beauty. (credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Bruce Vilanch
Those in the entertainment industry know comedy writer Bruce Vilanch for crafting many of the jokes on high-profile awards shows like the Oscars, Tonys and Emmys. He has also worked on scripts for several movies and TV shows. But those not in the business would best know Vilanch for his time as a featured celebrity on “Hollywood Squares.” (credit: Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Anne Heche
There was once a time when most people probably knew actress Anne Heche only as the girlfriend of comedian Ellen DeGeneres. They split up in August 2000, and Heche went on to star in many successful movies and TV shows. Meanwhile, Heche, who has dated both men and women during her life, got married, divorced and had two kids – all with men. (credit: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Alan Cumming
Scottish actor Alan Cumming has dated many women and describes himself as bisexual, but added that “the pendulum has obviously swung” after entering a civil partnership with another man in January 2007. (credit: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for IMG)
Gay Celebrities: Margaret Cho
Comedian Margaret Cho is openly bisexual, and has said that she was bullying in the past because of her sexual orientation. “I felt very insecure and very scared, and I didn’t want to live,” she said. Cho now speaks against anti-gay bullying, encouraging gay pride. She’s been married – to a man – since 2003. (credit: Chelsea Lauren/Getty Images for Pantages Theatre)
Gay Celebrities: Michael Kors
Fashion designer Michael Kors has been creating clothes for men and women for over 30 years. Those not familiar with the fashion industry might recognize Kors as a judge on the reality television hit “Project Runway.” Kors married his longtime partner in August 2011. (credit: Amy Sussman/Getty Images for FIJI Water)
Gay Celebrities: Meredith Baxter
Best known as the mom on “Family Ties,” Meredith Baxter has been married three times, and has five kids from those relationships. But in an interview with Matt Lauer in 2009, she came out as a lesbian. Baxter said that her first same-sex relationship was in 2002. (credit: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Lance Bass
After *NSYNC disbanded, former boy band member Lance Bass came out on the cover of People magazine in July 2006, after nearly a year of speculation. “I’m not ashamed,” Bass said. “I’m more liberated and happy than I’ve been my whole life.” (credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Relativity Media)
Gay Celebrities: Ricky Martin
Latin pop singer Ricky Martin is known for hits like “Livin’ La Vida Loca” and “She Bangs.” He officially came out of the closet in March 2010 through a posting on his website. “I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man,” Martin said. “I am very blessed to be who I am.” (credit: Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Elton John
Legendary musician Elton John first came out as a bisexual in a 1976 interview published in Rolling Stone magazine. Later, in 1988, he told the magazine that he was “comfortable” being classified as gay. John and his partner became fathers in 2010. The child was born on Christmas Day. (credit: Jeff Fusco/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Adam Lambert
Sexual preferences were not really discussed during Adam Lambert’s stint on “American Idol,” and the singer catapulted to the final show, ultimately losing out to Kris Allen. After the show ended, Lambert confirmed that he is gay in Rolling Stone magazine, and moved forward with his music career. (credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for LOGO)
Gay Celebrities: Adrianne Curry
After winning the first season of “America’s Next Top Model,” Adrianne Curry had her life with husband Christopher Knight detailed in the TV show “My Fair Brady.” Curry opened up about her bisexuality to Playboy magazine in 2007. “I have a lot of testosterone in me,” she said. “That’s why I dated women for so long. I was the guy, they were the girls. I was allotted powers you normally don’t get with men.” (credit: Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Reality Rocks)
Gay Celebrities: K.D. Lang
As an accomplished musician, K.D. Lang has done much to support gay rights and other related causes, including songs dedicated to the support of HIV/AIDS care and research. Lang herself came out as a lesbian in 1992. (credit: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Chris Colfer
Actor Chris Colfer plays gay character Kurt Hummel in television’s smash hit “Glee,” and Colfer himself is also openly gay. Colfer told “Access Hollywood” that he was often bullied in school, and hopes that “Glee” can help prevent more bullying from tormenting kids. (credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Jesse Tyler Ferguson
Like his character on the sitcom “Modern Family,” actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson is gay. And oddly enough, his on-screen partner, Eric Stonestreet, is actually straight. (credit: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Jodie Foster
Although actress Jodie Foster has never explicitly said that she is gay, and tends to keep the details of her life very private, she hinted at the notion in December 2007. While on the stage accepting an award, she thanked “my beautiful Cydney” (movie producer Cydney Bernard), leading most people to believe the two were dating. They have since split. (credit: Michael Buckner/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Jonathan Knight
During his time with New Kids on the Block, boy band member Jonathan Knight was said to be dating fellow pop star Tiffany. But in January 2011, Tiffany said that Knight is gay, a claim which he confirmed. “I have lived my life very openly and have never hidden the fact that I am gay,” he said. Knight still records and tours with the since-renamed NKOTB. (credit: Jemal Countess/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Chaz Bono
The only child born to Cher and Sonny Bono together, Chaz Bono (born Chastity) told the world that she was a lesbian in April 1995. In 2008, Bono began the process of receiving a sex change both physically and legally. The process was completed in May 2010. (credit: Michael Buckner/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Boy George
As a member of the band Culture Club, Boy George kept an androgynous appearance, to the point of saying that he preferred “a nice cup of tea” over sex. But he officially declared himself as “militantly gay” in a 2006 documentary. (credit: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Don Lemon
CNN news anchor Don Lemon revealed that he is gay in his May 2011 memoir, which also discussed the abuse that Lemon faced as a gay man growing up in a black community in Lousisiana. (credit: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Perez Hilton
Celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton is not only an openly gay man himself, but has often come under fire for outing stars who are allegedly in the closet. When not rubbing elbows with Hollywood’s finest, Hilton uses his unlikely stardom to support gay rights issues. (credit: Perezhilton.com via Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Neil Patrick Harris
Despite his womanizing ways on television’s “How I Met Your Mother,” Neil Patrick Harris came out in November 2006. “I am a very content gay man living my life to the fullest,” he said. Harris and partner David Burtka have twins, one boy and one girl. (credit: Andy Kropa/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Anna Paquin
Oscar winning actress Anna Paquin came out as bisexual in April 2010, while she was still dating her male “True Blood” co-star Stephen Moyer. She made the announcement while filming an ad supporting gay rights. Paquin and Moyer have since been married. (credit: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Rosie O’Donnell
Standup comedian and actress Rosie O’Donnell actually came out as a lesbian in 2002, in front of people while on-stage during her comedy routine. “I don’t know why people make such a big deal out of the gay thing,” O’Donnell said during the performance. “People are confused. They’re shocked, like this is a big revelation to somebody.” (credit: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Bruno Tonioli
Most viewers will recognize choreographer Bruno Tonioli as a judge on “Dancing with the Stars” (He’s the lively one on the right.), but his dance work has been seen many popular music videos, movies and stage plays. (credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: David Yost
A generation of kids (now adults) will instantly recognize David Yost as the Blue Ranger of the wildly popular “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.” Yost admitted that he is gay during a magazine interview in August 2006, saying that he was taunted for years on the set of the kids program. Former “Power Rangers” cast and crew members deny these allegations. (credit: 20th Century Fox)
Gay Celebrities: Rupert Everett
British actor Rupert Everett came out of the closet in 1989, a move that he felt might ruin his career. Since then, he’s starred in several films including “My Best Friend’s Wedding” in 1997, “Inspector Gadget” in 1999 and “Shrek 2” in 2004. His admission does not seem to have ruined anything. (credit: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Zachary Quinto
Zachary Quinto has earned a following of sci-fi fans after playing lead villain Sylar in television's "Heroes" and the iconic Spock in 2009's "Star Trek" movie. He boldly stepped out of the closet during an October 2011 interview, and later in a blog post on his own website. (credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Jim Parsons
Jim Parsons, also known as Sheldon Cooper from the CBS sitcom "The Big Bang Theory," is often seen at industry events with his longtime boyfriend. He confirmed his sexuality to The New York Times in May 2012. (credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Gay Celebrities: Anderson Cooper
Television news reporter Anderson Cooper revealed himself to be gay in July 2012, saying that he came out of the closet to help prevent bullying and inch closer toward equality. (credit: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)