On May 15, 2008, the State of California Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage. The court ruled that "the substantive right of two adults who share a loving relationship to join together to establish an officially recognized family of their own…constitutes a vitally important attribute of the fundamental interest in liberty and personal autonomy that the California Constitution secures to all persons for the benefit of both the individual and society.”
The ruling was received with great celebration by supporters throughout the state and nation, and made California the second state in the nation to legalize gay marriage (Massachusetts has recognized same-sex marriage since 2004). Following the ruling, Ellen DeGeneres, a popular TV talk show host, immediately announced that she and her partner, Portia de Rossi would be tying the knot “as soon as possible.” Who else is out in Hollywood?
Who’s Out in Hollywood?
The following are some of the most well-known and visibly “out” stars in Hollywood:
- Clay Aiken (born November 30, 1978), singer, winner of American Idol. In September 2008 announced, "Yes, I'm gay" on the cover of People magazine. Conceived a child, Parker Foster, with his best friend. Cited the reason for setting the record (ahem) straight: "I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things."
- Ellen DeGeneres (born January 26, 1958), television host, actress, comedian. First came out publicly on her TV sitcom in 1997. Legally married her partner of four years, Portia de Rossi, on August 16, 2008 in California.
- Melissa Etheridge (born May 29, 1961), actress, gay rights activist. First came out publicly in 1993 and titled her album “Yes I Am” that same year. Exchanged vows with partner Tammy Lynn Michaels in 2003.
- Sir Elton John (born March 25, 1947), singer-songwriter, composer, pianist. Met his partner, John Furnish, in 1993. Married in a civil union in 1995.
- Nathan Lane (born February 31956), stage and screen actor. Cane out in 1998, lives with long-term partner in New York City.
- Lindsay Lohan (born July 2, 1986), actress and singer. Although she has yet to admit to a relationship with DJ Samantha Ronson, the couple has been seen holding hands and kissing in public places, and has not denied that they are a romantic item.
- George Michael (born June 25,1963), singer-songwriter, former leader singer for Wham! Was not initially public about his sexuality, but later admitted to a long-term relationship with long-term partner Kenny Goss.
- Rosie O’Donnell (born March 21, 1962), television host, actress, comedian, author, celebrity blogger. First came out publicly in 2002. On February 26, 2002, legally married her partner, Kelli O’Donnell in San Francisco (the first city in CA to legalize gay marriage). The couple is parents to four children.
- David Hyde Pierce (born April 3,1959), actor, best known for role of Dr. Niles Frasier in the TV sitcom, Frasier. Lives with long-term partner of 25 years, Brian Hargrove, in NYC and Los Angeles.
There are many websites with comprehensive lists of openly gay famous people.
Who’s Keeping Us Guessing?
For years, people have questioned the sexual identities of Hollywood actors and singers like Barry Manilow, Jodi Foster, Ricky Martin, and Tom Cruise. Why stay closeted? Many actors remain in Hollywood’s “glass closet” for fear of condemnation and falling ticket sales. In recent years, gays are beginning to be portrayed in mainstream movies and television in a positive light, rather than falling prey to the tired stereotypes that have permeated pop culture. Perhaps now that California has legalized same-sex marriage and stars are publicly proclaiming their love for life partners by becoming legally wed, the taboo of living life in the open will finally come to an end.
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