On Monday, NBA center Jason Collins, who played this past season with the Washington Wizards, came out publicly as the first ‘openly gay athlete in a major American team sport.’

Collins’ self-penned piece in Sports Illustrated starting with, “I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay,” leaving nothing to interpretation.

It was a huge step forward for gay rights as no major sports professional athlete had come out while still being an active athlete.

While Collins has shown great bravery in coming out it has it’s questions as well. He’s technically a free agent at the end of his career:

“Now I’m a free agent, literally and figuratively. I’ve reached that enviable state in life in which I can do pretty much what I want. And what I want is to continue to play basketball. I still love the game, and I still have something to offer. My coaches and teammates recognize that. At the same time, I want to be genuine and authentic and truthful.”

He might never have played another minute in the NBA anyway. He’s old for a NBA player. He’s always been a bench player who received limited minutes of playing time.

However, those facts shouldn’t detract from Collins public statement today. It’s a first, technically, and it won’t be the last by a male professional sports athlete in America.  For the past few weeks there has been rumors of several NFL players coming out.  That will likely happen sooner than later.

It’s a big day for Civil Rights and equality in America. It’s not the biggest step, but it’s another big step for our country, sports, and equality.

Major props to Mr. Jason Collins on his courage, bravery, and penmanship. The article he penned for SI, which you can read HERE, is extremely well written and inspirational. No doubt he’s showing off that impressive Stanford education.

CNN host Anderson Cooper put an end to years of speculation when he finally confessed “I have always been and always will be [gay]” in an open letter to his longtime friend Andrew Sullivan of the Daily Beast.

Anderson Cooper & Secret Boyfriend Ben Maisani Moving In (Photos)

He wrote: “The fact is, I’m gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn’t be any more happy, comfortable with myself, and proud.”

The anchor never tried to hide his sexuality, but he didn’t have to. It’s absolutely normal. SO, how is this news? Cooper’s statement was quickly approved and congratulated by fellow celebrity tweeters, who sent the anchor public messages of support via Twitter.

Celebrities who also went through the same “coming out” process were the first to show their support. Ellen DeGeneres wrote: “I’m proud of you, @AndersonCooper.” Neil Patrick Harris added: “Good for you, @AndersonCooper. You’re awesome.”

Cooper thanked for all the support on Twitter, saying, “I appreciate all the nice tweets. I am in Botswana working but want to wish everyone a great 4th of July!”

Anderson Cooper Interviews Mom Gloria Vanderbilt On Son Carter’s Suicide (VIDEO)

Nothing changed. Cooper is still the same adorable, smart, sexy, irresistible Silver Fox he was last week. And if Cooper is really happy, then more power to him because most people never get to understand the true meaning of happiness.

[image: Nikki Nelson /wenn.com]

Former VP Dick Cheney’s daughter, Mary Cheney, married her partner Heather Poe in Washington, D.C. on Friday (June 22), exactly twenty years after their first date. How romantic!

Naked Women Reflected in Dick Cheney’s Sunglasses?

The 43 year-old former VP daughter shared the good news with her friends on Facebook: “Very happy to announce that as of this morning, Heather and I are legally married (at least in DC). 20 years to the day after our first date.”

Former Vice President Dick Cheney Undergoes Heart Transplant

Proud daddy, a conservative Republican who endorsed same-sex marriage in 2009, and mother, Lynne Cheney, congratulated their daughter in a statement:

“Mary and Heather have been in a committed relationship for many years, and we are delighted that they were able to take advantage of the opportunity to have that relationship recognized. Mary and Heather and their children are very important and much loved members of our family and we wish them every happiness.”

Mary and Heather have two children together – a 5 year-old son Samuel, and 2 year-old daughter named Sarah. Congratulations to the whole family!

“The Big Bang Theory” star Jim Parsons, who plays Sheldon Cooper on the CBS sitcom, decided to casually come out of the closet as a gay man in new profile published by Patrick Healy for the New York Times on Wednesday (May 23).

Jim Parsons Is Gay, Ready To Marry Boyfriend Todd Spiewak

The 39 year-old actor, who played Tommy Boatwright, a young gay activist in “The Normal Heart” last year, is described as a “gay and in a 10-year relationship.”

“The Normal Heart resonated with him on a few levels: Mr. Parsons is gay and in a 10-year relationship, and working with an ensemble again onstage was like nourishment, he said,” according to the NY Times profile.

Jim’s rep had no comment. And it’s not like the actor’s sexual orientation was a big secret. Jim will soon return to the Broadway stage as Elwood P. Dowd in the upcoming play “Harvey.”

[image: HRC/wenn.com]

Actress Raven-Symoné is apparently into girls and currently happily living with her girlfriend, America’s Next Top Model contestant AzMarie Livingston, in an apartment in New York City. Scandalous, right? Raven is a happy lesbian.

This is the 21st century, so I don’t see why this is considered a scandal. However, according to the National Enquirer, the former “Cosby Show” star’s family is furious that she has fallen in love with a woman and allowed the woman she loves to move in with her.

“Raven has lost almost 30 pounds, has done a whole image makeover, and now she is the star of ‘Sister Act’ on Broadway,” said a close source. “She’s at a point now where she doesn’t care what her family thinks, and she’s in love with AzMarie. She’s a lesbian and wants to live that way. She feels her parents are still trying to treat her like she’s a kid, and she’s told them she’s going to do what she wants.”

“She told her parents she loves them, but her home – especially her bedroom – is nobody’s business, and she was not going to back down, so they needed to accept it, period.”

So Raven’s family does not approve of her significant other. Okay. How is that a “gay shocker”? The 26 year-old decided to address the rumors on Twitter by basically telling everybody to mind their own business because she doesn’t owe anybody an explanation about her personal life.

Raven tweeted, “I’m living my PERSONAL life the way I’m happiest. I’m not one, in my 25 year career to disclose who I’m dating. and I shall not start now. My sexual orientation is mine, and the person I’m datings to know. I’m not one for a public display of my life.”

“However that is my right as a HUMAN BEing whether straight or gay. To tell or not to tell. As long as I’m not harming anyone. I am a light being made from love. And my career is the only thing I would like to put on display, not my personal life. Kisses! Love the support, thanks y’all!!!”

Perhaps, just coming out of the closet and opening up about her sexuality wouldn’t be such a bad idea for Raven-Simoné, but it’s her choice. We should all respect it.

[image: Kat Goduco/wenn.com]

“White Collar” star Matt Bomer has finally come clean, stepping out of an open closet to confess he is gay as he accepted the award for New Generation Arts and Activism Award at the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards on Saturday (February 11).

Zachary Quinto Comes Out Of The Closet: “I’m a Gay Man”

During his acceptance speech, the 34 year-old, who is known for his activism in the fight against HIV/AIDS, thanked his partner, Slate PR publicist Simon Halls, and their three children.

Empty Nest’s Kristy McNichol Is Gay, Dating Martie Allen (PHOTO)

“I’d really especially like to thank my beautiful family: Simon, Kit, Walker, Henry,” Bomer told the crowd. “Thank you for teaching me what unconditional love is. You will always be my proudest accomplishment.”

Up until now, Matt had refused to comment on his sexual orientation, but his homosexually was never a secret. The actor just opted to not talk about it. “I don’t care about [rumors] at all. I’m completely happy and fulfilled in my personal life,” he said in a 2010 interview.

Matt is set to play Blaine’s (Darren Criss) brother on “Glee” and star in an upcoming movie, “The Normal Heart,” by Ryan Murphy about a gay journalist with HIV.

[image: wenn.com]

After 20 years out of the spotlight, the “Family” and “Empty Nest” star Kristy McNichol is coming back and out of the closet to announce she is gay in an attempt to inspired kids to do the same and help those who are being bullied.

Zachary Quinto Comes Out Of The Closet: “I’m a Gay Man”

Kristy, who is currently happy and healthy, has been living with her partner Martie Allen for the past 20 years, after she decided to retire from acting when she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder back in 1992.

The 49 year-old actress wants to “be open about who I am” as she is “approaching 50″ and also “hopes that coming out can help kids who need support. She would like to help others who feel different.”

Out and proud. Kristy looks happy and is enjoying living a private life with her partner. The former troubled star spends her time with yoga, tennis, travelling and raising miniature dachshunds.

[image: People]

Former Heroes villain, actor Zachary Quinto, has finally officially come out of the closed by admitting he is a gay man in an exclusive interview for the New York Magazine (read more details here).

Zachary Quinto Comes Out Of The Closet: “I’m a Gay Man”

The 34 year-old now reveals the suicide of Jamey Rodemeyer, a gay teen in New York who had recently filmed an “It Gets Better” video, made him realized he had to speak out and stop hiding his own sexuality.

Zachary posted a long message on his official website explaining his decision to come out. He wrote:

“When I found out that Jamey Rodemeyer killed himself – I felt deeply troubled. But when I found out that Jamey Rodemeyer had made an it gets better video only months before taking his own life – I felt indescribable despair. I also made an it gets better video last year – in the wake of the senseless and tragic gay teen suicides that were sweeping the nation at the time.“

“In the light of jamey’s death – it became clear to me in an instant that living a gay life without publicly acknowledging it – is simply not enough to make any significant contribution to the immense work that lies ahead on the road to complete equality. Our society needs to recognize the unstoppable momentum toward unequivocal civil equality for every gay lesbian bisexual and transgendered citizen of this country.”

“Gay kids need to stop killing themselves because they are made to feel worthless by cruel and relentless bullying. Parents need to teach their children principles of respect and acceptance. We are witnessing an enormous shift of collective consciousness throughout the world. We are at the precipice of great transformation within our culture and government.“

“I believe in the power of intention to change the landscape of our society – and it is my intention to live an authentic life of compassion and integrity and action. Jamey Rodemeyer’s life changed mine. And while his death only makes me wish that I had done this sooner – I am eternally grateful to him for being the catalyst for change within me. Now I can only hope to serve as the same catalyst for even one other person in this world. That – I believe – is all that we can ask of ourselves and of each other.”

The 14 year-old teen from the Buffalo suburb of Williamsville, New York committed suicide a month ago (on September 18), after being bullied by his classmates for years. Hopefully, Jamey’s death will inspire more people to speak out and many more teens think about the consequences of their actions.

[image: Nikki Nelson/wenn.com]

Actor Zachary Quinto, best known for his role as villain Sylar in “Heroes”, has finally decided to come out of the closet, admitting he is a “gay man” in a new interview for the New York Magazine.

The 34 year-old, who recently portrayed Louis Ironson in a revival of “Angels in America” in New York, revealed the experience was both challenging and rewarding, but was also some sort of epiphany for him.

Zachary finally talked about his sexuality, referring to himself as a “gay man” playing a man who abandons his AIDS-stricken boyfriend on stage for more than eight months.

“‘Angels in America’ was the most challenging thing I’ve ever done as an actor, and the most rewarding.”

“At the same time,” Zachary said, “as a gay man, it made me feel like there’s still so much work to be done, and there are still so many things that need to be looked at and addressed.”

As an outspoken supporter of The Trevor Project (non-profit organization focused on suicide prevention among gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning [LGBTQ] youth), Zachary was asked about the legalization of gay marriage and the shocking suicide of gay teen Jamey Rodemeyer.

“There’s a hopelessness that surrounds it. Where’s this disparity coming from, and why can’t we as a culture and society dig deeper to examine that?” Zachary says. “We’re terrified of facing ourselves.”

Hopefully, Zachary, who played several gay roles (including roles in “So NoTORIous” and “American Horror Story”), might become an inspiration for many gay teens, struggling to come out to their friends, parents and the world. It really gets better.

[image: Paola Kudacki/Trunk Archive]

Ex-NY Giants receiver, David Tyree made headlines earlier this week when he pontificated during an interview with the National Organization for Marriage (an anti-gay marriage group) that leagalizing gay marriage in the U.S., “…will be the beginning of our country sliding toward … it’s a strong word, but anarchy.”

Legalizing gay marriage is going to move our country towards a state of lawlessness and chaos?  Have you ever met a gay man, Tyree?  They are the most organized and structured people we’ve got!

Tyree went on to add,

How can marriage be marriage for thousands of years and now all the sudden because a minority, an influential minority, has a push or agenda … and totally reshapes something that was not founded in our country.

Right, it’s just like how women aren’t allowed to vote or how African Americans can’t run for president…

In response to Tyree’s claims the Human Rights Campaign released this statement:

Anarchy? Hardly. Committed gay and lesbian couples have been able to legally marry in five states and the District of Columbia — not to mention a number of foreign countries — for years now and cows are still giving milk, little boys are still pulling little girls’ pig tails, and we still drive on the right side of the street.

Tyree certainly doesn’t have to support gay marriage, that’s his choice – just like it was his choice to hang on to that ball in Super Bowl XLII, that cost the New England Patriots the game. No, I’m not bitter…

More Photos of David Tyree…

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Actor/comedian Tracy Morgan is under some serious fire after he cracked several dreadful homophobic jokes during one of his comedic performances at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee last week.

Tracy Morgan Reveals & Thanks His Mystery Kidney Donor

The 42 year-old cracked some unfunny homophobic jokes, and went too far when he declared he would kill his son if he “acted gay”, blaming the media for teaching the kids how to “be gay”.

Tracy Morgan’s ‘Stove Top Stuffing’ Pecker Tattoo

“Gays need to quit being p***ies and not be whining about something as insignificant as bullying. Gay is something that kids learn from the media and programming.” On the possibility of his son being gay, Tracy said, “He better talk to me like a man and not in a gay voice or I’ll pull out a knife and stab that little n***er to death.”

“I don’t “f*cking care if I piss off some gays, because if they can take a f**king d**k up their ass … they can take a f**king joke,” he concluded.

According to TMZ, some people in the audience actually left the show after several shocking anti-gay jokes. I seriously want to believe Tracy was trying to send exactly the opposite message of what he was saying, but those jokes were absolutely tactless.

The President of GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), Jarrett Barrios, demanded the anti-gay jokes to be removed, saying anti-gay violence is not something to joke about. The Human Rights Campaign also had something to say, and even the Ryman Auditorium released a statement on Tracy’s controversial performance.

Ryan Auditorium statement: “The Ryman Auditorium regrets that people were offended by statements made by Tracy Morgan during his June 3 appearance. The Ryman does not control the content presented by people appearing on its stage, nor does it endorse any of the views of, or statements made by, such persons.”

Human Rights Campaign statement: “Hateful remarks that mock youth suicides and the very real emotional and sometimes physical bullying LGBT kids face on a daily basis have no place in a comedy routine.”

After the major media debate, Tracy issued a statement to several gay rights groups to apologize for his unfortunate performance, explaining he is an equal opportunity jokster and does not condone violence in any form.

Tracy said, “I want to apologize to my fans and the gay & lesbian community for my choice of words at my recent stand-up act in Nashville. I’m not a hateful person and don’t condone any kind of violence against others. While I am an equal opportunity jokester, and my friends know what is in my heart, even in a comedy club this clearly went too far and was not funny in any context.”

Do you accept Tracy’s apology? I want to leave you with something to think about. Tracy did exactly what he had to do, but why aren’t we grilling him for using the N-bomb? Is it okay for Tracy to use that word because he is African-American? What if Tracy was gay?

[image: wenn.com]

Country star Chely Wright and her girlfriend, GLBT Civil Rights activist Lauren Blitzer, have confirmed they are officially engaged to marry this summer. The two have set the date. They are planning to tie the knot in Connecticut on August 20.

Chely Wright Coming Out Of The Closet As a Lesbian (PHOTOS)

The 40 year-old singer came out of the closet as a lesbian less than a year ago. Chely confessed to have suffered with depression, lack of self-esteem and suicidal thought because she thought she would have been shunned by the country music community.

Now Chely is happier than ever. She said, “The freedom of being out and open about who I am allowed me to find and fall in love with Lauren, the most amazing woman I’ve ever known.”

Lauren and Chely met through their youth advocacy volunteer work and their passion for “Scrabble holds them together”. Congratulations to the newly engaged girls!