Coming Out: Boldly Going Where Few Have Gone Before
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Openly gay and lesbian celebrities serve as ambassadors to the straight world. The more people who come out, the more chances there are that someone will relate to at least one of them -- something that could make a difference in how they think about gay rights. It's great that Ellen DeGeneres and Melissa Etheridge are out, but while Ellen's everyman humor and Melissa's recent victory over breast cancer have made each of them more relatable to many, not everyone can identify with these women. As Sheryl Swoopes said in her interview, "...I was trying to figure out what gay African-American woman has come out and can represent the gay African-American community. And I can't really think of one."

Likewise, there are very few out Asian-Americans. George Takei joins a very short list consisting of actors BD Wong and Alec Mapa. We need more closeted celebrities to come out in every field -- actors, musicians, politicians, athletes -- and of every race.

Of course, celebrities aren't the only ambassadors, and they shouldn't be expected to shoulder the entire burden. While it's great when someone famous reveals that they are gay, oftentimes, knowing someone personally will make an even bigger impact. It's one thing to deny Rosie, Ellen, or George Takei the right to get married, it's something else entirely when it's your best friend, coworker, or relative.

Maybe one day the sexuality of celebrities really won't be an issue. Maybe stars won't have to come out because they'll never have been in the closet in the first place. Maybe it really won't matter what gender they love. That is what we're all working for, after all. Unfortunately, we're not there yet -- as the fact that Congress is once again considering an anti-gay federal marriage amendment proves.

In the meantime, we welcome Sheryl Swoopes and George Takei with open arms, thank them for having the courage to do what so many fear, and we will keep fighting for the rights that we are unjustly denied. We will continue our mission to change the world, to seek equal lives and better civilizations, to boldly go where few have gone before...

© Josh Aterovis, All Rights Reserved. Article provided by GayLinkContent.com