2013 was a major year for coming out in sports, entertainment, business, and more. Take a look at the list below:
Tom Daley– British diver and Olympic medalist Tom Daley made news in a YouTube video announcing that he had been in a relationship with a man since spring. Declining to put a label on his sexuality, Daley instead emphasized how happy and safe the relationship made him. Although there were a few negative voices, they were drowned out by the support which poured in from celebrities and fans.
Maria Bello– In an op-ed piece in the New York Times titled "Coming Out as a Modern Family", Bello announced that she was in a relationship with a longtime friend. Known for her roles in movies such as "Coyote Ugly" and "A History of Violence", Bello's moving piece described how open and accepting her 12-year-old son has been to her relationship.
Wentworth Miller– The "Prison Break" actor came out this summer in an open letter published on GLAAD's site to the planners of the St. Petersburg International Film Festival who had invited him to participate in their event. Miller felt that, as a gay man, he had no choice but to decline the offer due to the homophobic atmosphere that recent anti-LGBT laws have fostered in Russia.
Darren Young– The WWE wrester came out this August in an impromptu interview with a TMZ reporter. Asked if he thought that a gay wrestler could be successful, Young responded "Absolutely. Look at me. I'm a WWE superstar and to be honest with you, I'll tell you right now, I'm gay. And I'm happy. Very happy."
Charice – Known for playing Sunshine Corazon on the popular television series "Glee", Charice came out in her native Philippines this summer. In a tearful televised interview, Charice acknowledged she was now estranged from her family but felt that she was finally free to be herself.
Jason Collins– The NBA star came out in an article in Sports Illustrated this spring. He is the first major league professional player to come out while still active. Response from the sports world to his sexual orientation has been overwhelmingly positive.
Clive Davis– The CEO of Sony Music Entertainment came out in his autobiography "The Soundtrack of My Life" as bisexual. Twice married and the father of many children, Davis has been involved with men for the last twenty years.
Jodie Foster– While accepting the Cecil B. DeMille award for lifetime achievement at the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards last January, Foster mocked the media for its persistent interest in her personal life and stated that she has been out to friends and family since the "Stone Age".
Matt Dallas– The former star of KyleXY announced that he was gay and engaged to musician Blue Hamilton last January on Twitter.
Brian Boytano - After being named as a part of the US delegation to the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Brian Boytano took the opportunity to add to the number of openly gay athletes ttending the games.