Coming Out Month: Congratulations, Zachary Quinto

Every occasion when someone from the entertainment industry comes out of the closet is reason to rejoice and celebrate.

Among the latest is Zachary Quinto, who played Spock in the 2009 remake of "Star Trek," based on the 1960s TV series of the same name.  In an article titled "What's Up, Spock?", by Benjamin Wallace, which appeared in New York Magazine on October 16, Quinto said the recent suicide death of bully victim Jamey Rodemeyer inspired him to come out publicly.  Quinto blogged: "...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."   

Whenever I hear about a well-known man or woman coming out, I smile to myself and my heart is gladdened.  In my mind, I see a solitary human being bravely setting off from the safe mass on one side...to the other side, where only a few are gathered, and where the future appears uncertain. No worries, Zachary.  Welcome to our side--the side that stands for identity, authenticity, and freedom.  From those of us who've been here for a while, the future is good. You're going to be all right.

Every person who comes out, well-known or not, is a victory not only for him or her, but for all of us.  Our number is small, but it's made up of those with a lot of courage and a lot of heart.  More than ever, our ranks are growing. Everyday, people all over the world come out, to family and friends, fellow students and colleagues--each one inspiring someone else to come out, each one setting an example of what's possible, each one proving how alike gay and lesbian people are to everyone else.

But I, like them, eagerly await the day when coming out is no longer necessary, when we no longer have to be separate from everyone else to be ourselves, and when the mass that is humanity accommodates all of us, just as we are.  That day will come.  It's well on the way.


For the New York Magazine interview with Zachary Quinto, please click here.

For my blog post on Jamey Rodemeyer titled "Stop the Insanity," please click here.