Soap Stars Who Are LGBTQ+ Out and Proud!
June is a month of celebration for the LGBTQ+ community, and it’s the perfect time to highlight soap opera stars who have courageously come out and are living their truth. Here are some of the most inspiring LGBTQ+ soap stars who continue to break barriers and shine brightly.
1. Greg Rikaart
Greg Rikaart, beloved for his roles as Kevin Fisher on “The Young and the Restless” and Leo Stark on “Days of Our Lives,” came out in 2013 after the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage. In 2015, he married writer/producer Robert Sudduth, and they now have a son named Montgomery.
2. Joanna Johnson
“The Bold and the Beautiful” star Joanna Johnson came out as a lesbian in 2012. She has been in a relationship since 2003 and married La club promoter Michelle Agnew in 2008. They have two adopted children.
3. Mike C. Manning
Former “Days of Our Lives” star Mike C. Manning, known for playing Charlie Dale, has been openly bisexual since 2010. He gave a heartfelt shout-out to his husband during his 2021 Daytime Emmy acceptance speech.
4. Ricky Martin
General Hospital alum Ricky Martin came out as gay in his 2011 memoir. He shares four children with his ex-husband, artist Jwan Yosef.
5. Thom Bierdz
Thom Bierdz, who portrayed Philip Chancellor III on “The Young and the Restless,” is proudly open about his sexuality. After leaving the soap opera scene, he pursued painting and was named Out Magazine’s Best Emerging Artist in 2005.
6. Tuc Watkins
Tuc Watkins, known for his role as David Vickers on “One Life to Live,” came out as gay in 2013. He is a single dad of two and has been dating actor Andrew Rannells since 2019.
7. Cassandra James
Cassandra James, the only openly trans soap star in daytime TV, plays Terry Randolph on “General Hospital.” She is dedicated to paving the way for other trans actors and bringing authenticity to her roles.
8. Jonathan Groff
Jonathan Groff, who appeared on “One Life to Live,” came out in 2009. He has since gained fame for his roles in “Hamilton,” “Frozen,” and “Looking.” He was named Entertainer of the Year by Out Magazine in 2017.
9. Maeve Quinlan
Three years after “Guiding Light” ended, Maeve Quinlan, who played Holly, came out as a lesbian. She has been with her partner, Janet Morgan, for decades, and they have three grown sons.
10. Kevin Spirtas
“Days of Our Lives” veteran Kevin Spirtas came out in 2020, embracing his identity after years of struggle. He created “After Forever,” a web series where he plays a gay widower.
11. Jonathan Bennett
Jonathan Bennett, known for his role as J.R. Chandler Jr. on “All My Children,” made history with his husband, Jaymes Vaughan, as the first gay couple on The Knot’s cover. He also starred in Hallmark Channel’s first LGBTQ+ Christmas movie in 2022.
12. Meredith Baxter
Meredith Baxter, who played Maureen’s drinking buddy Nikki on “The Young and the Restless,” came out as a lesbian in 2009. She has been married to Nancy Locke since 2013.
13. Wayne Brady
In 2023, “The Bold and the Beautiful” alum Wayne Brady came out as pansexual. He discussed his journey and his open-minded approach to love in an interview with People magazine.
14. Darius Rose
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Darius Rose, also known as Jackie Cox, made appearances on “Days of Our Lives.” He is proud to bring his drag persona to the soap opera world, reflecting the diverse reality of the LGBTQ+ community.
15. Matt Bomer
Former “Guiding Light” actor Matt Bomer came out publicly in 2012, thanking his husband Simon Halls and their kids during an award show speech. He faced initial family resistance but eventually gained acceptance.
16. Chrishell Stause
Chrishell Stause, former “Young and the Restless” star, married Australian singer G Flip in 2023. She openly shares her love story, emphasizing that love can be even better than expected.
17. Van Hansis
After “As the World Turns” ended, Van Hansis came out in an interview in 2012. He made waves as part of daytime’s first gay male kiss and has been married to Tyler Haynes since 2007.
18. Clementine Ford
Clementine Ford, known for her role as Mackenzie Browning on “The Young and the Restless,” came out as bisexual in 2009. She is married to her husband, Cyrus Wilcox.
19. Adam Huss
“General Hospital” favorite Adam Huss married his partner Adam Bucci in 2020. He celebrated their fourth anniversary with a heartfelt message on social media.
20. Murray Bartlett
Aussie actor Murray Bartlett, known for his role as Cyrus on “Guiding Light,” came out before gaining fame on “The White Lotus.” He has always been true to himself, despite the industry’s challenges.
21. Camryn Grimes
Emmy-winning star Camryn Grimes from “The Young and the Restless” realized she was bisexual after a conversation with her husband, Brock Powell. She shared her revelation with fans, advocating for self-acceptance.
22. Paul Anthony Stewart
“Guiding Light” vet Paul Anthony Stewart married Michael Cook, a stylist and fashion editor, in 2018. They first met at a lesbian bar, marking the beginning of their long-term relationship.
23. Peter Porte
Peter Porte, who starred as Ricky on “The Young and the Restless” and Demetri on “Days of Our Lives,” married Jacob Jules Villere in 2018. He also starred in “Dashing in December,” a pioneering gay Christmas film.
24. Christian Jules LeBlanc
In a 2021 interview, Emmy-winning star Christian Jules LeBlanc from “The Young and the Restless” discussed the challenges of growing up when being gay was taboo. He continues to advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance.
25. Ian Buchanan
Ian Buchanan, known for his role as ex-KY on “The Young and the Restless,” came out as queer in a 2020 interview. He shared his journey, reflecting the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community.
Conclusion
These soap stars have bravely come out and are living their authentic lives, inspiring fans worldwide. As we celebrate Pride Month, let’s honor their courage and commitment to being true to themselves. Happy Pride Month to all, and don’t forget to share your coming out stories in the comments below!
