In recent years, there has been a growing visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in the entertainment industry, including popular soap operas like “The Young and the Restless” (Y&R). This article highlights the stars from the show who are proud members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Cameron Grimes
Cameron Grimes, who portrays the character Mariah Copeland on Y&R, is bisexual in real life. Grimes has been a part of the show since 1997, initially playing Cassie Newman before taking on the role of Mariah. Mariah’s character is groundbreaking, marking the first LGBTQ+ marriage in soap opera history with her partner, Tessa Porter. Grimes has been open about her bisexuality, both on and off screen. In September 2023, she publicly addressed and refuted online accusations of pretending to be bisexual, affirming her identity on social media. She is engaged to her fiancé Brock Powell, with whom she recently welcomed their first baby.
Christian LeBlanc
Christian LeBlanc, known for his role as Michael Baldwin on Y&R, is gay. LeBlanc has been married to his husband, Sid Montz, for three decades. Due to societal attitudes at the time, LeBlanc kept his sexuality a secret for many years. It wasn’t until 2021 that he publicly came out during a podcast interview on “State of Mind” hosted by Maurice Bernard. In the interview, he discussed his experiences with mental health and the challenges of being openly gay in the past. Despite their long-standing marriage, LeBlanc and Montz maintain a private relationship, rarely sharing couple photos on social media.
Greg Rikaart
Greg Rikaart, who plays Kevin Fisher on Y&R, is openly gay. He is married to Robert Sudduth, and the couple tied the knot in Maui, Hawaii, on May 9, 2015. The following year, they welcomed their first child, a son named Montgomery, through surrogacy. Rikaart frequently shares glimpses of their life together on social media, celebrating their journey and milestones as a family.
Thom Bierdz
Thom Bierdz, who played Philip Chancellor III on Y&R from 1986 to 1989, also revealed his homosexuality in real life. On the show, Philip faked his own death to hide the fact that he was gay. Post his acting career, Bierdz found success as a painter, earning recognition as one of Out magazine’s best emerging artists in 2005. Although he keeps details about his personal relationships private, Bierdz remains open about his sexuality and continues to thrive in his artistic endeavors.
Increasing Visibility and Acceptance
The inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters and actors in soap operas like “The Young and the Restless” reflects the broader trend of increasing visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in the entertainment industry. This representation is significant, offering audiences diverse and authentic stories that resonate with real-life experiences.
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