When you need an imagination as well as some basic knowledge of ASL to decode someone’s coming out, does it still count as a coming out?
That’s the deep philosophical question of the day, though all signs point, in this case, to yes.
Kevin McHale, who played Artie Abrams on the hit show Glee, posted an image/caption combination that leads fans to believe he’s stepping out of the closet publicly.
The black-and-white photo shows two hands that appear to be male, along with an emoji that means “I love you” in American Sign Language.
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In the comments, fans seem to be taking it as such, and many suggest the other hand belongs to Austin McKenzie, a performer who starred in the Deaf West Theater production of Spring Awakening, and who has worked using ASL extensively.
McHale and McKenzie both starred in the Dustin Lance Black-penned 2017 ABC mini-series about gay rights, When We Rise.
Neither performer has officially weighed in, either on social media or through representatives.
McHale was interviewed in 2011 for the Trevor Project’s Talk to Me series that aimed to inspire young people to talk to each other about their feelings:
g-sing
i thought he was out already
Rich85
Who thought he was straight?? *crickets chirping*
tnguy222
Boy, does he have a pretty mouth or whaaat?
pudman56
OMG! I am absolutely shocked!!!!!
Donston
No need to be bitchy folks. Many people assuming something about you or you living in a glass closet is very different than actually being out, being honest and direct, and not caring about people seeing you with your significant other or people seeing you showing affection to them.
Of course, this isn’t quite a “coming out” post. Though I appreciate these more subtle, less intrusive, less attention baity approaches.
BDJ6264
You’re absolutely correct. I assumed since he had not come out that he was indeed hetero. After all, it’s not like he wasn’t part of a cast of openly gay members including Ryan Murphy.
oz1967
I don’t get it people get angry and resentful when someone does not come out and when they do they just get bitchy, it’s a no win situation. As far as I am concerned alway good to have as many role models as posible out there
Donston
You can’t please everyone. It’s not like the dude actively tried to hide it/copped beards, denied it, waited until he was middle aged, displayed or supported homophobia, or is dating 17 year olds. And it’s not as if he made a huge deal about it. There’s no reason to hate.
This type of quietly confident, less attention seeking, less indentity and less sex obsessed outing is becoming more typical. And that may actually reflect some genuine progess rather than some of the other things we see. Of course, it’s easier to go this route if you’re not a very famous, very popular public figure who many have already assumed certain things about.
jjose712
There’s a whole gossip place where people who post there has a mentality than an actor (singer, athlete) lost all interest once he come out of the closet. And it’s a gay site. So of course, it’s a not winning situation, but people come out for a lot of reasons and i don’t think please bitchy nobodies is one of them.
Kevin was rumoured to be gay back them, but of course half Hollywood is rumoured to be gay (and probably only 45% are really gay).
In my opinion unless the guy is doing homophobic comments are cover there’s no problem. Of course bearding is all kinds of pathetic too
RESCHI
I wonder if the source of the paradox is self-hate that unfortunately runs throughout so many people. They just can’t be happy for others – regardless – because they are persistently, fatally disappointed with themselves.
alanballs
Agree totally.
PrinceofPrussia
Donston: I don’t think some of those reasons you listed are reasons to hate, either. Homophobia, okay; but “hiding,” denying, waiting, or dating out of one’s age bracket? These are personal choices and NO ONE, not even you, have a right to judge. Sorry. Nope. People have their own reasons for the choices they make, and unless you are in their shoes, you don’t know their circumstances. So less judgement, more compassion. Our community doesn’t need more derision.
Donston
I agree… to an extent. I’m sorry, but if you’ve been dating people of your same gender for decades and yet are still copping beards, desperately trying to shield those relationships, and/or you show a decent amount of shame I’m gonna feel a certain way about that. There’s no reason to “hate” though, and I understand the fame game. However, I’m never gonna be okay with grown ass people dating teens. Nope. Not here for it. Just like everyone has the right to do what they do I have the right to feel however I will about it. I’m just not going to throw away all my self-respect and personal ethics for the sake of “compassion” and “understanding”. That’s one of the problems with the “queer movement”.
I understand that everyone has their own reasons for why they do what they do, everyone has their own struggles, and I would never flat-out hate unless it’s truly warranted. Hate and bitterness just doesn’t do anything for anyone. I try to offer nuanced, honest and never overly negative perspectives instead. But because extreme manipulation, homophobia, internalized homophobia and general f-ed up behavior is so strong throughout the entertainment industry many don’t allow you to have compassion. I give compassion to those who earn it. But I don’t feel the need to hate or gossip on anyone.
jcoberkrom
Seems like “coming out” is the new way for gay celebrities to get a little more press. SAD
This is the 21st century, there is marriage equality and innumerable gay role models out there.
Yeah it maybe a big deal if your a closeted Republican, but other wise. Move on!!!
Donston
Do some use coming out as a way to gain press or ignite people’s interests? Well, yeah. That’s what fame is all about. But this nonsense about it being 20whatever so no one cares if you’re gay or gay-leaning anymore doesn’t nullify the amount of internal struggles, internalized homophobia, self-loathing, depression, etc many face nor the religious persecution, socialogical awkwardness and pressure and ostracization, and the verbal and physical homophobia that very much is still going on. Even if all those things no longer existed it’s still a big deal on a personal level.
The dude simply posted a pic of himself holding hands with someone who may be his boyfriend and somehow that offends you? Didn’t you post something about drifting back into the closet as you got older? Seems like this is an veiled attempt to shield your own internalized homophobia and that you might still be semi closeted.
DCguy
Following the very common Hollywood model of not saying anything when it could have done some good and waiting until the career is gone to come out.
It just makes me respect people like Noah Galvin, Ellen DeGenerous, and Neil Patrick Harris even more.
spacecadet
Um, his career is not gone. He’s still young and if you actually read that article you’d see he was in a major television production as recently as last year.
prarie pup
Is “Glee” still relevant? The show was cancelled for a REASON.
Keebler ILF
He resembles a webcam model on chaturbate named flagpoleforyou.
bobnla
who cares whether he has come out or not? Stop your drooling, guys; It makes no difference.
baggins435
Our community has had plenty of problems with the opposition thinking/promoting the idea that all lesbians are butch and all gay men are flamers so you think we would know better than to assume anyone’s orientation until and unless they announce it theirself. I’m 56 and I’ve known a number of absolutely straight drama/fashion queens and gay guys who don’t ping anyone’s gaydar. I, maybe, saw three episodes of Glee and never assumed McHale played for our team. If he does, great, and if he doesn’t, that’s also great.
Dymension
I don’t think this says absolutely anything. I think it’s just wishful thinking.
ShowMeGuy
A few years ago I came to a realization…….other peoples’ definition of being *out* is not the same as mine and it doesn’t have to be. So I started operating on this simple equation…..everyone is gay until they come out as some other sexual orientation……and that method of dealing with people has served me well.
nickbaerhollywood
He is a role model for his generation of TV viewers, and they are well served by him.
Tombear
Ladies let’s not be bitches!