When I was in high school, there was no safe haven, there was no outlet for you to speak your mind. So I did what any self-preserving 14-year-old would do—I signed up for the school play and also the football team to cover my tracks. When that happens, when you aren’t allowed to speak about who you are, one of the most authentic parts of who you are— who you love or who you’re attracted to—feels invisible. GLSEN gives visibility and authenticity to kids all across the country.”—Out White Collar actor Matt Bomer, accepting the Inspiration Award at GLSEN’s Respect Awards with husband Simon Halls Friday evening in Los Angeles. Bomer’s Magic Mike costar Joe Manganiello presented the couple with the award.
Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty Images for GLSEN
Cam
Things seem to be moving quickly, the fact that the anti-gay groups are in such a panic are a good sign.
There are also a few unsung heroes, some a shock to me. BUT, Sheppard Smith on Fox News made the comment on his show after Obama came out that the President is now on the right side of history with the gay marriage issue. Right up until then FOX had as their website banner “The WAR on Marriage!”. But as soon as one of their top guys said that they hurridly had to scrub the headline.
Bomer, Jim Parson, and Anderson Cooper are no longer showing kids that they should hide, they are successful and out and good for them!
Bomer hit the nail on the head though about no safe place, in other minority groups you at least have your family or friends in that group for support. Closeted gay kids used to have nobody.
KirkR
Loved his comments and love he is gradually accepting a role model role. We now have an out and proud leading man who is a sex symbol for both straight women and gay men, a first – finally! Love to that he is an athlete, has millions of straight female fans that do not care about his orientation and are actually pushing that he do one of the most hetero roles coming in film, the awful 50 Shades film. Hope he steers clear of it. Best of all he looks to be in a model, stable relationship raising a beautiful family. What more could we ask of a a role model? Proud of him and glad he is on our team. On a shallow note, I know the beard is temporary for 2 movies he is filming and it is hot.