In 2021, a number of celebrities talked about their sexual orientation and gender identity and decided to share details of their findings with the fans. The 10 people listed in the article are just a small number of those stars that came out in 2021 and set an example of courage for their fans.

Emma Corrin

The Crown’s Golden Globe-winning actress, Emma Corrin, talked about her identity in 2021. She said that she has come a long way and awaits many more discoveries ahead, but has realized that she’s non-binary.

“Visibility is utmost. My journey has been long and I still have a long way to go. I think we are used to searching for definitions, society needs binary definitions and because of this, it took me a long time to realize that I am beyond the binary concepts and I still don’t even know exactly where. People that actively talk about this on social media have helped me a lot. When I first publicly announced my identity, I was scared. I felt naked and I didn’t know if I was doing the right thing, but I felt great support from the queer community and this feeling of solidarity is amazing” – said the actress playing the role of Princess Diana.

Demi Lovato

Singer and actress Demi Lovato has informed fans about many challenges in 2021. They spoke openly about drug addiction, overdose and sexual assault, which they had to go through at the age of 15. They later told their fans on Instagram that she’s non-binary.

“I am happy to share with you another important part of my life. I am proud to say that I am non-binary and my pronoun will be them/them from now on. I made this discovery on the path to healing, to discovering myself. I am still learning and trying to find myself, I do not consider myself an expert, but I started talking about self-healing and giving hope to people who have not yet revealed their identities to their loved ones,” Lovato wrote on their Instagram page.

Tommy Dorfman

The 13 Reasons Why star spoke openly about her identity in 2021, saying that she is a transgender woman.

“Special thanks to each transgender individual who has gone through a similar path, tried to break through the barriers, that didn’t give up their identity at the cost of risking their lives. Thanks to all the transgender women who helped me see and fall in love with myself and made me feel part of this world,” the actress said in a post on Instagram.

Kehlani

The American Musician came out as a lesbian on TikTok. In a funny video the singer mentioned that she has finally figured out her sexual orientation.

“They asked me – What’s new, Kehlani? And I responded that I’ve finally figured out that I’m gay!” – says the singer and recalls the failed coming out with her family – “we know, silly“ – they said. I wanted for them to be shocked and to say that they had no idea, but no!”

TJ Osborne

Country musician TJ Osborne came out in 2021 and became the first openly gay country musician that has a contract with a leading country music studio.

He is also one of the first mainstream country performers to came out, which is a big step forward. The country genre still remains a conservative, heteronormative space.

“I have never had a problem with my own identity and it has always seemed strange to me to talk about a topic that is so normal to me,” the singer said in an interview with Time.

Laganja Estranja

One of the most famous drag queens, the participant of the 6th season of Rupol’s drag race, Laganja Estranja, talked about her identity in 2021 and noted that she is a transgender woman. “I no longer have to hide my true identity, which gives me amazing strength. I want to thank all the trans friends who have come this way before me, who have fought in order to help me have a pleasant experience. I’m happy to say that I’m a trans and living in my own truth,” – said the Drag Queen, who is in the process of transitioning.

Kal Penn

Harold & Kumar actor, comedian Kal Penn has openly stated that he is gay and engaged to a man with whom he has had a relationship with for 11 years.

“I discovered my own sexuality quite late in life, there is no predetermined time for such findings. Everybody makes a discovery at some point in their life and I’m just glad that it happened,” – said the actor.

Gigi Goode

Another participant in Rupol’s drag race, Gigi Goode, will be remembered by fans of the show from the 12th season. One of the most fashionable queens became a finalist in the show. Gigi Goode released a video in 2021 stating that she is transgender with a non-binary identity and is going through a transition process.

“Almost 8 months ago, at the beginning of the year, I started hormone therapy. I am a trans with a non-binary identity and my pronouns are she/her,” – says Gigi.

Cassandra Peterson

Elvira star Cassandra Peterson is another star who spoke openly about her identity in 2021, saying that she has been in a relationship with a woman for 19 years.

“For the first time in my life I’m with a person that makes me feel protected, lucky and in love” – said the actress who had previously been in a heterosexual marriage for 25 years.

Billy Porter

The Pose star came out quite a long time ago, talking openly about his sexual identity. However, in 2021 he shared another detail with fans – he publicly stated that he has been HIV positive for 14 years.

“I felt ashamed. Growing up in a religious family, the HIV status was seen as a punishment from god. I was also trying to build my career and I thought my status would just become another opportunity to discriminate; so I stayed silent, but now it’s time to grow up. Shame is destructive and if we do not do something to overcome it, it will destroy everything” – said the actor.