David Christian Hansen, Tampa, Florida
Walt Disney Co./Mass Communications and Public Relations
DOB: September 1971
OUT: November 25, 1999
Just your typical gay guy who was in the closet because of family and religion. I got married in 1998 because I thought that was the right thing to do and that would somehow "fix" me. I am lucky that my ex wife has become the "Grace" to my "Will" and we are now the best of friends! I know its not easy but it is possible to be yourself, you just have to take that step.

Matteo Trisolini, New York City, NY
Photographer
DOB: September 1974
OUT: September 1995
"Thank God I was born Gay..."
www.matteotrisolini.com

David Castillo, III, Washington, DC
Communications for Education Non-profit
DOB: July 1979
OUT: May 2002
After going to a college where half the men were gay, one would've thought it would be easy to come out. I didn't and for 4 years struggled with it. Finally came out a year after college. Its been great and my fear of losing people I loved never happened. Definitely one of the scariest things I ever had to do.

Jim Laird, Brush Prairie, Washington
Flight Attendant
DOB: August 1964
OUT: August 1983
"The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary"

Rodnie J. Allanigue, Virginia Beach, VA
DOB: March 1971
OUT: June 1999
luckyspencer@yahoo.com

Carie Roberts, New York, NY
Lawyer
DOB: September 1973
OUT: December 24, 1993
Just because I wear lipstick, doesn't mean I'm a lipstick lesbian.

Dean H. Jordan, Washington, DC
Fundraiser
DOB: February 1968
OUT: To self: 1998 To the world:2000
"Sometimes you feel like a nut..."

Benjamin Carr, Atlanta, GA
Writer
DOB: June 1976
OUT: April 1995
rileymccarthy.blogspot.com

Jamie Zamudio, Sydney, Australia
Actor / Uni Student
DOB: March 1980
OUT: November 1999
I think the hardest thing about coming out is the fear of the unknown. What will it mean? What does it make me? and Who will hate me?

Telling everybody that I was gay was the most liberating and relieving process I have ever taken. It is a lot harder to live a secret life or punish yourself. Denial is more painful than honesty; and honesty and courage give us integrity.

You will be surprised how many people support your strength and courage. You will then be equally surprised to then find millions of other guys and girls living out content, open, honest lives.

Susan J. McManus, Houston, TX
Special Education Teacher
DOB: December 1968
OUT: Jan 1990
Always root for the underdog.

Pete Walsh, Niagara Falls / Buffalo, New York
Paramedic / Fire Fighter
DOB: August 1970
OUT: Fall 1993
www.facelink.com/pjw911

Jeff Antsen, Fairfax, VA
Student / Activist
DOB: October 1986
OUT: September 2002
Highly ironic - my freshmen year girlfriend actually pulled me out of the closet. It's great finally being able to breathe; the most liberating thing I've ever experienced. The most important thing in life is loving yourself and knowing who you are.

Nathan Alexander Wielandt
Operations Supervisor, Staffing Industry
DOB: July 1972
OUT: Friends 1992 / To My Mom 1992 / My Dad and Sister 2001

Ernest Wlostowski, NY
Student
DOB: March 1988
OUT: December 2002

Josh Travierso, San Francisco, CA
Veterinary Assistant
DOB: November 1974
OUT: July 1992
Life should be savored like a fine wine,unfortunately, I still have that cheap chardonnaytaste in my mouth.....

Jon McCraw, San Jose, CA
Sales & Marketing Director
DOB: April 1977
OUT: October 1995
I'm just little ole me...

James Ver Steeg, Buffalo, NY
Executive Director, LGBT Pride Center of Western NY
DOB: June 1967
OUT: 1988
www.pridecenterwny.org

Jennifer Bartel, Portland, OR
Dental Hygenist
DOB: June 1976
OUT: August 1995
Smile! It's how I make my living! :D

Jason Hines, Houston, TX
Executive for Target (or, Tar-gay as I like to call it!)
DOB: April 1972
OUT: April 2001 - My birthday, to my mom

James Burns
DOB: December 1961
OUT: July 1976
I am hearing impaired.

Alan Hiner, Johnstown, PA
Banker/Head Teller (no smart remarks LOL)
DOB: February 1955
OUT: September 1989
"Life is too short to worry about what others think"

Chad Sievers, Indianapolis, IN
Editor / Basketball and Volleyball Official
DOB: September 1971
OUT: Self: February 1992 Parents: July 1992
"Our true home is in the present moment.To live in the present moment is a miracle. The miracle is not to walk on water.The miracle is to walk on the green Earth in the present moment, to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now.Peace is all around us -- in the world and in nature -- and within us -- in our bodies and in our spirit.Once we learn to touch this peace, we will be healed and transformed.It is not a matter of faith; it is a matter of practice."
--Tich Nhat Hanh

Andrew McCoy, Montogemery, AL
Student
DOB: September 1986
OUT: August 2003

Ryan Athearn, Alexandria, VA
Clinical Research Associate
DOB: June 1979
OUT: Friends: January 2000 Family: May 2001
Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC
www.gmcw.org

Cameron Muir, Sydney AU
Designer / Photographer
DOB: November 1977
OUT: January 1997
For and / or on behalf
Cameron Muir Productions / www.cmp.au.com

Cynthia Platt, Seattle, Washington
Student / Barista
DOB: June 1982
OUT: August 1999
"Mom, I've got Caner...Just kidding, I'm GAY!"

Greg Bawdon, Brea, CA
Student
Interests: Singing, Dancing, Reading
DOB: 1987
OUT: 2001
"Love never fails." -unknown
"You must always have faith in others. But most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself."

D. Read, Minneapolis, MN
Finance/Retail Marketing
DOB: February 1971
OUT: October 1998
"Gay & the Beautiful!"
My first appearance was coming out on a Halloween night and dressing in drag. I felt very AKWARD in the situation and totally OUT! One thing lead to another and I found myself a Gay Activist and joining the Parade at the Minneapolis, Twin Cities Pride. It was the most exciting day of my Life! I am now traveling to get to know Gay Communities world-wide.

Jeff Jenkins, Fort Myers, FL
Development Consultant
Interests: Scuba Diving
DOB: April 19
OUT: When I was 18
I live life each day to the fullest. That is why I feel I lead a very adverturous life. I love to do things that are exciting and at a moments notice and full of risk. I usually have to have something exciting planned though or I will go nuts!

David Ledoux, Newington, CT
Student
DOB: May 1982
OUT: August 2002

Elijah Samuel Quesada, Martinez, CA
Actor/ Temp placement worker
DOB: May 1981
OUT: September 1997

Bill, Syracuse, NY
Student
DOB: February 1988
OUT: October 1, 2003 (I decided to come out on the first so it would be easier to remember)
I'm 15 - 16 in February. I decided to come out of the closet ate such a youthful age because every night I would toss and turn thinking about how I was going to come out. Soooo... I set a date, the first, and prepared myself. I told my friends,,, very supportive, then told my family. MY family didn't take it well, and still don't. But Fortunately for me, I like myself and if someone doesn't... o well!! lol I came up with these two quotes:

1. like people for who they are, NOT who they like
2. there should be no etiquette when it comes to being yourself

Jackson L Cavanaugh, Milwaukee, WI
Educator
DOB: January 1967
OUT: June 1981
Honesty with oneself is freedom, honesty with others is liberation.

Michael Tabet, Brisbane, Australia
Student / Musician
Interests: Sports, Dancing, Music, Gym, Laughing
DOB: January 1989
OUT: (Gay or Bi / Still figuring it all out.) January 2001
"Live Life To The Max cause U never know what's gonna happen next, and before u realise, it's all over..."

Mike Keil, Salem, OR
Special Educator
DOB: October 1967
OUT: Started coming out on Mother's Day 2000
I have been slowly coming out to friends and family since I told my mom. I usually don't say much unless asked. With shows such as Queer as Folk, Queer Eyefor the Straight Guy and Boy Meets Boy my confidence in coming out grows.

Michael Therrien, Central Massachusetts
College Student / Clerk
DOB: February 1982
OUT: November 1997
http://borg3590.tripod.com

Lance Halliwell, San Dimas, CA
Gay Activist / Student
DOB: July 1982
OUT: July 1999
"Time heals all wounds, but, time does not heal memories."

Chris Jamison, Austin, TX
Teacher
DOB: January 1980
OUT: June 1998
"Everything's Bigger in TX!"

Kevin Merrifield, Seattle, WA
Entrepreneur, manager and writer
DOB: January 20
OUT: 1990
I came out in 1990 when I divorced my wife! I have been active in Aidsawareness and support along with the efforts of my three children.

I am a happily partnered gay father of three who lives in the Northwest. Imarried because I felt family pressure to conform to the expected standardsof the upper middle class, but am finally mentally healthy and living mylife with my partner of six years. My children are supportive and love mypartner almost as much as I do. There really was a silver lining to my stormcloud ...:-)

Guy Frohling, Dows, IA
Student/Ellsworth Community College
DOB: October 1982
OUT: Aunt and Cousin in 1999. Everyone else in 2000
"That which does not kill us, makes us stronger."
-Steel Magnolias

Chip Lewis, Washington, DC
Public Relations
DOB: May 1968
OUT: March 1992
The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them.
- Maya Angelou

Victor Morales, Fort Worth, TX.
Customer Service
DOB: April 1982
OUT: 1998 (at the age of 16)
High school was hard, but life is even harder.

Matt David-Brendan Smith, Virginia Beach, VA
College Student - T.C.C.
DOB: July 1982
OUT: Mid 2004 (friends, then mom and sisters)
"When I was in the military, they gave me a medal for killing two men and a discharge for loving one"
- Leonard Matlavich (1943-1988)
Air Force Sergeant
Inscription on the gravestone of the first active-duty soldier to acknowledge his homosexuality.

Justin Harper, Central Pennsylvania
(AKA Mercedes Bent)
Student, Part-time Employee at GAP
DOB: June 1983
OUT: Decemberish 2003
www.geocities.com/justin_largent
"I'd rather let my flame burn bright than be a tiny pilot light"
-Emmit, Queer as Folk

Steve Tanny, Costa Mesa, CA
Senior Buyer - Ingram Micro
DOB: June 1972
OUT: 1991, I was 19
I wouldn't change who I am for anything in the universe.

Maximiliano Rodriguez, New Orleans, LA
Student
DOB: May 1981
OUT: September 2002
I'm speechless.

George Klawitter, Austin, TX
Teacher
DOB: January 1942
OUT: December 1983
http://www.stedwards.edu/hum/klawitter

Faith Pincus, Los Angeles, CA
Attorney
DOB: 1964
OUT: 1995 (after my divorce)
Wish I would known lesbian women sooner, would have saved me a lot of time among other things.

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of itsvictims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robberbarons than under omnipotent moral busybodies.... those who torment us forour own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval oftheir own conscience."
- C.S. Lewis

Kylin J. Weeks, Richmond, VA
Student
DOB: August 1982
OUT: August 2001
These are the days. Love life; live life to the fullest for that you only get one chance to live. I wouldn't change one thing about my life and I'm the happiest I've been in a long time.

Richard Taylor, Buffalo, NY
Undergraduate Student at Erie Community College
DOB: August 1984
OUT: September 22, 2002
(I was 18 and out to self when I was 11)
GAY
AND
PROUD

Steve Lepre, Charleston, SC
Entrepreneur, documentarian, director
DOB: August 1960
OUT: 1979 - to friends.
1983 - to community.
1993 - to mother. (oy)
Coming out was a journey. I truly came out when I fellin love with my partner in 1992.
www.diningwithfriendscharleston.org
www.sunheadprojects.com

Ryan Burger, Poughkeepsie, NY
Student
DOB: May 1984
OUT: October 2000 to friends
September 2001 to family
"So lets dance through all of this. War is over for a bit. The whole world should be moving. Do your part. Cure a lonely heart. Your disco needs you!"
-Kylie Minogue; international Gay Icon

Angelo D’Agostino, San Diego CA
Actor/Singer
(and Corporate Visual Merchandising Communications Manager
Charlotte Russe / RAMPAGE Stores – that’s my day job!)
DOB: March 1978
OUT: was I ever in? (year 2000, and then some)
"All Art is quite useless."
-Oscar Wilde

Adam Burgess, Chicago, IL
College Student
DOB: April 1983
OUT: Fall 2001
"We have all loved someone too much.
We have all wanted to prove our everlasting devotion.
We have all looked quietly at our loved one across the room
and thought to ourselves, "I'd die for you!
I'd kill for you!'"

Michael Chudick, New York, NY
Non-Profit
DOB: January 1979
OUT: June 2000 (family)
June 1998 (friends)
"Life is a mystery"

Dan Croy, Greater Las Vegas Area, NV
Recreation and Leisure Services
DOB: July 1982
OUT: Realized I was gay in the spring of '95 (Jr. High showers A-HA! It was me!),embraced it in 97, came out to my friends and everyone else in the fall of 2000,came out to my parents in late 2001. My mother was reaaaaallllly not OK with it,and still isn’t…so it’s sort of like the “don’t ask don’t tell” thingthe military does. Meh, whatever :oP

"It is better to be hated for who you are than loved for who you are not."
-Phlostigin Verdigris

Brandon Sorlie, New York, NY
Elementary School Teacher
DOB: February 1981
OUT: April 1998 (friends)
August 1998 (family)

Summer Morse, San Diego, CA
Event and Community outreach coordinator
DOB: April 1970
OUT: Verbally 1985
It's hard to answer when I came out. I knew I loved women when I was 6 years old. I remember lying on the grass in my ghetto neighborhood and looking up at the sky and having a conversation with myself about how I was going to tell my family that I loved women. Had a girl friend in elementary, jr high and high school. So when did I come out?

Sean Pollock, New York, NY
Artistic Director
DOB: DOB: April 1967
OUT: told first person in 7th grade; outed at age 17
Being Gay is one of the greatest gifts I've been given in this life!
www.bearcreeknyc.com

Josh Hammers, Norman, OK
Student
DOB: DOB: April 1981
OUT: June 2000
"To do what ought to be done but would not have been done unless I did it. I thought to be my duty."
- Robert Morrison

Mark Phillips, Knoxville, TN
Orthopedic Traction Tech/Mental Health Worker/CNA
DOB: September 1963
OUT: Roughly 1984
I know that I'm sane...All of the voices tell me so!

Audra M. King, Iowa City, IA
(originally, Philadelphia, PA with stops in between)
DOB: August 1974
OUT: 19 (1993) as bi; 21 (1995) as a lesbian
The first two years were friends only.
1995 I came out to my mom and brother.
Never told my dad.
"What it takes to cross the great divide/seems more than all the courage I can muster up inside/ although we get to have some answers when we reach the other side/the prize is always worth the rocky ride."- Indigo Girls (Emily Saliers), "The Wood Song"
www.geocities.com/audie.geo

Kevin Casey, Minneapolis, MN
Production Stage Manager
DOB: June 1951
OUT: June 1976

Dave Adams, Zion Grove, PA
Retail Management
DOB: December 1971
OUT: 1998
I came out, believe it or not, because of my church. I belong to the United Church of Christ, one of the more liberal and progressive denominations. Through the support offered by the UCC Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns, I realized that even though not everyone I knew would understand or accept my sexuality, I was still a loved child of God. So in early 1998 I began coming out to my friends within my church family. Things have been wonderful. At this time, I am the co-ordinator for my Conference's chapter of the Coalition.

It's never too late to be what you might have been'. From that I take that it's never too late to step out into the light and be your true self.
-George Eliot

David McCallum, Portland, ME
Computer Repair Technician
DOB: July 1980
OUT: July 2004
"Living life in a lie is no life at all, so why not tell the truth?"

Illia Lopes
Domestic Engineer
DOB: December 1955
OUT: I came out as a Mom of my gay son in 2000

Josh Hammers, Norman, OK
Student
DOB: April 1981
OUT: June 2000
"To do what ought to be done but would not have been done unless I did it. I thought to be my duty."
- Robert Morrison

Jason Lustina, Costa Mesa, CA
Fundraising Director
DOB: October 1978
OUT: December 1999
"Life may not always seem bright but if the sun can shine after the darkest storm . . . SO CAN YOU!!!"
- Unknown

Cheryl Repass, San Jose, CA
Student
DOB: Septmber 1988
OUT: To close friends in 2004 LGBT Supporter: 2001
If it weren't for my ex boyfriend who came out to me, I probably wouldn't have been supportive of the LGBT, but helping him through it made me open my eyes and look in a different view. Him and I are still very close, and now he's helping me through it.

Jordan Giesemann, Wisconsin
Student
DOB: February 1989
OUT: Fall of 2002
I am a 15 year old high school student who is desperatley attempting the make my community become aware of harrassment on gay students. I live with my mom, dad, brother and cousin who support me all very much. I love to read gay literature, right screenplays and go on hte occasional date.
"Remember who you are."-Mufasa

Ian Mateo, Milwaukee, WI
Recent College Grad
DOB: April 1982
OUT: March 1999
My best friend from high school actually came out to me first right before I came out to him. It was quite shocking for both of us! I still haven't come out to my family because living as an only child in a strict and conservative Filipino family makes it harder to do so. I wonder how my mom doesn't even realize anything since she always asks me for fashion advice!

Quincey Roisum, Duluth, MN
Host, gas station cashier, college student
DOB: November 1984
OUT: Officially January 2004
"Live happy, fight for what's right. The world moves pretty fast if you don't stop and look around once and awhile you could miss it! To see life you must first see past the end of your nose."

Jonathan King, Baltimore, MD
Gay Newbie, Computer Technician
DOB: September 1980
OUT: October 2004
"Share what you know ~ learn what you don't!"

Paul A. Foley, Takoma Park, Maryland
Travel Agent
DOB: October 1966
OUT: September 1987
users.starpower.net/wooflix
If homosexuality is a disease, let's all call in queer to work: "Hello. Can't work today, still queer." ~Robin Tyler

Michael Simons, Brisbane, Australia
Fulltime University Student and Mobile Phone Salesman
DOB: January 1983
OUT: December 8th 2004 to Family, August 2001 to Friends.
"Individually, we are one, united we are unstoppable". Live life not being ashamed of who you are or what you want to become. Every person in this world is special in their own unique way, it is the right of every individual to be free to live their life as they choose and nobody has the right to take away that privelige. Stand up for what you believe in remembering your opinion will always count for something, as everybody has something beautiful to give to the world.