Lesbian Celebs Who Came Out After 40

Coming out later in life is more common than people think, and plenty of famous women have shared their stories after turning 40. Some made a public announcement, others introduced a partner, and a few spoke about long relationships that they kept private for years. Their timelines vary, but each moment helped fans see them more clearly and added visibility for women who come out midlife. Here are notable celebs who did it on their own terms and in their own time.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster publicly acknowledged being gay during a speech at the Golden Globes in 2013 when she was 50. She referenced her longtime, then-former partner and thanked friends and family for their support. Foster later married photographer Alexandra Hedison. Her announcement was widely covered and marked a turning point in how she addressed her privacy and personal life.

Robin Roberts

Robin Roberts shared her relationship with Amber Laign in 2013 when she was 53, writing about her recovery and gratitude and noting Amber’s support. The anchor had kept her private life out of the spotlight while navigating serious health challenges. Roberts and Laign later married. Her message resonated with viewers who had followed her on morning television for years.

Meredith Baxter

Meredith Baxter came out in 2009 at age 62. She explained that her realization came later in life after significant personal reflection. Baxter discussed her past marriages and how she came to understand her orientation. She later married contractor and writer Nancy Locke.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes came out publicly in 2008 at 44 while speaking at a rally supporting marriage equality. She had recently married her wife, Alex Niedbalski. Sykes later shared more about their family life, including their twins. Her announcement connected her comedy audience with her advocacy for LGBTQ rights.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash surprised fans in 2020 when she announced she had married musician Jessica Betts at age 50. She explained that she followed her heart and introduced her wife with photos from their ceremony. The news highlighted their friendship that grew into a relationship. Nash has since spoken about love and authenticity in interviews and appearances.

Rebel Wilson

Rebel Wilson introduced her girlfriend Ramona Agruma in 2022 when she was 42. She shared a photo and caption that celebrated finding love with a woman. Later that year the couple welcomed a daughter via surrogate. Wilson has opened up about the life changes that led to her relationship going public.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin publicly acknowledged her longtime relationship with writer and producer Jane Wagner in the early 2000s when she was in her 60s. The pair had already collaborated for decades. They legally married in 2013 after marriage equality expanded. Tomlin has credited Wagner as a key partner in both her personal and creative life.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor spoke openly about being in a relationship with Sarah Paulson in 2015 when she was 72. She mentioned that she had been private for most of her career and felt ready to share more. Their relationship became public through interviews and social posts. Taylor’s candor encouraged conversations about age, privacy, and love in Hollywood.

Maria Bello

Maria Bello wrote an essay in 2013 discussing her relationship with a woman at age 46. She reflected on labels and family and how her son encouraged honesty about her partner. Bello later shared more about her engagement to chef Dominique Crenn. Her writing helped broaden public conversations about identity and love.

Kelly McGillis

Kelly McGillis came out publicly in 2009 at 51 during an interview where she spoke about her life and future. She later entered into a civil union with Melanie Leis, with whom she had a long history. McGillis described the relief of speaking candidly. Her announcement brought renewed attention to her personal journey beyond her acting roles.

Samantha Fox

Pop singer Samantha Fox confirmed her relationship with manager Myra Stratton in 2009 when she was 43. She later spoke about their years together and the support they shared. After Stratton’s passing, Fox honored her partner’s memory in interviews and performances. Her openness helped longtime fans understand her life offstage.

Stacy London

Style expert Stacy London revealed in 2019 that she was in a relationship with musician Cat Yezbak when she was 50. She explained that it was the first time she had been in a serious relationship with a woman. London shared the news alongside reflections on privacy and growth. Her announcement was welcomed by many who had followed her fashion career.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah publicly acknowledged her partner and family in 2021 during a televised acceptance speech when she was 51. She expressed love and gratitude and wished viewers a happy Pride. The moment was widely viewed and interpreted as her public acknowledgment after years of keeping her personal life private. Fans appreciated the recognition of her partner by name.

Patricia Velásquez

Actor and model Patricia Velásquez revealed in 2015 that she had loved women and detailed her journey in a memoir at age 44. She wrote about early experiences that she felt unable to share at the time. The book explained how she arrived at living openly. Her story connected with readers familiar with her work in fashion and film.

Sally Ride

Astronaut Sally Ride’s obituary in 2012 disclosed her 27-year relationship with Tam O’Shaughnessy when she was 61 at the time of her passing. The news made her the first known LGBTQ person to have traveled to space. Ride’s foundation later continued educational work co-founded with O’Shaughnessy. The acknowledgment added important context to her legacy in science and education.

Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us who else you think belongs on this list.