25 Black Stars Who Came Out Later in Life

Coming out is a deeply personal journey that happens on a unique timeline for every individual. For many Black celebrities in the entertainment industry, the decision to share their authentic selves with the public often comes after they have already established significant careers. These stars navigated the complexities of fame and public scrutiny before choosing to live openly and embrace their identities later in life. Their stories highlight the importance of visibility and prove that it is never too late to stand in one’s truth.

Wanda Sykes

The celebrated comedian and actress Wanda Sykes officially came out to the public during a 2008 rally in Las Vegas. She took the stage to protest Proposition 8 and delivered an impassioned speech about equality while revealing her own identity. This courageous announcement occurred when she was forty-four years old and already a household name in comedy. Sykes has since become a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights while maintaining her status as one of the funniest people in Hollywood. Her decision to speak out helped encourage others to fight against discriminatory legislation.

Robin Roberts

Broadcaster Robin Roberts had been a familiar face on television for decades before she publicly acknowledged her sexuality. The ‘Good Morning America’ anchor casually mentioned her longtime partner Amber Laign in a Facebook post at the end of 2013. Roberts made this revelation at the age of fifty-three after recovering from a serious bone marrow transplant. She chose to share her gratitude for her partner and expressed how much her support system meant during her health battles. Her understated announcement was met with widespread support from viewers and colleagues alike.

Niecy Nash

Actress Niecy Nash surprised her fans and the media when she announced her marriage to musician Jessica Betts in 2020. The star of ‘Claws’ had previously been married to men but found unexpected love with Betts after the two bonded over music. Nash was fifty years old when she shared the news and famously stated she did not come out but rather went into herself. She refuses to label her sexuality strictly and focuses on the genuine connection she shares with her spouse. Her joy and openness have reshaped the public perception of finding love later in life.

Da Brat

Hip-hop legend Da Brat spent the majority of her music career keeping her private life away from the spotlight. She officially came out in 2020 at the age of forty-six through an emotional post on social media. The rapper revealed her relationship with entrepreneur Jessica Dupart and expressed how difficult it had been to hide her truth for so long. She decided to live openly to inspire others who might be struggling with fear or judgment in the music industry. Her coming out was a celebratory moment that allowed her to fully embrace her happiness.

Wayne Brady

Television host and comedian Wayne Brady opened up about his sexuality in 2023 at the age of fifty-one. He described himself as pansexual during an interview and stated he can be attracted to anyone regardless of gender. Brady noted that he wanted to live more authentically and prioritize his mental health after years of keeping parts of himself hidden. His revelation added a new layer of depth to his public persona after decades of entertaining audiences on shows like ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’. He continues to advocate for emotional wellness and honesty.

Aunjanue Ellis

Academy Award nominee Aunjanue Ellis publicly discussed her bisexuality for the first time while promoting the film ‘King Richard’. The actress confirmed her identity at the age of fifty-three in interviews during the 2022 awards season. She wore a suit jacket with the word Queer spelled out in rhinestones to an event to make a visible statement. Ellis explained that she had been open with her family and friends for decades but had never brought it to the press. Her boldness on the red carpet brought attention to queer visibility within the Black community.

Tevin Campbell

R&B singer Tevin Campbell confirmed the long-standing rumors about his sexuality in 2022. The voice behind hits like ‘Can We Talk’ simply tweeted the rainbow flag and later discussed his experiences on a podcast at age forty-five. Campbell explained that he had lived his life as a gay man privately for years but never felt the need to make a formal announcement. He expressed relief at finally being able to speak freely about his life without the pressure of industry expectations. His fans rallied around him with nostalgia and support for his new chapter.

J. August Richards

Actor J. August Richards is best known for his roles in ‘Angel’ and ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’. He publicly came out as gay in 2020 at the age of forty-six to support his co-star on the show ‘Council of Dads’. Richards felt a responsibility to be honest about his own life after portraying a gay character with a complex storyline. He shared his truth on Instagram and received an outpouring of love from the sci-fi and fantasy community. His decision highlighted the importance of authentic representation on screen.

Jason Collins

Jason Collins made history in 2013 when he became the first active player in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues to come out as gay. The NBA center wrote a first-person essay for Sports Illustrated at the age of thirty-four to share his story. Collins wanted to start a conversation about acceptance in locker rooms and professional athletics. His courage paved the way for other athletes to live openly without fear of losing their careers. He has since become a celebrated ambassador for inclusion in sports.

Don Lemon

Journalist and news anchor Don Lemon came out to the public in his 2011 memoir ‘Transparent’. He was forty-five years old when he revealed his sexual orientation and discussed the challenges of being a gay Black man in media. Lemon dedicated his book to Tyler Clementi and hoped his story would help young people struggling with their identity. He felt that keeping such a significant secret was hindering his ability to be a truthful reporter. He continues to be a prominent voice in news and discusses social issues with a personal perspective.

Jerrod Carmichael

Comedian Jerrod Carmichael used his 2022 HBO special ‘Rothaniel’ to navigate his coming out process. The stand-up comic revealed he is gay at the age of thirty-five while performing a deeply personal set in front of a live audience. He explored the tension between his identity and his religious upbringing during the performance. Carmichael received praise for his vulnerability and the unique artistic approach he took to share his news. The special transformed his career and allowed him to create work that reflects his full self.

Raven-Symoné

Former child star Raven-Symoné had been in the public eye for her entire life before addressing her sexuality. She effectively came out in 2013 at age twenty-seven by tweeting a celebratory message about the legalization of same-sex marriage. The ‘That’s So Raven’ actress later opened up more about her life and eventually married Miranda Maday. She prefers not to use labels but lives openly and discusses her relationship on her podcast. Her journey from a Disney Channel icon to an outspoken queer woman has inspired a generation of fans.

Rutina Wesley

Actress Rutina Wesley is well known for her role as Tara Thornton on the hit series ‘True Blood’. She announced her engagement to a woman on Instagram in 2017 at the age of thirty-eight. This social media post served as her public coming out after she had previously been married to a male actor. Wesley keeps her private life relatively low profile but shares moments of happiness with her partner online. Her quiet confidence demonstrates that visibility does not always require a massive press tour.

Lee Daniels

Director and producer Lee Daniels has been a powerful force in Hollywood with projects like ‘Precious’ and ‘Empire’. While he was out in his personal life for years he became a major public figure for LGBTQ+ visibility as his fame grew in his forties and fifties. He often incorporates themes of sexuality and race into his work to reflect his own experiences. Daniels speaks openly about the homophobia he faced growing up and aims to create space for diverse stories. His success proves that being an out creator is an asset rather than a hindrance.

Johnny Mathis

Legendary crooner Johnny Mathis has a career that spans decades and includes massive hits like ‘Misty’. He first spoke about being gay in a 1982 magazine interview but the comment was retracted due to fear of backlash. Mathis officially confirmed his sexuality years later in 2017 well into his eighties. He stated that coming from a different generation meant he had to be accustomed to silence regarding his private life. His eventual openness was a quiet affirmation of a life well-lived.

Sheryl Swoopes

Basketball icon Sheryl Swoopes is one of the most decorated players in the history of the WNBA. She came out in 2005 at the age of thirty-four and became one of the highest-profile athletes to do so at the time. Swoopes endorsed the company Olivia to promote lesbian travel and lifestyle as part of her announcement. She wanted to live honestly and stop hiding her relationship from the public eye. Her bravery helped challenge stereotypes about women in sports and paved the way for future players.

Lena Waithe

Writer and actress Lena Waithe made history as the first Black woman to win an Emmy for comedy writing. She has been out professionally since her career began to gain major traction in her thirties. Her writing on ‘Master of None’ included a poignant episode based on her own coming out experience. Waithe uses her platform to champion queer artists and people of color in the industry. She is known for her unique style and her commitment to storytelling that centers on marginalized voices.

Janelle Monáe

Singer and actor Janelle Monáe spent the early part of her career deflecting questions about her dating life with her android persona. She officially came out as pansexual in a 2018 Rolling Stone interview at the age of thirty-two. Monáe explained that she had dropped hints about her identity through her music and art for years. She dedicated her album ‘Dirty Computer’ to young queer people who are having a hard time dealing with their sexuality. She remains a fluid and dynamic figure in both music and film.

Tessa Thompson

Actress Tessa Thompson has starred in major blockbusters like ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ and ‘Creed’. She opened up about her bisexuality in 2018 during an interview regarding her close relationship with Janelle Monáe. Thompson stated that she is attracted to both men and women and that her family accepts her fully. She emphasized the importance of normalizing fluidity rather than adhering to rigid labels. Her casual openness reflects a modern approach to sexuality in Hollywood.

Colman Domingo

Actor Colman Domingo has worked steadily in theater and film for years before achieving massive acclaim in his fifties. He has been an open gay man throughout his career but his visibility skyrocketed with his role in ‘Euphoria’ and his Oscar-nominated turn in ‘Rustin’. Domingo often speaks about the joy of being a queer man of color and finding success without compromising his identity. He writes plays and produces content that explores the nuances of the Black family and gay experiences. He stands as a role model for actors who fear being typecast.

Billy Porter

Performer Billy Porter achieved global superstardom in his late forties with his role in the television series ‘Pose’. While he had been out in the theater world for years he re-introduced himself to the mainstream public as a gender-fluid fashion icon. Porter revealed in 2021 that he had been living with HIV for fourteen years to break the stigma surrounding the virus. He uses every red carpet appearance to challenge traditional gender norms through couture. His career resurgence is a testament to the power of authenticity.

Tituss Burgess

Actor Tituss Burgess found breakout success with his role as Titus Andromedon in ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’. He came out early in his career but gained widespread recognition in his mid-thirties as an unapologetically gay performer. Burgess has spoken about the difficulties of finding roles that go beyond stereotypes in the entertainment industry. He uses his platform to advocate for more diverse casting and storytelling. His comedic timing and musical talent have made him a beloved figure on stage and screen.

Monifah

R&B singer Monifah is best known for her 1990s hit ‘Touch It’. She publicly came out during her appearance on the reality show ‘R&B Divas: Atlanta’ in 2012. The show documented her relationship with her partner Terez and their eventual wedding. Monifah wanted to show a healthy and loving same-sex relationship to television audiences. Her storyline was praised for its honest depiction of her life and the support she received from her friends.

Tracie Thoms

Actress Tracie Thoms is known for her roles in the film adaptation of ‘Rent’ and the television series ‘Cold Case’. She has played several queer characters on screen and lives openly in her personal life. Thoms often participates in LGBTQ+ events and supports various charitable organizations. She navigates her career as a character actress with a focus on the work rather than celebrity gossip. Her consistent presence in film and theater provides steady representation for the community.

Meshell Ndegeocello

Musician Meshell Ndegeocello is considered a pioneer for being openly bisexual early in her career during the 1990s. While she was out before many others on this list she has continued to evolve and discuss her identity well into her later years. She sparked conversations about black female masculinity and sexuality when few others were doing so. Her music blends genres and often touches on themes of love and politics. She remains a critical figure in the history of Black queer visibility in music.

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