Reichen Lehmkuhl                                                                    JP Calderon

Sure we all have fun trying to figure out if the rumors are true about certain celebrities and whether they're gay or not. There are some famous folk that many of us insist absolutely are as gay as they come, yet man of these stars are content to stay in the closet and refute tales of their same-sex lovin' ways. But for the purposes of THIS list, we aren't concerned with them. This is all about our favorite out gay and proud male celebrities of the year.

TR Knight--The star of Grey's Anatomy not only came out but had to endure on-the-job verbal gay-bashing to get there. But there was good that came from this too. TR appeared on Ellen earlier in the year, participated in GLAAD's new campaign, and best of all his contract was renewed. And guess what? His career wasn't ruined at all and he's still playing a straight character on the show.

Robert Gant--We've followed this handsome and sexy actor from guest roles on Friends and Caroline in the City to his fame as co-star on Showtime's Queer as Folk. Since then he's founded Mythgarden, a production company whose projects are LGBT-oriented. The first feature Save Me (with co-founder Chad Allen) made it to Sundance in
'07 and he's working on a new here! movie with David Duchovny, The Way Out. It's theme is aging in the gay community, another subject Gant is passionate about.

Rufus Wainwright--Some say it's much easier for those in the music industry to come out, but we can't remember a time when singer Wainwright WASN'T openly gay. This talented composer and singer has a broad range of musical styles and has put out some of the most impressive albums by ANYONE in recent years including this year's Release the Stars produced by Neil Tennant . In 2006 he undertook the ambitious project of recreating Judy Garland's legendary Carnegie Hall concert at the famous locale and taking it on tour. It's now available as a live CD and DVD.

         
                 TR Knight                                           Robert Gant                                       Rufus Wainwright

          
              Neil Patrick Harris                                                       John Amaechi                              John Barrowman

Neil Patrick Harris--He started out as teen doctor Doogie Howser and now plays the womanizing Barney on How I Met Your Mother. While Harris has never hidden his sexuality amongst his acting peers, the world at large was unaware until his relationship with actor David Burtka was about to be publicized. But this turned out great for Harris too. He came out, attended the Emmy Wards with Burtka and they are now living together. And like Knight, he continues his role as a straight character.

John Amaechi--If it's considered "easy" to come out in the music industry it's the complete opposite in the world of professional sports. Former basketball star Amaechi was considered brave, daring and heroic for coming out publicly and writing a book about his experiences. Reaction from the sports world was mixed but Amaechi ultimately gained support and recognition not just for this life-changing decision but for his achievements outside of the game.


John Barrowman--This handsome Brit actor and singer was raised in America, has been out for several years and has been "married" for years. While he's had some degree of recognition here in the US, his fortunes have risen considerably with his starring role in the Doctor Who spinoff, Torchwood, on BBC America.

Thomas Roberts--Although his duties were cut back after he came out in the fall of 2006, Emmy-nominated CNN news anchor Roberts broke through another barrier for the community. The hunky and handsome journalist had covered major stories such as the Columbia shuttle disaster and the Iraq war, but the also made news . When he testified against a priest in a sex abuse scandal, he talked about it on an Anderson Cooper 360 report.  After leaving CNN he joined the syndicated entertainment news magazine The Insider. 

Jack Mackenroth--Not quite a celebrity in the strict sense of the word, Jack showed the quite bravery we like in our gay heroes on Project Runway.  He gave a face to those with HIV living normal lives and not making it an issue.

JP Calderon--(pictured above) On Survivor he was part of the controversial season where the contestants were divided along racial lines. A professional volleyball player and coach, Calderon pursued a modeling career as featured on the second season of Janice Dickinson Modelling Agency. He came out by appearing on the cover of Instinct and the drama of this decision was played out poignantly on the show. What's gratifying to hear is all the support he's gotten from family and colleagues---a true coming out success story.

Reichen Lehmkuhl (above)- What more can we say about this reality TV star/model/actor/writer that you haven't already heard? He's extended his 15 minutes of fame (wouldn't we all do just the same?) as most reality stars try to do (as in The Scorned) Since breaking up with Lance Bass, he is dating model Ryan Barry and is now on the gay supernatural here! series Dante's Cove. No matter how you feel about him, Reichen has opened more doors for others that you might realize.

 Honorable mentions go to:
 
Jake Shears--The front man and showman for Scissor Sisters is flamboyantly sexy in his music and his looks and
we look forward to seeing albums from his group for years to come.

Lance Bass--boy band singer who found his voice and represents the struggles of so many who simply have to be true to themselves

Chad Allen--He came out when it was far more risky to do so.

The Brits--Rupert Everett and Ian McKellen--No list would be complete without these groundbreaking actors who continue to prove that a successful acting career IS possible after coming out.

Nathan Lane--Talented and witty he may not make a big deal about his being gay, but we think it IS a big deal that he remains as respected as ever.


Naturally we can't do a list like this without mentioning our out sisters. Ellen, Rosie, Martina, Lily and so many others deserve our applause and we salute them.