Below are all of our profiles featuring interviews with gay/lesbian people in chronological order. These fascinating gay and lesbian men and women share their stories, along with the joys and challenges they’ve experienced throughout their journeys.
Filmmaker Astrid Ovalles found that coming out as openly kinky was harder in many ways than coming out as lesbian. This is her story of navigating multiple coming outs and using her art to help normalize some taboos.
After he and his husband’s dog passed away, James was devastated. The adoption of a shelter dog, Zane, mended their broken hearts and inspired James to write a children’s book about their journey.
Jennifer Dane lived in the closet when she served during Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. She now works to support the LGBTQ military community while also fighting for trans kids and improving education policy.
Sam Dumas was bullied as a kid for his sexuality. Through his work at gay dating app Chappy, he now gets to help gay people find community and love.
Chris Conde struggled with his sexuality and past trauma, and he became an alcoholic. Once he got sober, he put his energy into being a queer rapper. Music helped him process his pain and find self-acceptance.
Caroline and Jessica Kaplan had very different upbringings, but they both struggled to come out as lesbian. Now the couple runs an art and greeting card business to help increase LGBTQ visibility.
Raymond Braun was bullied as a kid and ashamed of his sexuality. Over time, he came into his own, and he now uses media as a platform to help LGBTQ people feel more empowered and less alone.
When Lisa Cannistraci opened Henrietta Hudson in New York City in 1991, she had no idea that nearly 30 years later, it would be the longest standing lesbian bar in America and a platform for social change.
As an openly gay person of color — and one who has a fierce strut in high heels — Harper breaks numerous ballet stereotypes. Here’s how he found his power in authenticity and is using his visibility for good.
Michael grew up thinking he was the only gay person in the world. Later, as he came out and learned about the gay community, he wanted to share this knowledge. Now he runs tours in New York City to teach LGBTQ history.
