National Coming Out Day stories

Sports hunk, drag queen, pornstar and famous artist on coming out

While coming out is but a distant memory for some gays and lesbians, it remains impossible for many.

Boxing star Orlando Cruz’s recent coming out and former pro soccer player David Testo’s similar announcement last year point to positive changes in the sports world, but there are still no openly gay pro hockey, basketball or baseball players.

Ontario Catholic students recently had to fight tooth and nail to form gay-straight alliances at their schools. The word gay was just too much for some trustees and community members. But the students won their fight. And so have many others through the years, liberated by the simple statement “I’m gay.”

Xtra has been collecting coming-out stories for National Coming Out Day. David Testo talks about growing up in the south. Canadian music legend and all-round rebel Carole Pope sits down with rocker Lucas Silveira to share their coming-out stories.

Also watch stories from British artist David Hockney and pornstar Eddie Stone.




On occasion, the number of editors and other staff who contribute to a story gets a little unwieldy to give a byline to everyone. That’s when we use “Xtra Staff” in place of the usual contributor info. If you would like more information on who contributed to a particular story, please contact us here.

Read More About:
Video, Power, News, Canada, Sports, Coming Out

Keep Reading

New report details online anti-trans hate following Tumbler Ridge shooting

The Canadian Anti-Hate Network analyzed the wave of anti-LGBTQ2S+ social media posts following the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge
A trans flag is waved in front of the U.S. Supreme Court

U.S. Supreme Court upholds bans on trans women and girls in women’s sports

The 6-3 decision sets a new precedent for Title IX and legislation restricting trans people in sports
Two photos by lesbian photographer Phyllis Christopher. On the left, lesbians at a pride event in San Francisco. On the right, a lesbian tattoo.

Parties and protests: The photographs of Phyllis Christopher

The iconic photographer captured textured, erotic and political images of San Francisco lesbians as they were

LGBTQ2S+ customers buy less from brands that roll back inclusion: Report

New research from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation found that LGBTQ2S+ consumers represent more than US $3.9 trillion globally in purchasing power
Advertisement