### Soap Stars Who Are LGBTQ+ Out and Proud!

June is a month of celebration for the LGBTQ+ community, a time when pride and joy are at their peak.

In the world of soap operas, numerous stars have bravely come out, embracing their true selves and

inspiring others. Let’s explore some of these courageous individuals who have shared their authentic

identities with the world.

**1. Greg Rikaart**
Greg Rikaart, beloved for his roles as Kevin Fisher on “The Young and the Restless” and Leo Stark on “Days of Our Lives,” came out in 2013 after the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage. In 2015, he married his husband, writer/producer Robert Sudduth, and the couple now has a son named Montgomery.

**2. Joanna Johnson**
Joanna Johnson, a star from “The Bold and the Beautiful,” came out as a lesbian in a 2012 interview with TV Guide. She has been in a relationship with club promoter Michelle Agnew since 2003, and they married in 2008 during a brief period when same-sex marriage was legal in California. The couple has adopted two children together.

**3. Mike C. Manning**
Former “Days of Our Lives” actor Mike C. Manning, known for his role as Charlie Dale, has been openly bisexual since his early days on “The Real World” in 2010. He credits his attraction to both sexes to his natural makeup and celebrates his identity. Manning, who won a Daytime Emmy in 2021, gave a heartfelt shoutout to his husband during his acceptance speech.

**4. Ricky Martin**
Ricky Martin, who gained fame on “General Hospital,” came out as gay in his 2011 memoir, revealing he had been unhappy hiding his true self. He has four children with his ex-husband, artist Jwan Yosef, and continues to be an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

**5. Thom Bierdz**
Thom Bierdz, who played Phillip Chancellor III on “The Young and the Restless,” has been openly gay for years. After leaving the soap opera scene, he pursued painting and was recognized as Out Magazine’s Best Emerging Artist in 2005.

**6. Tuc Watkins**
Tuc Watkins, known for his role as David Vickers on “One Life to Live,” came out as gay during a 2013 talk show and revealed he is a single father of twins. He has since started dating Andrew Rannells, a Grammy-winning talent from “The Book of Mormon,” and they have worked together on stage and screen in “The Boys in the Band.”

**7. Cassandra James**
Cassandra James, the only openly transgender soap star currently on daytime TV, portrays Dr. Terry Randolph on “General Hospital.” In 2022, she shared her experiences of feeling isolated but remains committed to paving the way for others in the industry.

**8. Jonathan Groff**
Jonathan Groff, who played Henry Mackler on “One Life to Live,” came out in 2009. He has since achieved acclaim for his roles in “Hamilton,” “Frozen,” and “Looking,” and was named Entertainer of the Year by Out Magazine in 2017.

**9. Marj Dusay**
Three years after “Guiding Light” ended, Marj Dusay, who played Alexandra Spaulding, came out as a lesbian in an interview with Out Magazine. She has been with her partner Janet Morgan for decades, and they have three grown sons together.

**10. Kevin Spirtas**
Kevin Spirtas, known for his role on “Days of Our Lives,” came out as gay in a 2020 interview with Logo TV. He spoke about embracing his identity after years of considering it taboo and now proudly accepts himself.

**11. Jonathan Bennett**
Jonathan Bennett, famous for his role as J.R. Chandler Jr. on “All My Children” and as a heartthrob in “Mean Girls,” is making waves in the LGBTQ+ community. He and his husband, James Vaughan, made history as the first gay couple on The Knot’s cover and starred in Hallmark Channel’s first LGBTQ+ Christmas movie in 2022.

**12. Meredith Baxter**
Meredith Baxter, known for her role as Nikki Newman’s drinking buddy on “The Young and the Restless,” came out as a lesbian in 2009 after three failed marriages to men. She has been married to Nancy Locke since 2013.

**13. Wayne Brady**
In 2023, Wayne Brady, who played Zoe and Paris Buckingham’s father on “The Bold and the Beautiful,” revealed he is pansexual. He explained in an interview with People magazine that he identifies as bisexual but keeps an open mind.

**14. Darius Rose**
Drag race alum Darius Rose, also known as Jackie Cox, appeared on “Days of Our Lives” as his drag persona. In a 2023 interview, he emphasized the importance of representation and authenticity, both on and off-screen.

**15. Matt Bomer**
Matt Bomer, former “Guiding Light” actor, came out publicly in a 2012 award show speech, thanking his husband, Simon Halls, and their children. Despite initial family struggles, Bomer is now fully accepted and celebrated for his true self.

**16. Chrishell Stause**
Chrishell Stause, former star of “The Young and the Restless,” married Australian singer G Flip in 2023. She shared on Instagram that love doesn’t always go as planned but can be immeasurably better.

**17. Van Hansis**
Van Hansis, who made waves with daytime’s first gay male kiss on “As the World Turns,” has been married to Tyler Hanes since 2007. He came out publicly in an interview with The Fight magazine.

**18. Clementine Ford**
Clementine Ford, who once played Mackenzie Browning on “The Young and the Restless,” came out as bisexual in 2009. She is married to her husband, Cyrus Wilcox.

**19. Adam Huss**
Adam Huss, known for his role on “General Hospital,” married his partner Adam Bucciarelli in 2020. He shared their love story on their fourth anniversary, expressing gratitude for their journey together.

**20. Murray Bartlett**
Murray Bartlett, who played Cyrus Foley on “Guiding Light,” came out long before his fame on “The White Lotus.” He has always felt the need to be his authentic self, as he shared with GQ in 2021.

**21. Camryn Grimes**
Camryn Grimes, an Emmy-winning star from “The Young and the Restless,” discovered her bisexuality after a conversation with her husband, Brock Powell. She now fully embraces her identity.

**22. Paul Anthony Stewart**
Paul Anthony Stewart, known for his roles on “Loving” and “Guiding Light,” married his boyfriend of eight years, Michael Cook, in 2018. They met at a lesbian bar, adding a unique twist to their love story.

**23. Peter Porte**
Peter Porte, who transitioned from “The Young and the Restless” to “Days of Our Lives,” married Jacob Jules Villere in 2018. He starred in “Dashing in December,” one of the first mainstream TV movies celebrating a gay Christmas.

**24. Christian Jules LeBlanc**
Christian Jules LeBlanc, an Emmy-winning star from “The Young and the Restless,” opened up about the struggles of growing up when being gay was taboo. He shared his ongoing challenge of feeling unable to hold his husband’s hand in public.

**25. Lamon Archey**
Lamon Archey, who played Eli Grant on “Days of Our Lives,” came out as queer in a 2020 interview. He continues to advocate for representation and authenticity within the industry.

These soap stars have not only entertained us with their talent but also inspired many by living their truths. Happy Pride Month to all, and remember to share your stories with pride and joy!