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

June shines as the month when the LGBTQ+ community celebrates their identities with pride and joy. Let’s dive

into the world of soap operas and explore some stars who have bravely come out, embracing their true selves.

**1. Greg Rikaart**
Greg Rikaart, beloved for his roles on “The Young and the Restless” and “Days of Our Lives” as Kevin Fisher and Leo

Stark, respectively, first came out in 2013 following the legalization of same-sex marriage by the Supreme Court of

the USA. In 2015, he married his husband, writer/producer Robert Sudduth, and they now have a son named Montgomery.

**2. Joanna Johnson**
“The Bold and the Beautiful” star Joanna Johnson publicly came out as a lesbian in a 2012 interview with TV Guide. She had been in a relationship since 2003 and married her partner, club promoter Michelle Agnew, during the brief period when same-sex marriage was recognized in California in 2008. They have since adopted two children.

**3. Mike C. Manning**
Former “Days of Our Lives” star Mike C. Manning, known for his role as Charlie Dale, has been openly bisexual since his time on “The Real World” in 2010. He’s been vocal about his attraction to both sexes and even dedicated his 2021 Daytime Emmy win to his husband, who works in finance.

**4. Ricky Martin**
Ricky Martin, once a star on “General Hospital,” publicly came out as gay in 2010 after years of feeling unhappy and depressed. Since then, he has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and shares four children with his ex-husband, artist Jwan Yosef.

**5. Thom Bierdz**
Thom Bierdz, known for his role as Phillip Chancellor III on “The Young and the Restless,” openly embraced his sexuality after leaving the soap opera scene. He pursued a career in painting and was recognized as Out magazine’s Best Emerging Artist in 2005.

**6. Tuc Watkins**
Tuc Watkins, forever remembered as David Vickers on “One Life to Live,” publicly came out as gay during a 2013 talk show appearance. He later became a single dad of twins and has been in a relationship with Grammy-winning talent Andrew Rannells.

**7. Cassandra James**
Cassandra James, portraying Dr. Terry Randolph on “General Hospital,” stands as daytime TV’s only openly transgender soap star. Her journey has been marked by a commitment to authenticity and representation, paving the way for others in the industry.

**8. Jonathan Groff**
Jonathan Groff, who gained fame on “One Life to Live,” has since made a significant impact on stage and screen. He proudly came out in 2009 and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ youth, earning recognition as Out 100’s Entertainer of the Year in 2017.

**9. Maren Garrett**
Three years after her stint on “Guiding Light,” Maren Garrett revealed her lesbian identity to Out magazine, highlighting her long-standing relationship with partner Janet Morgan and their three grown sons.

**10. Kevin Spirtas**
Kevin Spirtas, known for his role on “Days of Our Lives,” publicly embraced his gay identity later in life, creating the web soap “After Forever” to explore LGBTQ+ themes, including portraying a gay widower.

**11. Jonathan Bennett**
Jonathan Bennett, who starred on “All My Children” and “Mean Girls,” made history with his husband James Vaughan as the first gay couple on the cover of “The Knot.” He continues to advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in entertainment.

**12. Meredith Baxter**
Meredith Baxter, once Nikki’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**
Wayne Brady, who appeared on “The Bold and the Beautiful,” publicly identified as pansexual in a 2023 interview with People magazine, embracing his fluid sexuality with an open mind.

**14. Darius Rose**
Darius Rose, known for his role on “Days of Our Lives,” embraced his identity as a drag queen, showcasing authentic representation both on screen and in his personal life.

**15. Matt Bomer**
Matt Bomer, a former “Guiding Light” actor, publicly came out during an award show speech in 2012, acknowledging his husband, publicist Simon Halls, and their family.

**16. Chrystle Stewart**
Chrystle Stewart, formerly of “The Young and the Restless,” celebrated her marriage to Australian singer G Flip in 2023, openly embracing her love and identity.

**17. Van Hansis**
Van Hansis, who made waves on “As the World Turns,” openly discussed his sexuality in a 2007 interview, emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself.

**18. Clementine Ford**
Clementine Ford, once part of “Young and the Restless,” publicly identified as bisexual in 2009, promoting visibility and acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community.

**19. Adam Huss**
Adam Huss, known for his role on “General Hospital,” celebrated his fourth anniversary with husband Adam Bucci in 2020, reflecting on their journey together.

**20. Murray Bartlett**
Murray Bartlett, who portrayed Cyrus on “Guiding Light,” embraced his identity early in life, fostering authenticity and acceptance within his career and personal life.

**21. Cameron Grimes**
Emmy-winning star Cameron Grimes, known for her role on “The Young and the Restless,” discovered her bisexuality during a heartfelt conversation with her husband, Brock Powell.

**22. Paul Anthony Stewart**
Paul Anthony Stewart, a veteran of “Guiding Light,” publicly celebrated his relationship and marriage to stylist Michael Cook, emphasizing their journey together.

**23. Peter Porte**
Peter Porte, known for his roles on “Young and the Restless” and “Days of Our Lives,” publicly tied the knot with Jacob Jules-Valer in 2018, advocating for LGBTQ+ representation.

**24. Christian Jules LeBlanc**
Christian Jules LeBlanc, an Emmy-winning star of “Young and the Restless,” reflected on the challenges of growing up during a time of stigma around sexuality, advocating for acceptance and visibility.

**25. Lane Buchanan**
Lane Buchanan, known for portraying Xander on “Young and the Restless,” shared his queer identity both on screen and in real life, promoting inclusivity and representation.

This list celebrates the bravery and resilience of these soap opera stars who have embraced their LGBTQ+ identities, paving the way for greater visibility and acceptance within the entertainment industry. Happy Pride Month to all LGBTQ+ individuals and allies!