In a heartwarming celebration of love and athletic achievement, gay teen divers Max Linan and Matteo Santoro just marked their one-year anniversary as boyfriends—right before competing in the World Aquatics Championships.
Max and Matteo. Instagram: @matteo.santoroo_ @max.Inn
The couple, who are 19 and 18 respectively, shared their anniversary joy on social media with a sweet series of photos, including a candid shot of them holding hands under the table and sporting matching bracelets.
Max, representing Spain, and Matteo, diving for Italy, are set to compete in individual springboard events this month in Singapore, where the championships are taking place.
Max and Matteo. Instagram: @matteo.santoroo_ @max.Inn
Linan will compete in the 1-meter springboard, while Santoro is entered in the 3-meter, mixed 3-meter, and 10-meter team events.
Outside of the pool, the two are clearly making waves in another way—by being visible, affectionate, and confident in their relationship at a young age in the world of elite sports.
Santoro’s anniversary post earned 11 heart emojis from Matteo himself and even drew support from teammate Chiara Pellacani, who is also Matteo’s springboard synchro partner.
Max and Matteo. Instagram: @matteo.santoroo_ @max.Inn
Speaking to World Aquatics, Max confirmed the relationship and their identities as gay boyfriends, which only adds to their significance as young LGBTQ+ role models in the world of sports.
Both divers have impressive records in international competition.
Max has taken home two bronze medals at the Diving Grand Prix, while Matteo’s medal cabinet includes three golds at the World Junior Championships, two silvers and a bronze at the World Championships, a silver and bronze from the Diving World Cup, and a bronze from the European Championships.
Max and Matteo. Instagram: @matteo.santoroo_ @max.Inn
Matteo was especially proud of his silver medal win in 2024 in the mixed synchro event with Pellacani at the world championships in Doha.
“It’s beautiful, this medal, it’s insane,” he told reporters.
“We are really good friends, almost like brother and sister. So it’s perfect.”
Though it remains to be seen whether Linan and Santoro will reach the towering heights of out diving legends like Greg Louganis, Tom Daley, or Matthew Mitcham, their presence and pride are already making a powerful splash.
In a sport with a rich history of queer visibility, the story of Max and Matteo stands out not just for their skill but for their courage, affection, and authenticity—setting the bar beautifully high for the next generation.
Coming out has never been easy, especially when the whole world is watching.
But over the years, brave celebrities have stepped out of the closet and into the spotlight with honesty, courage, and a whole lot of fabulousness.
Some did it with a press release, some in song lyrics, others during awards shows or teary talk show moments, but each one made history in their own way.
These moments didn’t just change their lives, they helped change hearts, shift public opinion, and inspire millions of LGBTQ+ people to embrace their truth.
From sitcom legends to boy band heartthrobs, these coming outs made headlines and carved out a little more space for all of us to live out loud.
Ellen with wife Portia de Rossi
Ellen DeGeneres (1997)
“Yep, I’m gay.” With that now-iconic declaration on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Ellen DeGeneres came out both in real life and through her character on the sitcom Ellen.
It was a cultural earthquake and a career risk, but it turned her into a trailblazer for queer visibility on mainstream television.
George Michael with boyfriend Fadi Fawaz.
George Michael (1998)
After being arrested in a Beverly Hills public restroom, George Michael came out with grace and defiance.
Instead of shame, he embraced pride, telling the world, “I don’t feel any guilt about being gay. I feel blessed.”
Neil Patrick with hubby David Burtka. Instagram: @nph
Neil Patrick Harris (2006)
As rumors swirled, NPH stepped up with charm and clarity, saying, “I am a very content gay man living my life to the fullest.”
From child star to sitcom king, he became proof that gay actors could play it all, including straight romantic leads.
Sir Ian McKellen. Instagram: @ianmckellen
Sir Ian McKellen (1988)
One of the earliest and most influential public figures to come out, Sir Ian did it on live radio while criticizing the UK’s anti-gay Section 28 law.
He’s since become a global icon, not just for Middle-earth, but for LGBTQ+ rights.
Lance with hubby Michael Turchin. Instagram: @lancebass
Lance Bass (2006)
The *NSYNC star came out in People magazine, ending years of speculation and becoming a beloved advocate for LGBTQ+ youth.
Fans across the globe, especially closeted teens, suddenly saw themselves in a pop heartthrob who said, “I’m gay, and it’s okay.”
Jodie Foster (2013)
While accepting a Golden Globe, Jodie gave a powerful and poetic not-quite-coming-out speech, saying she already did it “a thousand years ago.”
Subtle? Maybe. But oh-so meaningful for fans who’d waited decades for her to live out loud.
Ricky Martin. Instagram: @ricky_martin
Ricky Martin (2010)
After years of silence, Ricky came out in a heartfelt blog post: “I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man.”
It was elegant, healing, and historic – proving that pop stardom and pride can dance together beautifully.
Lil Nas X (2019)
At the peak of Old Town Road’s global domination, Lil Nas X casually tweeted about being gay during Pride Month, sending the internet into a frenzy.
He’s since turned queer visibility into an art form, twerking down homophobia one glittery heel at a time.
Troye Sivan and Lil Nas X hanging out at an awards show. Instagram: @lilnasx @troyesivan
Troye Sivan (2013)
He uploaded a YouTube video to tell fans he was gay, and the world listened and cheered.
The Aussie singer became a queer pop darling, with songs and videos full of aching honesty and queer joy.
Elliot Page. Instagram: @elliotpage
Elliot Page (2020)
In a deeply moving letter, the Juno and Umbrella Academy star came out as transgender, instantly becoming one of the most visible trans men in Hollywood.
His honesty and activism continue to empower a new generation of trans youth.
Kristen Stewart (2015)
She didn’t issue a press release or make a formal announcement—she simply started dating women and let her joy speak for itself.
In interviews, she later said, “I’m so much happier now”- and it showed.
Cynthia Nixon (2004)
The Sex and the City star revealed she was in love with a woman, later affirming her identity as a lesbian.
With grace and simplicity, she reminded us that love doesn’t need a PR team, it just needs truth.
Anderson with former boyfriend Benjamin Maisaniin. Instagram: @andersoncooper
Anderson Cooper (2012)
He came out in an email to journalist Andrew Sullivan, writing: “The fact is, I’m gay, always have been, always will be and I couldn’t be any more happy.”
The silver fox of CNN became even more beloved, and his candor was a milestone in news media.
Colton (r) with hubby Jordan J. Brown. Instagram: @coltonunderwood
Colton Underwood (2021)
Coming out on Good Morning America after being The Bachelor, Colton made reality TV history.
It was messy, heartfelt, and complicated – but undeniably brave – in the world of hetero dating shows.
Jim (r) with hubby Todd Spiewak. Instagram: @therealjimparsons
Jim Parsons (2012)
In a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it New York Times profile, Parsons was casually outed and never looked back.
He’s since married his longtime partner and proven that gay nerds rule prime time.
Why These Moments Still Matter
Today’s generation of LGBTQ+ stars might post their truth on Instagram or wave the Pride flag in music videos, but none of that would be possible without the ones who came out when the world wasn’t quite ready.
Each celebrity on this list helped push the needle forward, showing that being queer isn’t a liability, it’s something to celebrate.
And for every young person watching, wondering if they’ll be accepted, these moments whispered: “You’re not alone. You’re seen. You’re loved.”
Visibility saves lives, and darling, we owe these icons a standing ovation, preferably with a disco ball and a wind machine.
Now let’s keep shining, loving, and coming out on our own terms.
Ernie Apreza, former press secretary to Vice President Kamala Harris, and his partner Kyle Labarry tied the knot in Seattle on July 5 after nearly a decade together.
Kyle & Ernie. Instagram: @kyle.labarry
Their ceremony was a vibrant reflection of their lives and backgrounds, featuring Mexican dishes made from Apreza’s mother’s recipes and floral arrangements crafted by Labarry’s mother.
The couple, who met via Grindr in 2015 shortly after moving to Seattle, built a friendship that grew into deeper love over time.
Instagram: @kyle.labarry
Apreza, a Washington native, and Labarry, originally from Nevada, bonded with a shared sense of home and found each other on a dance floor a few weeks into their friendship.
Their relationship deepened through moves across Seattle, Denver, and Las Vegas, even as Apreza worked long hours on the Clinton and Biden–Harris campaigns.
Instagram: @kyle.labarry
Labarry supported Apreza emotionally and logistically through his busy career, later earning his pilot’s license and working in compliance for a gaming company.
Their wedding incorporated both cultural heritage and chosen family traditions, including a Chinese tea ceremony to honor Labarry’s Chinese and Korean parents.
Friends surprised the couple with a dance performance to Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club,” bringing the evening to life with queer celebration and joy.
Instagram: @kyle.labarry
The night ended back at the bar where they first met—now under a new name—symbolizing the full circle of their love story.
The couple now lives in Washington, D.C., with their golden retriever, Gigi, and anticipate growing their family through surrogacy.
In an interview with The Advocate, they emphasized the political and cultural weight of their union, coming at a time when LGBTQ+ rights face threats nationwide.
Apreza stated that their partnership is a declaration: “We are Americans. We deserve equal protection under the law.”
Labarry added that the freedoms they celebrate could be taken away, so remaining visible and vocal is essential.
With Apreza’s address having been requested by Vice President Harris herself, their wedding was both personal and symbolic—a reminder that queer love is powerful, proud, and here to stay.
Corey O’Brien, the long-time boyfriend of openly bisexual former NFL star Ryan Russell, just reminded the internet why they’re still one of the LGBTQ+ community’s most beloved power couples.
Instagram: @corey_obrien
In a viral TikTok moment, Corey revisited an old photo of the two taken early in their relationship – a paparazzi snap that had fans collectively gasping for air and asking for a cold glass of water.
Instagram: @corey_obrien
“I don’t know why this photo is going viral again—six years later—but I am in a relationship with the first NFL player to come out as bisexual,” Corey quipped, before cheekily adding, “And no, I still don’t know anything about football other than the fact that he tackles me.”
That last line, folks, sent TikTok into a frenzy, with fans flooding the comments to declare, “You’re sooo REAL FOR THIS,” and “I’m so dead.”
Ryan Russell, 33, first made history in 2019 when he came out in a heartfelt ESPN essay, becoming the first active NFL player to publicly identify as bisexual. Corey, a professional dancer and comedian, has supported him every step of the way, both on and off the field—and sometimes in the shower, judging by that mirror selfie.
Instagram: @corey_obrien
“This man is the top headline on @espn this morning for speaking his truth… I couldn’t be more proud,” Corey wrote back then, and he clearly still means it today.
In 2024, Ryan was honored with the prestigious Athlete Ally Action Award, recognizing his tireless work as an LGBTQ+ advocate and trailblazer in professional sports.
Instagram: @corey_obrien
It’s rare to see a couple so comfortable, so sexy, and so sincere in their public love—and that’s why fans keep falling for them again and again.
In a world where out athletes are still far too few, seeing a couple like Ryan and Corey thrive together is not just romantic—it’s revolutionary.
Here’s to many more viral tackles, loving posts, and steamy mirror selfies from one of our favorite queer love stories in sports.
Barack Obama has once again proven why he’s a favorite ally in the LGBTQ+ community—this time by calling out the need for young men to form inclusive, emotionally intelligent friendships that include queer friends and role models.
In a heartwarming and deeply needed episode of the IMO podcast—hosted by Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson—the former U.S. President joined to respond to a question from a young mom wondering how to raise boys with the same emotional strength and compassion typically emphasized for girls.
Obama didn’t hold back.
He shared a personal anecdote about a gay professor from his college days who became one of his favorite teachers and an early moral compass.
“I had a gay professor in college, at a time when openly gay folks still weren’t out a lot, who became one of my favourite professors and was a great guy and would call me out when I started saying stuff that was ignorant. You need that to show empathy and kindness,” Obama recalled, emphasizing the importance of being held accountable by people with different lived experiences.
His point? That young men benefit enormously from having queer people in their circle—because those friendships help build empathy, challenge outdated norms, and create more compassionate communities.
“You need that person in your friend group,” Obama said.
“So if you then have a boy who is gay or non-binary, they have somebody to say, ‘I’m not alone in this.’”
He called this “creating community”—a phrase that might sound corny, he admitted, but is crucial for helping boys grow into inclusive, thoughtful adults.
Michelle Obama echoed his views, recalling how she and her brother Craig were raised by a huge network of extended family and male role models, many of whom helped round out what their parents couldn’t provide alone.
Throughout his presidency, Obama championed LGBTQIA+ rights, helping to pass the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and backing health initiatives and workplace protections for queer people.
Even after leaving office, his advocacy continues.
He’s been an outspoken critic of Republican lawmakers pushing anti-trans legislation, stating in The Advocate that “some Republicans seek political advantage by pitting us against one another.”
Obama condemned those bills as causing real harm—especially to queer youth navigating a world that can often feel unwelcoming and cruel.
“Growing up is hard enough,” he said, “without wondering if the people representing you believe you deserve equal rights.”
His message was clear: raising strong, kind men in today’s world requires inclusive role models, emotionally diverse friendships, and a community that says to every queer kid, “You belong.”
