Exclusive Interviews
We speak to actor, TV presenter and magazine columnist Andrew Hayden-Smith (left) about growing up and coming out in the public eye.
Click here to read the interview... We also have an exclusive interview with The Apprentice contestant Sanjay Sood-Smith (right) who tells us about his future plans to work with lesbian, gay and bisexual charity Stonewall by visiting schools and talking about his experiences of coming out.
Click here to read the full interview... |
Click On An Image To Start Reading Our Coming Out Stories!
Stars Support RUComingOut For National Coming Out Day!
9 Awesome Bits Of Coming Out Advice
New Coming Out Stories September 2014This month we have brand new stories from James Ingham (left) who is the showbiz editor of British Newspaper The Daily Star On Sunday. He talks very openly about his struggle to accept his sexuality. Marc (right) is 18 years old and in his story he acknowledges how difficult he found the idea of telling his friends and family that he was gay. We also have stories from Felix - who tells us about the difficulties facing trans people when coming out and Richard who explains how his move to London enabled him to embrace his 'gay life'! We hope these stories inspire you and offer you support. Remember, you are not alone. Click here to read the new stories... |
The Beauty Of Same-Sex Marriage Is Celebrated In An Emotional New Video Poem
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To celebrate ten years of Freedom to Marry in America, Richard Blanco was commissioned to write a poem that would be put to video exploring the beauty of same-sex marriage. The result is 'Until We Could', a 6 and a half minute piece of heart-warming video that strips back all of the arguments for marriage equality and shows us what really matters. Love. You'll probably need some tissues as it's pretty emotional! Click here to watch the video. |
Birmingham Pride 2014 - Equality & Freedom Around The World - Photo Gallery
On May 24th and 25th, over 50,000 people partied, celebrated and joined together at the UK's biggest weekend-long LGBT festival. Acts such as Ms Dynamite, Katy B and Connor Maynard wowed record crowds who all turned out to enjoy two days of amazing entertainment while at the same time raising loads of money for local LGBT charities and organisations. Click here to check out our full photo gallery from the entire weekend . . .
We Raise £2400 For Stonewall and Cancer Research UK
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On April 3rd we held our 2nd birthday party at Eagle London. We rasied £2400 for Stonewall and Cancer Research UK. It was an amazing night and you can see all of the photos by clicking here! |
March 2014
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Disfigured and Gay by Kristian NormanMarch 2014 - Coming out can be an extremely difficult time for many people, but for Kristian, the experience was preceded by a very traumatic time health-wise.
He was suffering from M.E. and comforting eating which was making him gain lots of weight. With his emotional struggles and increasing boats of self-loathing threatening to destroy his future Kristian began an incredible journey. Read Kristian's inspirational story here . . . |
“I feel a personal obligation and a social responsibility. I also do it selfishly, because I am tired of hiding and I am tired of lying by omission"Hollywood actress Ellen Page comes out in an emotional speech during a Human Rights Campaign conference in Las Vegas. Watch the full video here |
Irish Drag Queen Panti Bliss Captivates The Irish Fight For Marriage Equality
Jen Brister | Exclusive Interview |
Guest Writer | Liam Hackett
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January 2014 - Jen is from London but has toured around the UK, making audiences laugh wherever she takes to the stage. Never afraid to share her personal stories in her routines, she regularly talks about her sexuality.
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Openly gay Liam talks about his own coming out as well as what inspired him to set up the anti-bullying charity.
. . . read the full article here |
British Diver Tom Daley Comes Out In YouTube Video
Coming Out Stories | November 2013 |
Am I Gay? | Finding The Answer From The Inside-Out |
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November 2013 - This month we have a small (but still awesome) selection of coming out stories written and submitted by real people. Sophie (left) is from Hampshire in England and talks about how she really began to discover who she was when she joined the Army at 16 years old. Meanwhile, TV presenter John tells us about coming out in a place called Wingham, Australia - a town with a population of just 4,000.
. . . read all of the new stories here |
November 2013 - Guest writer Martin Johnson looks at how dealing with our thoughts differently can provide us with a deeper understanding of who we are.
"So the answer to the question: “Am I gay?” lies within us, but we get in the way of the answer with unnecessary thought. When we let go of all this contaminated thinking, our minds will clear and the answers we seek will come to us." . . . read the full feature here |
Interview | Author James Dawson |
Interview | Author Bill Konigsberg |
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September 2013 - James Dawson is an openly gay British author of Young Adult fiction. His first two books Hollow Pike and Cruel Summer feature young gay characters. His first non-fiction book, Being A Boy, is a hilarious guide to puberty, sex and relationships for teenage boys.
. . . read our interview |
October 2013 - Before writing books for young adults, Bill Konigsberg was a sports writer working for the Associated Press and ESPN.com. His work has appeared in the New York Times and OUT Magazine. His latest book is called Openly Straight.
. . . read our interview |
Coming Out Stories | September 2013 |
London Shows Its Support For Russian LGBTs |
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September 2013 - Many people have great coming out experiences with little or no negativity or major emotional distress. But what about when it doesn't quite go to plan? And what's it like living half in and half out of that closet? Some of our new stories are from people in those situations. We, as always, encourage your feedback and comments - just be nice!
. . . read the new stories now |
August 2013 - An estimated 2,000 people turned out to show their support for Russia's LGBT population on a sunny day in London. The beautiful weather was in stark contrast to some of the scenes that the world has seen recently - of pro-gay protestors being violently removed from demonstrations..
Click here to view more images from the London protest . . . |
John Whaite | Exclusive Interview |
Our Obsession With Gay Footballers
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August 2013 - Last year over seven million Brits tuned in to watch openly gay John Whaite crowned the winner of the BBC's BAFTA-winning The Great British Bake Off. In this exclusive interview he talks about his own coming out experiences as well as offering some advice to those who have still to take that step.
. . . read the interview here |
May 2013 - We know there are gay footballers playing in top flight football who for whatever reason do not feel ready to let the world know that they are gay. Does this suggest that we've actually taken steps backwards since Justin Fashanu came out or are we on the cusp of breaking one of Britain's last gay taboos?
. . . read the full blog here |
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April 2013 - NBA star Jason Collins has become the first male athlete to come out while still participating in one of the four major U.S. team sports. This shouldn't be newsworthy in 2013 but let's be honest, it is. RUComingOut founder Wayne Dhesi explains why benchmarks like this will always be a big deal to millions of people around the world. . . . read the full story here |
May 2013 - We hear from Rachel who came out to her sports teacher, well kind of! Peter is 16 but writes with the skill, honesty and maturity of a man twice his age - read these and many other stories now. In a first for RUComingOut we also revisit an old coming out story. Olympic hopeful and Team GB star Matthew Lister explains how the reaction he received after sharing his story on this website helped him to become even more focused on achieving his goals. . . . read the new stories here |
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March 2013 - Evan Davis is one of the BBC's most well respected journalists and presenters.
In our exclusive interview we talk to the presenter of Dragon's Den and BBC Radio Four's Today programme about his own coming out experience. . . . read the full interview here |
April 2013 - On the 4th April we celebrated our first birthday with a party at The Shadow Lounge in Soho, London.
Read a review of the evening here and take a look at some of the pictures. Thank you for all of the support during our first year. |
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March 2013 - RUComingOut's Clare attended this year's Sydney Mardi Gras and sent us her report on what has been described as the city's biggest celebration of LGBTQ Pride yet! Did you attend the parade? We'd love to hear your comments so please use the comments box - that's what it's there for!
. . . read the feature here |
Leading gay charity Stonewall have produced a fantastic guide for parents of LGBTQ children and young people. Written in plain English, it dispels the common myths about what being gay means for young people, as well as helping parents to create a supportive environment for their children.
. . . download your copy |
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March 2013 - RUComingOut is a year old! Thanks to everyone who has supported the site over the past 12 months and here's to another great year! This month we have stories from Rachna (left) who is from Canada as well as some other great submissions.
. . . read our new stories |
January 2013 - Our first batch of stories of 2013 includes a very personal account from Terence (left) who is from San Francisco. We also feature stories from a policeman, a high school teacher and we also have a submission from a wrestler. Submission - see what we did there?!
. . . read our new stories |
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February 2013 - New York writer Jeremy Jordan king speaks to us about his exciting new series of books, the Immortal Testimonies (which has been called the 'gay Twilight') as well as his own coming out experience. You also have the chance to win one of two copies of his new book 'In Stone'.
. . . read the interview here |
February 2013 - Documentary film maker Micah Fink's latest project, which is four years in the making, follows Simone (left) and Maurice, two gay Jamaicans who are forced to flea their homophobic country or risk being killed. A important film which you can support.
. . . watch the trailer here |
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January 2013 - There's no denying that the existence of Facebook and Twitter has changed the way we live our lives. In this feature, blogger and activist Zak Baldridge discusses the pros and cons of social media, specifically in the gay community.
. . . read more |
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December 2012 - This is the first time we've given space to an individual coming out story on our homepage but we think that Bill's story is something quite special. Bill is 86 and lives in London. He regularly attends Gay Pride Events and his story is interesting, charming and a must read!
. . . read Bill's story here |
Review - Bruce Wheeler, a coming out story contributor himself, writes a very personal review of one of the most important coming out books you'll read.
. . . read the review |
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December 2012 - Our last bunch of stories of 2012! We hope that these stories will inspire and support you. As always we'd really like you to leave your comments under the stories and share your favourites on social media. Enjoy!
. . . read more |
December 2012 - Actor and TV personality CJ de Mooi talks about his very challenging upbringing and his experiences of coming out. Although at times very sad, CJ's story is one that shows no matter what hand life deals you, it's always possible to create your own path.
. . . read more |
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November 2012 - How do you feel when you hear the word Queer? Do you think that it is possible for groups to reclaim words that have previously been used to insult them?
Clare Moran discusses the changing attitudes to a powerful word in her latest blog entry for rucomingout. . . . read more |
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November 2012 - Simon Wright is a talent executive at the BBC Academy. After his well received first feature for us about being out and happy at work, Simon talks about his experiences at school and what drove him to be true to himself.
. . . click here to read more |
November 2012 - RUCOMING founder Wayne Dhesi now has a blog profile on the brilliant Huffington Post - Gay Voices website. Wayne uses the blog to discuss wider LGBT issues as well as promoting the importance of sharing our coming out stories.
. . . visit Huffington Post Gay Voices here |
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October 2012 - Recently announced as support for the Scissor Sisters on their tour, Welsh singer/song-writer/DJ/producer and all round nice guy Rod Thomas (AKA Bright Light Bright Light) talks exclusively to us about his coming out experience
...click here to read more |
November 2012 - We have a real mixed bunch of coming out stories this month. Charlotte (left) is 18 and lives in England. We also feature Greg, 17 who tells us why he doesn't want to move back home to Singapore. Karen who is in her mid 50s describes herself as a 'Latebian'. Intrigued?
. . . click to read more |
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September 2012 - The gay parenting debate shows no signs of cooling down any time soon. In his latest blog entry, RUComingOut founder Wayne Dhesi explains where he stands on the contentious issue of gay adoption.
. . . click here to read the blog |
After a short summer break (we all need a holiday!) our real life coming out stories are back!! This month we have stories from America, the UK and South Africa. Take a look, share with your friends and remember to use the comments facility under each story if you'd like to leave feedback.
. . . click here to read new stories |
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August 2012 - We have loads more stories this month including Lee's (pictured) and Kristian's. Kristian has had it tough but his story shows that with inner-strength, determination and self-belief anything is possible. It's a great story. And girls, we need more stories from you so get writing!!
Click here to read August's stories... |
Would you like to write a feature for our website? If you have an idea for a piece that you think would fit in with our aims then please contact us. We particularly encourage features about LGBT issues as well as music, film and arts.
Email us at [email protected] with your ideas or written features. |
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July 2012 - Chely Wright is one of the biggest country music stars in America. In her book 'Like Me' she talks about her very personal and often heartbreaking struggle with Coming Out to the world. Our writer Clare Moran tells us why 'Like Me' is such as important book.
Click here to read Clare's review... |
The slogan of the London 2012 Olympics is 'INSPIRE A GENERATION'. We're all for inspiring people, of any generation, to be the best they can. Future Olympian Matt Lister shared his story with us earlier this year and explained how Coming Out helped him to achieve more in his sport - Read more...
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July 2012 - What does Gay Pride mean to you? Do we need Pride events nowadays and if so, what should the focus of them be? Project founder Wayne discusses his interpretation of Pride in his new rucomingout blog entry.
Click here to read 'A Question of Pride'... |
July 2012 - Everyone knows that Stonewall do an amazing job of campaigning, lobbying, educating and helping to change attitudes towards LGBT people. This is why we are super excited that they have decided to include us a further source of support on their
Stonewall Youth Website! |
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July 2012 - Her novel 'But She Is My Student' hit the number 1 spot on the Amazon gay interest chart in the US and UK! Kiki Archer speaks exclusively to rucomingout.
Click here to read the full interview... |
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July 2012 - What a month! Firstly we have an EXCLUSIVE story from lead singer of The Feeling, Dan G Sells! Bobby Norris from 'The Only Way Is Essex' also shares his story with us and we also feature a truly inspirational account from West End Superstar Adrian Hansel.
Click here to read the stories for July... |
Jay is from Pennsylvania, USA, 60 years old and gay. Jay is taking the brave step to come out to his family and friends and he needs our support. Follow his story here as he shares his Coming Out experience with us, as it happens.
Click here to read Jay's Coming Out diary... |
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June 2012 - This month's stories include Bruce, who came out this year at the age of 46 and US rapper Ripparachie who at 20, is trying to use his music to encourage equality and acceptance. We also feature Lauren and Sarah who are planning their wedding for next year!
Click here to read 16 new stories for June... |
June 2012 - Simon Wright writes about being out and happy in the workplace. Is it always necessary to share every aspect of your life with the people you work with? Why should you have to keep your sexuality a secret from your colleagues? As always, we're keen to hear your opinions and stories too!
Click here to read Simon's feature... |
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May 2012 - We highlight five coming out films - some you know, some you might not! Use our comments feature to recommend your favourite gay and lesbian interest films. You lucky things also have the chance to win two of the films that we have featured! What are you waiting for?!
Click here to read more and win DVDs... |
May 2012 - Thanks to our friends at pastel productions we can now launch our video stories! This month we have a Coming Out story from singer-songwriter AMiTY and also hear from Bekki and Megan, founders of Birmingham-based gay magazine 537zine.
Click here to see more... |
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May 2012 - 12 brand new Coming Out stories submitted from the UK, America and Australia.
You can now share each story on Facebook and Twitter by using the buttons at the bottom of each page. We have also added a comments feature to each story so that you can leave your feedback! Click here to read more... |
May 2012 - Currently promoting her new solo album 'Getaway Driver' and accompanying tour, Jill took some time out to speak to rucomingout about her music, her influences and what it's like being a gay role model.
Click here to read more... |
