Despite the strides toward LGBTQ+ representation and inclusion over the past decade, the decision to come out as part of the community is still life-altering. This can be uniquely true for celebrities, whose life in the public eye seems to bind them to particular art forms, lifestyles, or dating histories that take time and effort to break out of. Yet, they do, in order to live as their authentic selves.
Enter Julia Fox, who came out as a lesbian on July 8 in a TikTok video. The actress's public coming out hearkens back to a long list of women who have come out as queer after 30. Sandra Kushnir, the founder and CEO of Meridian Counseling and licensed marriage and family therapist, told Newsweek that stories like Fox's help pave the way for other LGBTQ+ people, young and old.
"Coming out is often a powerful act of self-affirmation and liberation," she said. "It plays a vital role in visibility and advocacy...When celebrities do come out, it can have a profound impact by providing representation and inspiring others to embrace their identities."
In her TikTok video, Fox stitched another creator who spoke about seeing lesbians with their boyfriends on the street and thinking, "Aw, you hate that man." Fox interjected: "Hey, that was me," she said. "I was that lesbian. So sorry, boys, won't happen again."
Here are five other famous women who came out after 30, increasing queer representation on our screens, and even in our favorite pop culture memories.
Sophia Bush
A recent celebrity coming out story hails from Sophia Bush. The 42-year-old actress known for One Tree Hill and Chicago P.D. penned an essay for Glamour in April reflecting on her decision to live openly queer after a divorce—and a tumble through the internet rumor mill. She began dating her current partner, pro soccer player Ashlyn Harris, in 2023.
Dubai Set To Welcome The Burj Azizi: A New Architectural Marvel
Urgent Evacuations In Nashville, Illinois Due To Imminent Dam Failure
Unlocking Texas Roadhouse Secrets: How To Get More For Less
