While coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) in Hollywood, sports or politics has become increasingly less taboo, these experiences are still extremely personal and not met without backlash.
LGBT people frequently have to worry about the possible ramifications coming out will have on their careers, relationships and almost every other aspect of their life and this can be especially true of those in the spotlight.
Inspired by recent events, we decided to take a look back on thirteen prominent individuals in the LGBT community who, at some point, faced rumors about their sexuality but waited until later in their life to publicly come out.
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1
Tom Daley
AP
2
Ricky Martin
Michael Tran via Getty Images
3
Raven-Symone
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4
Neil Patrick Harris
Phil McCarten/Invision/AP
5
Lance Bass
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6
Anderson Cooper
Charles Sykes/Invision/AP
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7
Michelle Rodriguez
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8
Clay Aiken
Jude Domski via Getty Images
9
Wentworth Miller
AP
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10
Jodie Foster
Stefanie Keenan via Getty Images
11
George Takei
Steve Zak Photography via Getty Images
12
Rosie O'Donnell
AP
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13
George Michael
AP