Fresh Ten Gay Men We Love

They’re out, they’re proud, and they’re our closest allies in the fight for equality. These men have all made the decision to come out about their sexuality, no matter what affect if could have had on their respective careers, and in doing so have earned their spot on our list of the Fresh Ten Gay Men We Love.

10. ANT. It seems like we are seeing this talented comedian everywhere these days: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Tyra Banks show, Last Comic Standing, VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club, the LOGO series, U.S. of ANT, and even NutriSystem. Apparently we aren’t the only ones who find his unique and “downright fabulous” (according to his website), style addictive.

9. T.R. Knight. He’s adorable and he spoke out against a cast member who made homophobic remarks against him when he told our girl Ellen that Isaiah Washington did in fact call him a “faggot.” It got Washington fired and it forever made T.R. a favorite member of the gay community.

8. Joe Solmonese. The Human Rights Campaign is the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization. Joe Solmonese is their intelligent, hard working, and passionate President – and someone the LGBT community appreciates greatly.

7. Mario Cantone. The hysterical comedian and actor has been entertaining audiences of film, television, and stage for years and will continue to be fabulously flamboyant for many more.

6. Lance Bass. In July 2006, ‘N Sync’s other blonde boy revealed his homosexuality in a cover story for People magazine. Bass was then awarded the Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award in October of the same year and released an autobiography, Out of Sync, in October 2007. He was the quiet and often overlooked member of a boy band but now he definitely has the attention of boys – and grrls – everywhere!

5. Todd Oldham. If you haven’t watched an episode of Top Design on Bravo then you have yet to see what might just be the most friendly and helpful man on television. Todd Oldham, the openly gay designer of personal fashion and furniture and home accessories, appears on the show as a mentor to the contestants and consistently surprises them with his patience and genuine kindness. He is also a member of the board of advocates for Bailey House, the oldest supportive housing program for persons with HIV and AIDS in the United States, and supports the animal rights movement, having worked with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

4. Clay Aiken. To say that we all knew that Clay was gay long before his September 2008 interview with People magazine would be an understatement. But, for openly and honestly explaining that he decided to come out because he, “cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things. I wasn’t raised that way, and I’m not going to raise a child to do that,” we greatly respect and appreciate his courage.

3. Rufus Wainwright. Elton John considers him “the greatest songwriter on the planet,” The New York Times has praised him for his “genuine originality,” and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has honored him for his role in fighting homophobia in the entertainment industry. Rufus Wainwright is an openly gay man who has established himself as one of the great male vocalists and songwriters of his generation.

2. John Amaechi. In February 2007, Amaechi publicly announced that he was gay and became the first player associated with the NBA to come out. It was huge for the world of professional sports and it was a historical moment for the LGBT community.

1. Neil Patrick Harris. As another member of the People magazine coming out story club, in November 2006, the former Doogie Howser, M.D. star told the publication, “The public eye has always been kind to me, and until recently I have been able to live a pretty normal life. Now it seems there is speculation and interest in my private life and relationships. So, rather than ignore those who choose to publish their opinions without actually talking to me, I am happy to dispel any rumors or misconceptions and am quite proud to say that I am a very content gay man living my life to the fullest and feel most fortunate to be working with wonderful people in the business I love.” Harris is a shining example of a child star success story and proof that coming out does not mean the end to your career in Hollywood.