Openly Gay

Openly gay describes someone who lives publicly as gay, without concealing their sexual orientation at work, at home, or in social life. The phrase is often used in news and history to mark milestones, such as the first openly gay person elected to a public office or cast in a leading role. It signals that a person has come out and does not hide who they are. In many places being openly gay still carries real risk, so the openness itself can be an act of courage as well as a simple fact of someone's life. The same idea extends to openly lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer people.