Coming out is hard enough in real life. Sometimes you need inspiration. Here then are our favorite coming out scenes from tv and movies. This is, hopefully, a list that will be expanded on…
Doing Time on Maple Drive (1992)
Doing Time on Maple Drive was a made-for-tv movie featuring a very young Jim Carrey, and an impossibly attractive William McNamara. While a bit cliche in parts, it was still progressive for its time. Gen X gay guys will all remember this movie…
Love Simon (2018)
If you’re going to come out, you probably dream it would go something like this. Everyone deserves a great love story, but for 17-year-old Simon Spier, it’s a little more complicated. He hasn’t told his family or friends that he’s gay, and he doesn’t know the identity of the anonymous classmate that he’s fallen for online. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, terrifying and life-changing.
Love Victor (2020)
“Love, Victor” is set in the world of the groundbreaking movie, “Love, Simon,” which was inspired by Becky Albertalli’s acclaimed young adult novel, “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda,” about a closeted gay teenager who is forced to come out after being blackmailed. The series stars Michael Cimino as Victor, who, like Simon, is on his own journey of self-discovery. Facing challenges at home, navigating the ups and downs of a new high school and exploring his sexual orientation, Victor reaches out to Simon when things become too difficult.
Heated Rivalry (2025)
Heated Rivalry has become a true phenomenon. These coming out moments are simultaneously heartbreaking and affirming. Amazing writing, amazing acting, and the emotional response is mind blowing.
Heartstopper (2022)
Impossibly sweet and sweetly romantic, Heartstopper is Doing Time on Maple Drive for the Gen Z set. While on the cover it seems very light and simple, Heartstopper impressively tackles difficult subject matter in a way that keeps things emotionally focused and character driven. It’s honest without becoming syrupy.
Dawson’s Creek (1998)
Sometimes coming out doesn’t go the way you want it to. Kudos to Dawson’s Creek didn’t take the love all / it’s ok route. Kerr Smith’s portrayal of Jack McPhee hit hard for a lot of people. Fortunately, in the Dawson’s Creek series finale, Jack McPhee ends up in a committed, happy relationship with Doug Witter, Pacey’s older brother, deciding to raise Jen Lindley’s daughter, Amy, together as a family after Jen’s passing. Everybody loves a happy ending, right?
Beautiful Thing (1996)
Beautiful Thing is quite possibly the sweetest movie ever made. With Mama Cass providing the soundtrack, Jamie & Ste come to terms with their own sexuality and budding relationship. Allegedly, the cast is coming back together 30 years later for a sequel. We can’t wait!
Edge of Seventeen (1998)
Edge of Seventeen (1998) is a acclaimed gay coming-of-age romantic drama set in 1984 Ohio. It follows Eric, a high school student navigating his sexuality, his relationship with his best friend Maggie, and his attraction to a college student named Rod. The indie film is noted for its authentic 80s, heartfelt storyline, and for being a semi-autobiographical piece from screenwriter Todd Stephens. Also including a hysterical parody of the climactic coming out scene from Another Gay Movie (2006).
Boots (2025)
Boots is a comedic drama about a bullied, closeted gay teen who impulsively joins the U.S. Marine Corps in the early 1990s with his best friend to escape his life, finding unexpected brotherhood and confronting his identity in a hostile environment where being gay in the military was illegal. The series follows their journey through boot camp, blending humor with the serious challenges of military life and self-discovery before the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. A secondary role, Sergeant Sullivan, played by Max Parker faces his reality in a slightly different, but equally gripping way.
The Birdcage (1996)
Sometimes comedies don’t have to play it all for laughs. The Birdcage, while hysterical, is also one of the sweetest, most touching movies of the last 30 years. Nathan Lane, Robin Williams, Gene Hackman, Hank Azaria, and Dan Futterman (at the height of his hotness…) deftly teach us the lesson that love is the only thing that matters.
