Our country is making strides in the fight for marriage equality, with over a dozen states having legalized same-sex marriage and the recent overturn of The Defense of Marriage Act [1] in June. While coming out is still super hard, these seven celebrities are showing that being proud of your sexuality isn't something you should be afraid to do!

1. Neil Patrick Harris

NPH may play a ladies man on How I Met Your Mother, but the L-O-L actor has been with his fiancé David Burtka for 7 years! They are also parents to twins Harper and Gideon. The actor came out to People [2] in 2006. "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."

2. Chris Colfer

Who doesn’t love watching Chris Colfer sing his heart out on the awesome show Glee? Colfer plays a fashion-loving high school student who is constantly bullied for his sexuality. But through it all, he continues to be proud of who he chooses to love – just like he is in real life!

3. Raven Symone

We all grew up watching the spunky Raven Symone get into and out of trouble on Disney’s That’s So Raven. On August 2, the actress shocked Twitter when she came out [3]. “I can finally get married! Yay Government! So proud of you.” And we’re so proud of you, Raven!

4. Anderson Cooper

Anderson Cooper’s job is to report the news for CNN, but in July of 2012 he became the news. "The fact is, I'm gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn't be any more happy, comfortable with myself and proud,” he told The Daily Beast [4]. 

5. Ellen DeGeneres

Our favorite talk-show host made history when she came out [5]on her sitcom Ellen in 1997. She was the first openly gay television persona. Unfortunately, the show got cancelled soon after the announcement (boo!). But no worries, the comedian prevailed by snagging her own daytime talk show. DeGeneres married Portia de Rossi in 2008.

6. Jane Lynch

Another Glee star that is out and proud is Jane Lynch (aka: Sue Sylvester). The actress married Lara Embry in 2010, but unfortunately divorced [6]in July of 2013.

7. Jim Parsons

The Big Bang Theory actor came out during a New York Times [7] interview in 2012. He even confessed to being in a 10-year relationship!

11 facts about gay marriage. GO [8]

- Teresa Roca is a NYC writer who is obsessed with celebrities, sports and movies. Her favorite cause is bullying and violence.