11 of TV’s most memorable coming out moments, from soap first to reality tears
11 major coming out moments on TV. (Netflix/HBO/ITV)
The coming out scene is like a rainbow; there are so many shades, portrayals and reactions across the world of TV.
Today (11 October) marks National Coming Out Day, and there’s no better way to celebrate than selecting some of TV’s most memorable coming out moments.
Here are 11 moments, from soap operas to emotional fictional dramas to reality shows, which are key points in LGBTQ+ history…
Peter Panama in The Corner Bar
In 1972, the ABC sitcom The Corner Bar welcomed the first recurring gay character on American television: Peter Panama (Vincent Schiavelli).
The flamboyant character was a set designer who regularly requested the NYC tavern, Grant’s Toomb, in which the sitcom was set.
Produced by Alan King and Howard Morris, the show was seen by millions and cracked open the door to more frequent gay representation on TV.
Despite this milestone role, Schiavelli’s character did not return when the show was revamped for a second run in 1973.
Gordon Collins in Brookside
Recognised as the first openly gay character in a British soap opera, Gordon Collins’ (played by Nigel Crowley and later Mark Burgess) coming out was historic.
When Gordon’s mother discovered he was in a relationship with another man, she initially reacted badly. However, the family eventually came around and accepted Gordon.
Brookside also broke new ground in 1994, airing the first pre-watershed lesbian kiss between characters Margaret Clemence (Nicola Stephenson) and Beth Jordache (Anna Friel).
Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street
You may love Julie Hesmondhalgh on The Celebrity Traitors, but did you know she was part of a major LGBTQ+ coming out moment in British TV?
On Coronation Street, in 1988, Hayley (Hesmondhalgh) was introduced and became a close friend of cafe owner Roy Cropper (David Neilson). With their friendship blossoming, Hayley shared with Roy that she was a transgender woman. At first, she thought Roy might reject her, but she couldn’t have been more wrong.
Roy took Hayley under his wing and helped support her through gender affirmation surgery. The character of Hayley became a fan favourite and was embraced by the public as the character developed a beloved, long-running romance.
Ellen Morgan in Ellen
Undeniably, when Ellen DeGeneres’ character, Ellen Morgan, came out as gay on the show, it was a major moment for American TV.
An estimated 42million viewers tuned in to the 1997 “Puppy Episode”. In the episode, Ellen confesses to her love interest, Susan (Laura Dern), that she is a lesbian. Though it’s not a smooth moment, Ellen stumbles over her words before she finally voices her confession.
The TV coming out aired a week after DeGeneres came out herself on the cover of Time magazine.
Miriam in There’s Something About Miriam
In 2004, the highly controversial British reality dating show There’s Something About Miriam aired. The show revolved around Mexican model and actress Miriam Rivera, who was romancing with six men on the show.
In the final episode, Rivera chose the man she wanted to date and then revealed to the contestants that she was a trans woman. Today, Rivera is labelled the world’s first trans reality TV star. At the time, she was just 21 years old.
After the show, Rivera became the subject of media scrutiny and transphobic harassment. Rivera tragically died at the age of 38 on 5 February 2019. Her death was ruled a suicide, but her husband has since insisted that she was murdered.
David Rose in Schitt’s Creek
One of the most memorable coming out moments in TV history is David Rose (Dan Levy) explaining pansexuality in Schitt’s Creek.
While most coming out moments can be blunt as the individual struggles to voice their truth, Schitt’s Creek offers a funny and moving alternative. Speaking to his friend Stevie (Emily Hampshire), David uses a wine analogy to explain his sexuality.
“I do drink red wine, but I also drink white wine, and I’ve been known to sample the occasional rosé,” David explains. “I like the wine and not the label. Does that make sense?”
Rosa Diaz in Brooklyn Nine-Nine
The much-adored Detective Rosa Diaz (Stephanie Beatriz) came out as bisexual in season 5, episode 9 of police sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
After a colleague finds out about her sexuality, Rosa decides to tell the rest of the Precinct so that the news comes from her. With her classic bluntness, she declared: “I’m bisexual.” Her colleagues then have just one minute to ask her any questions.
In the following episode, Rosa comes out to her parents, who initially label her bisexuality as a “phase.” However, Rose sticks to her truth and corrects them that this is who she is.
Liv Flaherty in Emmerdale
Shows continue to explore the full depth and breadth of LGBTQ+ themes and identities on TV. For instance, Emmerdale explored asexuality with the popular character Liv Flaherty (Isobel Steele).
In 2018, the show introduced Liv’s asexual storyline when she kissed her best friend after feeling no attraction to boys. However, she soon discovered that she didn’t have any sexual feelings for women either.
The first asexual character in a British soap, Liv comes out to her friend and then her half-brother. All the while, she explains that she still experiences romantic feelings but wants a non-sexual relationship.
Eric Effiong on Sex Education
Sex Education wouldn’t be the same without Ncuti Gatwa’s iconic Eric Effiong. The confident young man has two particularly memorable coming out moments.
The first is in the debut season, where Eric confronts his father. In the scene, Eric is glammed up heading into the school dance, but his father is worried about how people will react.
His father is scared of the homophobia and prejudice his son may face. “This is me,” Eric confidently responds. “Isn’t it better to be who I am?”
Eric has another coming out moment in series four. During his baptism ceremony, he declares: “My name is Eric Effiong. And I’m a Christian. And a proud gay man.”
Zelah Glasson on Big Brother
In 2025, Zelah Glasson entered the Big Brother UK house initially intending to keep his transition private. However, he came out to a few fellow housemates as a trans man and opened up about his experiences.
Zelah shared that he was “lucky” that his transition “wasn’t traumatic in any way, shape or form.” He continued: “Now, I guess I’m at a point in my life for the first time ever, I can see myself with a grey beard, growing old with my partner, possibly being a dad. And that’s only come into place in the past year.” Earlier this week, Zelah revealed he had proposed to his partner of five years.
Zelah’s presence on the show also saw him taking the time to explain to fellow housemates why misgendering him was offensive.
Shane Hollander in Heated Rivalry
Out of all the coming out situations you can imagine, your dad catching you making out with your sworn rival is up there with ‘worst-case scenarios’. But that’s how Shane (Hudson Williams) accidentally comes out to his father in the ice hockey romance Heated Rivalry.
The show follows the rivals-to-lovers journey of Shane and Ilya (Connor Storrie), which has captured hearts around the globe. Shane experiences several coming out moments, one sharing that he’s gay with Ilya, his dad catching him with the aforementioned man and a particularly poignant moment with his mother (Christina Chang).
The hockey player breaks down in his mum’s arms as she tells him: “I’m sorry I made you feel like you couldn’t tell me.” It’s a major breakthrough as Shane realises that, in reality, his biggest nightmare wasn’t the end of the world after all.
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