John’s Coming Out Story from I Want the World to Know on Vimeo.

John W. McLaughlin is an out actor based in LA. He starred in “The Golden Gays” in the role of Damian/Dorothy and currently plays the role of Guy in the hit web series, We Have To Stop Now. In addition to being a gifted actor, John is also co-producing (and starring in) “Meth Head,” a feature film. John is an ardent fighter for equal rights and cares deeply about the LGBTQ community. His incredible story is poignant and candid. John takes us to NYC from the north woods of Maine where he grew up. From there he embarks on a journey of self-discovery involving the Juicy Fruit guy, drama school, a move to LA, an addiction to meth, and a remarkable recovery. Please watch John tell his moving story. (It would make a great play! It’s a good thing he’s in the process of writing a one-man-show!) Please visit John’s website, http://www.johnwmclaughlin.net/.

Danna’s Coming Out Story from I Want the World to Know on Vimeo.

By day, Danna is a music producer who works on various projects around New York City. By night you can find her DJing for the biggest gay, lesbian and mixed queer parties around the NYC (and Boston) under the name, Whitney Day. Growing up in NYC, Danna had a relatively easy time coming to terms with her sexuality, though it took her parents some time to get used to the idea. They are now completely supportive. Because she grew up in a very diverse and open-minded community, Danna found it easy to come out to her friends. And now, Danna is building a lucrative career as a DJ and knows that the bar/club/event culture in the LGBTQ community is pivotal. She finds it to be a privilege to play music for her own community where people embrace their differences and be themselves. Please watch Danna’s story, and visit her websites:

Official Whitney Day Website
Whitney Day Facebook Page

Hillary’s Coming Out Story from I Want the World to Know on Vimeo.

Hillary, one of my oldest friends, grew up in a suburb south of Boston. Though we shared our childhood years together, it wasn’t until recently that we both discovered that we were both gay! Therefore, I knew I had to interview her for this project! Hillary had an epiphany at summer camp at age 15 when she discovered that a fellow female camper had feelings for her. She went through the next few years dating both men and women, and she now defines herself as gay. A talented musician, Hillary started writing music as a teenager and was a member of an a capella group in college. She now lives in Brooklyn with her longtime girlfriend and works for pingg.com. Check out Hillary’s story!

Steve and Ray’s Story from I Want the World to Know on Vimeo.

Now that you’ve watched Ray and Steve share their individual coming out stories, please listen to the story of how they met! It all started as a “casual encounter” posting on Craigslist! Although these studs weren’t necessarily looking for a serious relationship, life and love sometimes take surprising turns. From New York City to Rome and back, Steve and Ray’s story reminds us that love can really sneak up on us when we least expect it! Enjoy!

Steve’s Coming Out Story from I Want the World to Know on Vimeo.

Steve grew up in Monroe, New York, and was known as the “artsy” kid in high school. It is no surprise that he grew up to become an extremely talented and sought after graphic designer! In fact, Steve designed the IWTWTK logo! From an early age, Steve knew he was attracted to men but didn’t come out to his family until his late teens/early twenties. Steve had an easy time coming out to his family, and some of his family members didn’t even have to be told! Steve speaks eloquently about diversity and how it is everybody’s differences and unique qualities that make this world so fantastic. If everyone were the same, life would be pretty boring. Steve’s outlook is evident in his work and the way he treats others. His positive attitude and good humor are infectious, and he’s such a huge inspiration to this project. Please watch Steve tell his story!

Ray’s Coming Out Story from I Want the World to Know on Vimeo.

Ray grew up in Astoria, Queens in New York City where he was surrounded by a supportive family, a great group of friends, and a solid sense of community. At age 5, Ray knew he felt different and describes being attracted to the “male ideal.” After experimenting with a friend when he was at the cusp of puberty, he realized that it felt right to be intimate with the same sex. As a teenager, Ray was often taunted for his fashion sense, being the first in his school to wear Calvin Klein jeans. However, the next semester the rest of his classmates followed suit and donned their own pair! Ray came out to his mother at 15 when he fell in love with his first boyfriend and has been supported by her ever since. Now, a talented interior designer, Ray says he is aware of the stigma of being a gay male interior designer, but says it’s his personality and values that define him as a human. Please watch Ray’s fantastic story!

Orlando’s Coming Out Story from I Want the World to Know on Vimeo.

Orlando grew up in a diverse, military community in Colorado. He came out at the ripe age of 13 when he was in 8th grade and dating his first boyfriend that he met in choir. He came out to his mother after his last choir show in middle school, and her response was to not talk about it. In high school, Orlando was completely out and found support in participating in drama, choir, and within his group of friends. To this day, Orlando has yet to introduce a boyfriend to his family because he feels that his relationships haven’t been serious enough to bring home. Please watch Orlando share his story!

Amy’s Coming Out Story from I Want the World to Know on Vimeo.

Amy grew up in a suburb outside of Boston and moved to NYC to work at one of the top fashion schools as an Administrator, and to continue living in a double life in a college dormitory to follow her passion: comedy. Amy is the co-producer of the popular Manhattan-based comedy troupe, Dykes On Mics, that Time Out NY has billed as a “best bet for comedy” numerous times. She also produces Generosi-titties, a topless comedy extravaganza that raises money for Breast Cancer. Beckerman was invited on the Howard Stern Show on March 8th, 2010 to chat and promote the 1st annual “Generosi-titties” at Comix. Amy is one of the few that genuinely loves to make people laugh. She says things other people think, but wouldn’t have the balls to say. She is cynical with a twist of sarcasm she instills with every bite of life. Please watch her share her coming out story, and check out all of her projects:
http://amybeckerman.com
http://www.dykesonmicscomedy.com
http://twitter.com/amybeckerman

Marti’s Coming Out Story from I Want the World to Know on Vimeo.

Martin Gould Cummings is a New York based actor, director, and LGBT rights activist. Marti has been featured all over the United States in theatre, concerts, and television. Along with his partner, Anthony, they head MGC Productions: Broadway Speaks OUT, in which he hosts a concert series and online talk show to benefit organizations such as Broadway Impact & The Ali Forney Center. This has given Marti the opportunity to raise awareness abut the LGBT community through performing with and interviewing celebrities, politicians, & advocates. Marti is also the host of a new monthly concert series at Vlada Lounge in NYC. Marti is deeply committed to the LGBT movement and the fight for equality, and his passion is evident in all of the work that he does. Please check out all of his projects by visiting the links below:
http://broadwayspeaksout.com/default.aspx
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Martin-Gould-Cummings/123843015888?v=info&ref=ts
http://twitter.com/BwaySpeaksOUT

Steven’s Coming Out Story Part 2 from I Want the World to Know on Vimeo.

In Part 2, Steven talks about the importance of being out, how he identifies his sexuality, and what advice he has for people who are thinking about coming out. Once again, Steven infuses humor into his wonderfully articulate story. Watch and enjoy!