The landscape of celebrity culture and public visibility has shifted dramatically over the last decade. In the past, public figures often felt pressured to hide their authentic selves, fearing that coming out could derail their careers, alienate core demographics, or invite invasive media scrutiny. Today, a new generation of actors, musicians, and digital creators is rewriting the script. They are dismantling the rigid binary of Hollywood and embracing the expansive multisexual umbrella—which includes identifying as bisexual, pansexual, queer, or sexually fluid.
This cultural evolution goes far beyond standard celebrity news; it represents a profound, evergreen shift in how society understands human attraction. For decades, bisexuality and pansexuality faced unique forms of erasure. People identifying within these spaces were often told their feelings were just a “phase” or were pressured to pick a definitive side. However, the rise of direct-to-fan communication channels, such as Instagram and TikTok, has allowed public figures to bypass traditional media gatekeepers. They can now share their truths on their own terms, at their own pace, and in their own voices.
From casual TikTok lip-syncs to in-depth magazine profiles, the ways in which these stars have shared their identities are as diverse as the individuals themselves. While some have experienced the joyful liberation of stepping into the light, others have navigated the darker sides of internet fandom, facing undue pressure to label themselves before they were ready.
Also read: Hayden Panettiere Comes Out as Bisexual: Milo Ventimiglia Split, Net Worth, & Motherhood Explained
Here is a comprehensive look at 10 prominent public figures who have recently opened up about their bisexuality, pansexuality, or sexual fluidity, based on recent global reports.
1. Billie Eilish: Redefining Queer Visibility in Music
Global pop superstar Billie Eilish has always been known for her boundary-pushing music and unapologetic authenticity, but her journey regarding her sexuality became a major talking point in late 2023. During a cover story for Variety‘s Hitmakers issue, Eilish candidly discussed her deep connections with women, admitting she was physically attracted to them while also feeling intimidated by their presence.
The situation took an uncomfortable turn during the subsequent Variety Hitmakers red carpet event. A reporter bluntly asked the 21-year-old singer if she had intended to “come out” in the article. Eilish handled the moment with grace, stating, “I didn’t realize people didn’t know… I kinda thought, ‘Wasn’t it obvious?'” Later, she took to Instagram to express her frustration at being “outed” on a red carpet at 11 a.m. instead of being asked about her award or her art. Her response—”I like boys and girls leave me alone about it please literally who cares”—perfectly encapsulated the Gen Z ethos: queerness should be allowed to simply exist without requiring a grand, formal announcement.
2. Kit Connor: The Dark Side of Fandom Pressure
The coming-out story of Kit Connor, the breakout star of Netflix’s beloved LGBTQ+ teen drama Heartstopper, serves as a cautionary tale about the toxicity of modern internet culture. In the series, Connor plays Nick Nelson, a high school rugby player navigating his bisexuality. While the show was praised for its heartwarming representation, a subset of the fandom began intensely scrutinizing Connor’s real-life sexuality.
After being photographed holding hands with a female co-star, Connor faced relentless online harassment and accusations of “queerbaiting”—a term meant for television shows that tease queer romances without delivering, rather than for real human beings. In October 2022, the pressure reached a boiling point. The 18-year-old actor returned to Twitter after a hiatus to post a brief, powerful message: “back for a minute. i’m bi. congrats for forcing an 18 year old to out himself. I think some of you missed the point of the show. Bye.” His statement sparked a massive global conversation, covered extensively by BBC News, about the right to privacy and the danger of fans demanding intimate labels from young actors.
3. Lili Reinhart: Advocating for Justice and Authenticity
Lili Reinhart, widely known for her starring role as Betty Cooper on the hit CW series Riverdale, used a moment of national reckoning to share her personal truth. In June 2020, at the height of the Black Lives Matter protests, Reinhart took to her Instagram Stories to share a flyer for an LGBTQ+ for BLM protest taking place in West Hollywood.
Alongside the flyer, Reinhart wrote: “Although I’ve never announced it publicly before, I am a proud bisexual woman. And I will be joining this protest today.” In subsequent interviews, Reinhart elaborated on her decision, explaining that she had known she was attracted to women from a young age. However, because she had been in highly publicized heteronormative relationships, she feared the media would vilify her or accuse her of claiming bisexuality for attention. By coming out casually while directing attention toward a vital civil rights movement, Reinhart demonstrated how modern celebrities are weaving their personal truths into broader social advocacy.
4. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor: Breaking Barriers in the Bible Belt
Oscar-nominated actress Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (King Richard, The Color Purple) provided one of the most poignant and reflective coming-out narratives in Hollywood history. In a deeply personal 2022 interview with Variety, the acclaimed actress revealed she had known she was queer since she was eight years old. Growing up in the deeply religious Bible Belt of Mississippi, she recalled having to internally “talk her body into correct behavior” to conform to societal expectations.
It wasn’t until her 30s that she fully acknowledged and embraced her bisexuality. Ellis-Taylor noted that while she had been out to her close friends and family for decades, the broader public and media simply never asked. She even wore a jacket with the word “Queer” spelled out in rhinestones to the Essence Black Women in Hollywood gala, but it went largely unnoticed. Her eventual public declaration—”I am Black. I am queer. This is who I am.”—stands as a powerful testament to the fact that coming out is not just a young person’s game, and that Black queer representation in Hollywood is vital and necessary.
5. Auli’i Cravalho: A Joyful TikTok Revelation
The shift in how celebrities communicate with their audiences is perfectly exemplified by Auli’i Cravalho, the talented actress and singer best known for voicing the titular character in Disney’s Moana. In April 2020, Cravalho took to TikTok to address questions from her fans regarding her sexuality.
Instead of issuing a formal press release or sitting down for a glossy magazine interview, Cravalho posted a playful video of herself lip-syncing to an Eminem song. When the lyrics asked a specific question, she mouthed along, playfully confirming to her millions of followers that she is attracted to women. NBC News highlighted the moment as a prime example of how Gen Z stars are taking ownership of their narratives, utilizing humor, trends, and direct-to-camera sincerity to normalize bisexuality.
6. Madison Bailey: Embracing Pansexuality Openly
Madison Bailey, the breakout star of Netflix’s hit teen adventure series Outer Banks, also utilized the immense reach of TikTok to share her pansexual identity with the world in May 2020. During a time when the world was in lockdown, social media became the primary way for stars to connect with fans.
Bailey used the platform not just to come out, but to educate. She explained the nuances of pansexuality to her followers, detailing that her attraction is not limited by gender identity or biological sex. “I love a person’s heart and mind,” she explained. Shortly after her announcement, she publicly introduced her girlfriend to her fans, receiving an overwhelming outpouring of love and support from the Outer Banks community, further cementing her status as a role model for young queer fans.
7. Mae Whitman: Proudly Pansexual in Animation
Mae Whitman has been a staple in Hollywood for decades, beloved for her roles in Good Girls, Parenthood, and Arrested Development. In August 2021, she used a professional milestone to share a deeply personal one. While celebrating her voice role as Amity Blight on Disney Channel’s animated series The Owl House—a show celebrated for its groundbreaking LGBTQ+ representation—Whitman came out as pansexual.
Speaking to her followers, Whitman expressed profound pride in being part of a show that showcased the kind of queer storytelling she wished she had seen growing up. She elaborated that being pansexual means she falls in love with people of all genders, emphasizing the beauty of living authentically. Her announcement was met with widespread celebration across the animation and television industries.
8. Tyler Posey: Unpacking Sexual Fluidity
Tyler Posey, best known for his leading role in MTV’s supernatural teen drama Teen Wolf, opened up about his sexual fluidity in a raw and unfiltered manner throughout 2021. Breaking away from the traditional, sanitized Hollywood coming-out narrative, Posey used alternative platforms, including OnlyFans and independent interviews, to explore and discuss his sexuality.
In interviews with outlets like NME, Posey revealed that he has had romantic and sexual experiences with both men and women. He spoke candidly about the process of overcoming internalized shame and the stigma often attached to male bisexuality and sexual fluidity. By being so open about the messy, complex, and beautiful reality of discovering his desires, Posey has helped break down the toxic masculinity often prevalent in the entertainment industry.
9. Joshua Bassett: Finding Freedom Without Labels
Joshua Bassett, the singer-songwriter and star of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, experienced a very public journey of self-discovery in 2021. It began somewhat accidentally when, during a casual video interview, he praised pop star Harry Styles and offhandedly referred to the moment as his “coming out video.”
Following intense media speculation, Bassett released a formal, heartfelt statement on social media confirming his queer identity. Later, in a comprehensive interview with GQ, he discussed the profound relief of no longer hiding parts of himself. Bassett spoke about the toxicity of childhood conditioning that forces boys to suppress their emotions and natural attractions. He chose to embrace a fluid identity, actively rejecting strict labels and advocating for a world where young people can explore who they love without fear of judgment.
10. Maren Morris: Celebrating Pride in Country Music
While the initial list focuses on actors and pop stars, the country music industry saw a massive step forward in representation when Grammy-winning country star Maren Morris came out as bisexual in June 2024. Country music has historically been one of the most conservative genres in the entertainment industry, making Morris’s public declaration both brave and highly impactful.
Celebrating Pride Month, Morris shared a joyful post with her fans, stating, “happy to be the B in LGBTQ+.” As a highly successful, mainstream country artist, her visibility provides crucial representation for queer country music fans who have long felt marginalized within the genre. Her coming out serves as a reminder that the push for authenticity is reaching every corner of the entertainment world.
The Cultural Impact of Modern Coming Out Narratives
The 10 individuals highlighted above represent more than just fleeting celebrity news; they are the vanguards of a massive cultural shift. The multisexual spectrum—encompassing bisexuality, pansexuality, and sexual fluidity—has historically been deeply misunderstood. It was frequently subjected to a unique double standard: dismissed as a stepping stone to homosexuality, or invalidated entirely as a plea for attention.
Today, these public figures are utilizing their massive platforms to dismantle those archaic notions. They are teaching millions of fans that attraction does not have to fit neatly into a binary box. Whether their truths were shared through a casual social media video, forced out by an overzealous fandom, or revealed in an Oscar-season magazine profile, the overarching theme remains the same: the demand to simply exist. As society continues to progress, the hope is that one day, the concept of “coming out” will be entirely obsolete, replaced by a world where every individual is free to love and live authentically from the very beginning.