Angry Puppy

This Saturday was National Coming Out Day, though that’s an odd name for an increasingly international observance.

We’ve both been out since the Carter administration, so in lieu of coming out (again), we’re celebrating with this list of our favorite out actors in sci fi and horror. And just think, not too long ago we would have had trouble coming up with a list half this size!

As usual, pick your favorites and tell us in the comments who we might have overlooked.

#12 - Lea DeLaria (The Oblongs, The Rocky Horror Picture Show)

It’s hip to be queer, and Lea DeLaria is a bi-i-i-i-ig dyke! We love her because she was out and proud before some of you were even born; because, hot patootie, bless her soul, she really loves that rock n’ roll; and because she’s bringing zaftig back.

#11 - Jasika Nicole (Fringe)

If you aren’t watching Fringe to see crazy scientist Walter Bishop, one-armed Blair Brown or even Pacey all grown up, then you should at least be watching for out actor Jasika Nicole, who plays special agent Astrid Farnsworth. Like most of the others on this list, she’s something of a Homo Universalis. Head over to her website to see her illustrations and artwork.

#10 - David Hyde Pierce (Hellboy)

You may not have known David Hyde Pierce voiced Abe Sapien in Hellboy. Credit went to Doug Jones, but we heard a little bit of Cecil Terwilliger in there.

#9 - Russell Tovey (Being Human, Doctor Who)

OK, we’ll admit it. We never got a chance to see the BBC’s Being Human (are you listening BBC-America?), but we knew half of you would send us hate mail if we didn’t include Russell Tovey. And anyway, isn’t being on Doctor Who with Kylie Minogue enough to get you on this list?

#8 - [Redacted]

#7 - Stephen Fry (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, V for Vendetta)

Radio, television, literature. There’s no medium Stephen Fry can’t master. Even if he weren’t gay, this would be a perfect clip for National Coming Out Day.

#6 - Heather Matarazzo (Scream 3, Hostel 2, Welcome to the Dollhouse)

Wiener Dog may not have been a lesbian, but luckily for us (and the ladies) Heather Matarazzo is!

#5 - Alan Cumming (X2, Tin Man)

Alan Cumming pops up in all kinds of interesting places, from Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion to commercials for his own (aptly named) fragrance. Most relevant to this list is his portrayal of Nightcrawler in X2, including my favorite fight scene from the franchise.

PS: Mutant Freedom Now!

#4 - Ian McKellen (X-Men films, The Lord of the Rings)

That’s Sir Ian McKellen to you: Commander of the Order of the British Empire, LGBT activist, Gandalf the frakking Grey. He would be higher on this list if his filmography and accomplishments didn’t intimidate us so much.

#3 - John Barrowman (Torchwood, Shark Attack III: Megalodon)

Since this is a gay-themed sci fi blog, you can imagine how tired I am of writing about the wonderful John Barrowman. Let’s just ogle him in his new music video instead.

Pop music? What would Captain Jack think?

#2 - George Takei (Star Trek, Heroes)

I can’t explain it, but I get an immense sense of satisfaction that, of all the original Star Trek cast, Sulu is the gay one (though we would have also accepted Christopher Pike). We love his sense of humor, his screen presence and (I’ve said it before) that voice!

I’ve posted this video before too, but it seems even more appropriate today.