Popnography
Power of Family: LGBT Descendants From Famous Families
The Osmonds, Vanderbilts, and Cheneys are just a few of several famous families with LGBT descendants
April 25 2013 12:20 PM EST
December 15 2015 2:13 AM EST
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While the rise of new gay and famous families forming over the years through the increase of marriage equality and adopation laws in the world, several already famed family lines have seen an incease of LGBT members.
Earvin Johnson III
NBA legend Magic Johnson's son E.J. (Earvin Johnson III) joined the list of LGBT children with famous families earlier this month when he publicly came out. Shortly afterward, Magic Johnson publicly voiced his longtime support for his son. E.J. is studying event design at NYU, and with his interests in journalism and media, he said he looks to Ellen DeGeneres, Anderson Cooper, and RuPaul as role models.
Omar Sharif Jr.
The handsome Omar Sharif Jr., grandson of legendary actor Omar Sharif, came out last year as gay and half-Jewish, and was honored in the annual Out100. Prior to coming out, he had been the face of Coca-Cola for the Arabic world and appeared in a major Calvin Klein print campaign in Egypt. Following working for a Canadian non-profit advocacy organization for several years, this May, he will begin a new, dual position at GLAAD as a National Spokesperson and Strategic Giving Officer.
Photo via Facebook
Jessica Blosil
In 2009, Marie Osmond opened up about her lesbian daughter Jessica Blosil, and said that despite her Mormon upbringing, she is extremely supportive of and close to her daughter--coming out in support for marriage as a civil right for all. Marie recenlty reaffirmed that support in an interview with Diane Sawyer. Jessica is reportedly enrolled in a police academy in the Provo, Utah, area.
Stephen Ira Beatty
The transgender son of Hollywood icons Annette Benning and Warren Beatty, Stephen Ira Beatty released a video message last year describing his transition. Stephen's parents initially struggled with their son's transition six years ago, more so Warren than Annette, but in late 2011, Warren finally accepted his transgender son by hosting a family coming out party, as reported by the National Enquirer.
Chaz Bono
LGBT activist and author Chaz Bono, then Chastity Bono, came out at 18 as a lesbian to parents Cher and Sonny Bono. Cher was uncomfroatbale at first, but then came around within a year of Chaz publicly coming out. In 2008, Chaz began the legal transition from female to male, and a documentary on his journey, Becoming Chaz, was released in 2011. "I admire my son Chaz's courage for sharing his personal journey," Cher is quoted as saying after the film's screening. "Most important to me is that he is very happy. That's what I care about the most. He has my love and support."
Photo via The Advocate
Mary Cheney
"You know, look, you're my daughter and I love you and I just want you to be happy," said the former U.S. Vice-President, Dick Cheney, to his daughter Mary when she came out (as stated in her autobiography Now It's My Turn). An LGBT activist and a mother of two, last year Mary married her longtime partner Heather Poe.
Mary Cheney (left) with her father (and former Vice-President) Dick. / Getty Images
Anderson Cooper
Probably the most well-known from the list, journalist Anderson Cooper publicly came out last year. He is the scion of Gloria Vanderbilt, the prominent family and benefactors of many New York institutions. Aside with being good friends with New York elite such as Diane von Furstenberg, Gloria also rubs elbows with Kathy Griffin--who she has called "fantasy daughter."
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