Maria Bello Comes Out in New York Times Essay

In an essay for The New York Times, Maria Bello reveals that she's is in a relationship with her longtime best friend, Clare. Bello writes, in a column titled "Coming Out as a Modern Family," that she was prompted to come out when her son, Jackson, asked if she was romantically involved with anyone.

"I took a deep breath, knowing that my answer, and his response, would have an impact on our lives for a very long time.

"He was right; I was with someone romantically and I hadn't told him. I had become involved with a woman who was my best friend, and, as it happens, a person who is like a godmother to my son."

However, what Bello writes is more than a coming out story. For her, it's about family. In her case, a "modern" one, which includes her son Jack, her best friend Clare, her father's son Dan.

"We have dinner together almost every night. As I write this, we're basking in the afterglow of Dan's 50th birthday party that Clare, Jackson, and I gave, which was attended by his family and mine and many other people I consider partners in one aspect of my life or another. It was a room of celebration and unconditional love."

"Love is love," Bello writes, echoing her son's own words. She's in love with her "modern family."

Check out her full story here. (It's recommended reading.)