Daniel Franzese Comes Out

Daniel Franzese, who played the  'almost to gay to function'--and i won't say that phrase again ... you'll see why in a second--BFF in Mean Girls, has come out as gay in a letter written to his Mean Girls character Damien: 

"There were industry people who had seen me play you in Mean Girls but never seen me read in an audition but still denied me to be seen for 'masculine' roles...Damian, you had ruined my life and I was really pissed at you. I became celibate for a year and a half.  I didn’t go to any gay bars, have any flings and I lied to anyone who asked if I was gay. I even brought a girl to the ‘Mean Girls’ premiere and kissed her on the red carpet, making her my unwitting beard. Meanwhile, I was still in the closet.  Deleting tweets that asked if I was gay, scrubbing IMDB Message Boards for any indication.

"My friends and family all knew the truth but now it's time everyone does. Perhaps this will help someone else. I’m not afraid anymore. Of Hollywood, the closet or mean girls. Thank you for that, Damian. (And Tina.). ... P.S.  I hate it when people say I’m 'too gay to function.' I know you do, too. Those people are part of the problem.  They should refrain from using that phrase. It really is ONLY okay when Janis says it."

Welcome out, Daniel.

Your heartfelt letter proves just how dangerous and demeaning and life-deflating the closet can be. I imagine a giant weight has been lifted from your shoulders.

So, in honor of your coming out, please accept as our gift to you, a copy of The Gay Agenda and the Official, Obligatory Coming Out Toaster Oven.

Welcome out, Daniel, welcome out.

PS You can read Daniel's full Coming Out letter at Indiewire.