Hollywood Popular Artists

Apr 12th 2012, 20:05

Our very own Paul Iacono, from "The Hard Times Of RJ Berger" has decided to courageously go public with his sexuality. Coming out is a process that everyone deals with differently and at different points in their life, but, at 23, Paul hopes to make being gay a non-issue on and off the small screen.

Paul shared the news with The Village Voice. "I'm rolling with the punches here. I was asked if I was comfortable doing gay press. I said 'Of course.' I didn't think I'd be coming out. But why not now? I think it's the right time to say something," Iacono explains. "It's not about me, it's about change and the work."

When asked about gay characters in TV, he replied, "It's great that we have Chris Colfer, but we need more characters. I'm happy to be that person so kids won't have to grow up and be afraid of their sexuality and this won't be an issue."

Paul will be coming back to the small screen, starring in a new series called "Kenzie's Scale." Paul described the show as a young radical young "Will & Grace" type of show giving young gay kids characters to look up to and to understand it is okay with who you are.

Yes I'm gay. And yes, it does get better. #YOLO

— Paul Iacono (@paul_icon) April 11, 2012

He joins a long list of other MTVers who have also come out and gone on to spread an accepting message:

+ Dan Savage, the sex advice columnist currently dishing out advice on "Savage U" is also the creator of the It Gets Better campaign.

+ Pedro Zamora, from 'The Real World: San Francisco" used his airtime to teach others about HIV, the disease that ultimately took his life. His story was made into a movie, "Pedro."

+ Sam, the self-described stud lesbian on "Real World: San Diego" performs as a drag king and rallied her roomies -- including fellow LGBT castmate Frank -- to parade with military women and men at the San Diego Pride Parade. It was the first time members of the military openly marched in a parade.

+ Katelynn, from "Real World: Brooklyn" transitioned from male to female, and has become a strong LGBT rights advocate. Her experience as a transgender woman and losing many of her close friends to AIDS has inspired her charity work.

+ Mike C Manning, from "The Real World: DC" challenged politicians on LGBT rights while on the show and is now traveling the country talking to LGBT youth.

+ Dave Holmes, the MTV VJ who came out to Out in 2002, recently made an It Gets Better video to help inspire youth.

+ Ruthie, from "The Real World: Hawaii" lectures at college campuses around the country.

...and the list goes on. To join them in making things better, take action below!

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