Coming out: culturally it can be seen as a very large endeavor that involves a conversation at a large family gathering, or in some cases, even a written statement.
This was the exact opposite experience for a news anchor for Ohio’s Spectrum News 1, Taylor Bruck, who recently came out casually during a conversation while live on the air.
Around Thanksgiving, Bruck was talking with a cohost about their holiday plans and whether there was any travel involved. After her cohost discussed her holiday drive to her parents' house, Bruck chimed in with a blink-and-you'll-miss-it, yet completely impactful, coming out moment, noting:
"The extent of my travel is probably going to Cleveland to visit my girlfriend."
One little word—that she did not have to say but chose to—and then she smoothly moved on in the on-air discussion.
Bruck’s casual coming out was immediately celebrated by her fans, friends and family on her Instagram page.
@michaell6600/Instagram
@director_marcus18/Instagram
@vikingpackrafter/Instagram
She even got a nod from Free Mom Hugs, an organization that attends Pride festivals offering support to members of the LGBTQ+ community—and, as their name puts it, free mom hugs for those who might really need one.
@freemomhugs/Instagram
Bruck’s fans from Ohio were particularly grateful for her coming out.
@briannaahearn/Instagram
@logannn.elizabeth/Instagram
Some complimented her on the ease with which she said it. Cool as a cucumber.
@rich7195/Instagram
@kekamahele/Instagram
Other commenters made sure to point out how news anchors and other role models coming out, even in 2023, can be very necessary and truly matter.
@katasia/Instagram
@rollthedyess88/Instagram
And then there were those who celebrated how nonchalant her coming out was, and looked towards a future where this sort of thing wasn’t even a big deal at all.
@claredurrett/Instagram
@doctor.eulalia.reed/Instagram
@linda_indc/Instagram
In a reflection post about the event, Bruck took time to thank the out journalists who came before her, noting how she was 'blown away' by all of the support she'd received.
Bruck also recently shared a holiday greeting with her girlfriend, Lauren Lanzaretta, including several photos of the happy couple.
Here's hoping many more feel emboldened to follow in her footsteps so they can be their most authentic selves.
Elaine Miles/Facebook
@doctor_kristinm/Threads
@PeteHegseth/X
The White House