Updated: July 3, 2012 at 11:40 AM

Out and proud celebrities (58 images)

These famous folks have gone public with their sexual orientation, often saying they want to send a positive message young people who may be struggling with their own identity.

Rep. Barney Frank, D-MA, speaks during an enrollment ceremony for legislation repealing the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy on Capitol Hill in Washington on December 21, 2010. UPI/Roger L. Wollenberg

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Rep. Tammy Baldwin, (D-Wis.), holds a news conference in opposition to the Federal Marriage Amendment on Capitol Hill in Washington, on July 18, 2006. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the Federal Marriage Amendment on July 18, 2006. The proposed amendment to the Constitution would deny marriage to same-sex couples. (UPI Photo/Shauneil Scott)

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Wanda Sykes entertains the annual White House Correspondents' Association gala dinner at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington on May 9, 2009. (UPI Photo/Martin H. Simon/Pool)

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Actor Lance Bass arrives at the 39th American Music Awards at Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on November 20, 2011. UPI/Jim Ruymen

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