March 9, 2010 | Celeb Watch

Two very different men reluctantly come out

Two men, actor Sean Hayes and Republican Senator Roy Ashburn,  have officially come out as gay. Circumstance, not choice, seemed to be responsible for their revelations.

Hayes is best known for playing Jack on the sitcom 'Will and Grace.' He was also the gay lead in 'Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss,' about a photographer dreaming of love with a sexy young actor. However, Hayes was not open about his sexuality, and though many suspected he was gay he would neither confirm nor deny it to the press.

His days in the closet are officially over after being worn down by endless media questioning. He opened up to 'The Advocate,' although he inisted it still isn't anyone's business but his own. "What more do you want me to do?" He asked. "Do you want me to stand on a float? And then what? It’s never enough."

Meanwhile, Republican Senator Roy Ashburn's recent run-in with the law forced open the closet door ...

Ashburn was pulled over last week, suspected of being under the influence. He was in the company of a younger male companion. And he had just left a gay club.

Ashburn was not out. And, as with so many Republican colleagues, he didn't support gay rights. He voted in favor of  Prop 8, banning gay marriage, and he also supported legislation that would block California from recognizing gay marriages from outside the state.

Most politicians in his place would continue to deny their sexuality. Ashburn decided to come clean. "I am gay. Those are the words that have been so difficult for me for so long. But I am gay."

Still, he defended his voting record, claiming he was only acting on behalf of his consituents. "I have always felt that my faith and allegiance was to the people there in the district, my constituents. So as each of these individual measure came before the legislature, I cast "no" votes."

We'll keep Hayes, but can we trade Ashburn for someone else? Heck, the other side can just have him!

Sean Hayes: I Am Who I Am [The Advocate]

Anti-gay rights California Sen. Roy Ashburn comes out as gay [Salon]