Homosexuality was a taboo until well-known faces such as these came out of the closet and talked about gay rights and their own sexual orientation.

Time and again the issue of equal rights for gays has been raised at several platforms, levels and at different enormity; however, even today societal acceptance of gay men and women is not very easy to come by. They are often perceived as different and "not normal."

Nevertheless, celebrities are ambassadors of change and they have brought about a very optimistic revolutionary transformation in the attitude of the general public towards gays. Common folk usually look up to celebs and influential faces to bring about a change in the society and break its clichéd norms.

These celebrities have not only gained more respect but have opened up the doors for homosexuals to come out and be outright vocal about their sexuality.

They are not only adored for their talent and contribution to the entertainment industry worldwide, but are also respected for their individuality.

Check out the list of world famous gay celebrities in the slideshow.

Actress Cynthia Nixon

Judge Ellen DeGeneres

Singer Ricky Martin

Musician Elton John

Actor Lance Bass

Italian designers Domenico Dolce (R) and Stefano Gabbana

Italian designer Giorgio Armani

British actor Alan Cumming

Actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Actor Sean Hayes

Television presenter Neil Patrick Harris

Musician Tracy Chapman

Actor Rupert Everett

Spanish director Pedro Almodovar

Actress Portia De Rossi

Blogger Perez Hilton

Model Tila Tequila

Actor David Hyde Pierce

Michelle Rodriguez

Jane Lynch

Singer Melissa Etheridge

Actress Queen Latifah

Actor Chris Colfer

TV personality Tim Gunn

Actor Nathan Lane