Black, Gifted and Gay author Leyla Farah writes about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and how out African-American icons are shaping history.
For National Coming Out Day, we compile some quotes from lesbian, bisexual and queer celebrities who talk about why they came out, how they feel about it now and why it's so important.
This Sunday's episode is inspired by Constance McMillen's true story and includes guest appearances by Lance Bass, Wanda Sykes, Amanda Bearse, Clay Aiken and McMillen herself.
The comic was honored by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today and made an appearance on Morgan's CNN talk show last night and talked about coming out and facing discrimination.
Watch the video clip of the out comic's acceptance speech in which she talks about coming out to her mom and how love and honesty open hearts and minds.
!["Drop Dead Diva" tackles LGBT discrimination this week in "The Prom"](/sites/www.afterellen.com/files/DDD306_2610_FIN-block.jpg ""Drop Dead Diva" tackles LGBT discrimination this week in "The Prom"")
![Wanda Sykes receives Hope of Los Angeles Award, talks about homophobia, racism on "Piers Morgan Tonight"](/sites/www.afterellen.com/files/wandapiers-block.jpg "Wanda Sykes receives Hope of Los Angeles Award, talks about homophobia, racism on "Piers Morgan Tonight"")
![Afternoon Delight: The first look at Amber Heard in "The Playboy Club" and a "South of Nowhere" wedding](/sites/www.afterellen.com/files/AD615Teaser.jpg "Afternoon Delight: The first look at Amber Heard in "The Playboy Club" and a "South of Nowhere" wedding")
![Wanda Sykes goes to court in "Drop Dead Diva"](/sites/www.afterellen.com/files/wblock_6.jpg "Wanda Sykes goes to court in "Drop Dead Diva"")
![The AfterEllen.com: The "right way" to come out](/sites/www.afterellen.com/files/chelblock.jpg "The AfterEllen.com: The "right way" to come out")
![The Emmys go gay with Jane Lynch, "Modern Family" and more](/sites/www.afterellen.com/files/083010emmys-block.jpg "The Emmys go gay with Jane Lynch, "Modern Family" and more")
![Betty White, Wendy Melvoin, Lisa Coleman, Neil Patrick Harris and "Modern Family" win at the Creative Arts Emmys](/sites/www.afterellen.com/files/creativeemmys-block.jpg "Betty White, Wendy Melvoin, Lisa Coleman, Neil Patrick Harris and "Modern Family" win at the Creative Arts Emmys")
