"Guess who I saw?" my friend exclaimed when we were on the Sweet Cruise. "The mom from Family Ties. Meredith Baxter." I wouldn't recognize her, if I saw her, I said and didn't think much else about it.
But then this morning on The Today Show, Meredith Baxter came out as a lesbian, all because she was spotted on the Sweet Cruise. It didn't really strike me as a big deal, but I guess it still is news when a celebrity comes out.
Meredith Baxter says she came out seven years ago, which would have made her 55 at the time. She joins a growing number of women who are coming out later in life.
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Wow, that’s great.
I was 42, in 1996. Sometimes we don’t even see our other options and believe it’s the men we’re choosing, when things don’t work out. Sounds like that was the case for her.
I wish her all the best and much love in her life. Wonder how her kids feel about it?
I was 43 in 2003 when I came out. I always thought she was HOT (grin) but then, too, I always thought I was a lesbian wanna be…..
I am personally keeping a running list of all the “famous” women I know who have come out as lesbian or bi. I look at that list and it reminds me, “See, you aren’t alone and these women are strong enough to stand up for themselves, even in the public eye.” I am just coming out at 38 having been married to an abusive man for almost 2 decades and am wondering why I compromised my own feelings back at 19 years of age? I guess it was a lot of fear of being different and fear of rejection. Amy Ray says it best, “Don’t compromise, if it hurts inside, cause either way your screwed, eventually you’ll find, you may as well feel good, may as well have some pride” Now, I have a girlfriend and can’t believe I didn’t have faith in myself. My parents & 2 of my siblings have accepted me. Now, the hardest part will be to tell my 3 daughters. They are the most important people in my life and I don’t know if I’ll be able to take rejection from them, but I can’t hide my whole life away. Thank you, Meredith.
Good for her. Glad she finally figured it out. Now that she has come out she can come on to me when ever she wants. Tee Hee. xo Sandra
Congratulations Meridith; you are an inspiration to all of us in the middle years of life who find that the classic relationship dynamic is not for us.
Kudos
I am 51 and have just come out as lesbian. It was a relief thats for sure.
I am so proud of Merideth. I came out 2 years ago (I’m 65 now). I was very lucky to have found a wonderful woman to share my new life. I was married to a very good man for 32 years. (The intimate part had gone for years). I discussed my feelings with him and together we knew that I had to move on. My family, friends and former business associates have accepted me and support my decisions to be who I am. No shame. I wish all those who are dealing with the decision to come out to do so. Bless all who have gone before us ~ I know what Gay Pride really means.
Darn I thought coming out at 36 was late in life! Great for you Meredith! I sure hope she has a great , loving , happy life! Always thought she was kinda hot! You go girl.
that’s great but I cant imagine hiding it for so long i mean I’m 22 and i just came out like 8mo ago and I cried all the time because i was always depressed because i knew what was wrong but couldnt talk to anyone…. that’s why really I just have to thank everyone on here for all their support….
I have SO had a crush on her since I was a kid! I came out when I was 45 which was about the same time Meredith came out. Bravo, Meredith!
Hi, good on you Meredith. As long as you are happy, thats all that matters. I have a funny feeling Angelina Jolie will oneday find that she is truly a lesbian. I think she isn’t getting married because she maybe knows she likes women more and is waiting to find that ONE WOMAN. I am so sure she is hoping she will find her soon. So maybe Angelina will join the club. She knows deep down who she is…lets be patient. I know time will show it!
good on you girl. I’ve didn’t come out 40yrs , I fought for along time with my feelings, but I always knew I loved woman. And now I have a wonderful woman in my life. So you enjoy your life a lot more now girl. Xxx
I have a friend who came out last year. . .at age 71. I have lesbian friends of all ages. Sometimes I’m proudest to know the white-haired ones.
I was 40 when I came out and since then I have fallen in love with my soul mate! I have never felt this kind of connection with anyone else in my life! You go Meridith!!!
I hope Ms. Baxter realizes how important and truly inspiring her decision to come out publicly is. Not to mention, brave. Of course, we all respect her previous wish to live a private life. But it takes such courage to do what she did. She stood up and said: no one will tell the world about my life, but me.
My mom and I watched “Family Ties” all the time was I was little. And this news gives us a chance to talk about homosexuality in a very positive way in a sphere that is familiar to my mother. I am thankful for that. Thanks Meredith Baxter!
Thanks Meredith it’s great to know that U also have the support of your children too. I came out in my 40’s however with many failed relationships I ran back to my husdand and friend of 31 years even thou he knows we are just friend’s and roommate’s. I would love to spend my life in meaningful and loving relationship. My children does accept me for who I am as long as I’m happy.
I wrote a novel about a woman coming out late-in-life called Seeking Sara Summers. For these women it isn’t about getting their 15 minutes of fame (a criticism of Meredith Baxter on another site), it’s about getting a life. I think it takes a tremendous amount of courage to simply be who you are.
P.S. There’s an article out today from the Canadian press about this subject that’s very good. Here is the link for anyone interested: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/entertainment/breakingnews/78476197.html
I came out almost a year ago at 35. It is so wonderful to finally be able to be the me I have been all along.
I’m glad she found her her true self too.
you know i always knew she was a lesbian when i would watch family ties back in the 80’s i think it was, i dont know i just always had a hunch, wow it took her a long time to come out…good for her i guess
This was my year too, at 42, and I feel like a kid again. But I knew it was time. I could not continue to live with my husband and look him his face knowing that I thought of women all the time. I felt so much better after we cried together and I said it out loud with pride. Live your life honestly and true to yourself.