Former Miss Kentucky Djuan Trent Comes Out in Response to State's Anti-Gay Bill

Former Miss Kentucky Djuan Trent revealed her sexuality in a blog post last month after her home state’s ban on recognizing out-of-state gay marriages was ruled unconstitutional. The state is in the midst of an ongoing battle over marriage equality.

On February 20, Trent wrote on her blog that she is "queer."

"For a while, I struggled with the decision of whether or not it was necessary to ‘come out,’ she wrote. “…I have realized that there is really no way for people to know that I disagree with their views or, even moreso, to know that they are talking about me, unless I actually open my mouth and say it.”

“I am queer,” she declared

Trent revealed that Kentucky's current battle over marriage equality prompted her to go public.

“People can’t know that their best friend, brother, sister, co-worker, neighbor, news anchor, favorite singer, or local coffee shop barista is being oppressed and denied the rights in which their heterosexual counterparts [that] are so happily welcomed partake, unless you open your mouth and say it,” she wrote.

Representation is key. We celebrate Djuan's bravery, and hopefully there will come a day when these sorts of public professions will no longer be necessary.

Love B. Scott via NY Daily News

Photo credit: Djuan Trent Facebook page