Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Former late night host Amber Ruffin comes out as queer on last day of Pride Month

Comedian told others to ‘be proud of who you are’

Inga Parkel
New York
Monday 01 July 2024 19:17 BST
Comments
Amber Ruffin addresses Donald Trump’s lynching comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Comedian and former late-night host Amber Ruffin used the final day of Pride Month to come out as queer.

“In what will come as a shock to exactly zero people, I’m using the last day of PRIDE to come out!” she wrote on Instagram on Sunday (June 30), alongside a carousel of pictures, including one of her wearing a tank top with the word “queer” written in rainbow lettering.

“Be proud of who you are, little babies! I know I am!” she added, quipping: “And I can’t wait to be discriminated against for a new reason!!”

Ruffin, 45, was met with an outpouring of love by fans and fellow celebrities in the post’s comment section.

Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, who came out as bisexual in 2022, said: “Welcome baby love!! bathrooms are to the left, refreshments to the right, grab a chair. The DJ takes requests.”

“You are loved and seen and appreciated!!!” Master of None actor Lena Waithe added.

“Welcome home Amber!! Our team just keeps getting hotter and smarter!! Happy Pride, dear one,” One Tree Hill star Sofia Bush, who came out as queer in April, commented.

Author and Everything’s Trash alum Phoebe Robinson wrote: “Happy pride, my love!!!”

“Yay!! Happy Pride, love!! I hope you feel so loved and supported!”Queer Eye’s Tan France said.

Ruffin is a longtime writer for NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers. She previously hosted her own three-season late-night talk show, The Amber Ruffin Show, which ran from 2021 to 2022 on Peacock.

Her latest work includes writing the revised book for the current Broadway revival of The Wiz, starring Wayne Brady, Deborah Cox and newcomer Nichelle Lewis.

She was previously married to Dutch painter Jan Schiltmeijer for 13 years, before their divorce in 2023.

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free
Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

Last week, Meryl Streep’s daughter, The Gilded Age’s Louisa Jacobson, also came out as queer in a “joyful” Pride post.

“Blessed to be entering the Joyful New Era bb,” she wrote on Instagram with a flaming red heart emoji and a Pride flag emoji. In the post, Jacobson shared a selfie of her and her girlfriend Anna Blundell.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in