Hollywood’s long-lasting LGBT couples demonstrate how love withstands the pressures of fame and scrutiny through building relationships that endure.
As we celebrate Pride Month, it is only right to honor the transcendence of love in the form of Hollywood’s long-lasting LGBT couples. Their partnerships defy societal expectations and industry challenges, and they serve as symbols of equality and acceptance.
The pairs navigate the complexities of publicity while nurturing their private lives. They have become beacons of hope, proving love, in all its forms, can stand the test of time. Here are some of Hollywood’s long-lasting LGBT couples:
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RuPaul and Georges LeBar
American drag queen and television actor RuPaul and his husband, Georges LeBar, have been together since they met at a New York City club in 1994. People mentioned they dated for 23 years before getting married in 2017, on their 23rd anniversary.
RuPaul is a prominent figure in entertainment as he hosted multiple seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race. LeBar, on the other hand, moved to the United States from Perth, Australia. They met during the latter’s 21st birthday and their attraction was immediate.
People indicated that their decision to marry came after the 2016 presidential elections. RuPaul explained that the political uncertainties in the US made them realize how pivotal it is to formalize their union.
“We are devoted to each other,” he said. “We thought we didn’t have to get married. But then, in light of what’s happening currently in the world today, what’s happening in Washington, we thought, you know what? Let’s just do it, because there’s too much at stake with our businesses.” Their bond remains strong to this day.
Lance Bass and Michael Turchin
Former NSYNC member Lance Bass and artist-actor Michael Turchin established an enduring relationship that stemmed from friendship. They got together in 2011 and married in December 2014 at the Park Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, according to People. Theirs marked the first same-sex marriage televised on American television.
They attribute their lasting marriage to mutual understanding, accepting each other’s differences, and a strong foundation formed through friendship. Over the years, they celebrated numerous milestones like the birth of their twin children, Violet and Alexander, in 2021 via surrogacy.
Us Weekly’s report put forth how parenting helped Bass and Turchin in strengthening their bond. People added that the initial path to parenthood for the couple was challenging due to multiple surrogacy attempts and a miscarriage. Nevertheless, the stars aligned for them and are now dedicated, loving fathers to their twins.
The couple regarded open communication as the main reason why their union proved to be fruitful. “It’s being on the same page [and] not waiting too long to fester inside of you,” Bass said. “You just gotta get it out. And especially with kids, you don’t have time for that, so you gotta like, just really be on the same page.”
Elton John and David Furnish
Us Weekly reported that Elton John came out as gay in 1996. He opened up about his journey in meeting the love of his life, David Furnish, who he first encountered in 1993.
John fell in love with Furnish instantly, saying he appreciated his independence and genuine affection. They made their relationship official in 2005, shortly after England legalized same-sex civil partnerships. They got married in December 2014. The couple has two sons through surrogacy, named Zachary and Elijah, who were born in 2010 and 2013 respectively.
Us Weekly also mentioned that the pair share numerous special moments. They have a tradition of sending each other cards every Saturday for 16 years to keep their love alive. John said they do this to say how much they adore each other no matter where they are in the world.
Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka
Actors Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka have maintained a strong relationship as they celebrate almost 10 years of marriage this year. E! News discussed that Burtka stressed the importance of addressing challenges and that open communication is essential. He advocates for couples’ therapy as it is a valuable tool to resolve issues and maintain a healthy relationship.
The actors met on Broadway, when Harris was in Cabaret and Burtka was in Gypsy. The latter was in a relationship at the time. Harris mused he didn’t want to cause a romantic interference, so he hoped the stars would eventually align instead. They began dating in 2004, with Harris coming out as gay two years later. They got married in September 2014.
Burtka said he believes continuous effort is also pivotal for having a successful marriage. He highlighted that arguments do not indicate flawed relationships, rather, are actually opportunities for growth and understanding. He expressed, “You have to take care of your marriage, you have to go on dates, you have to see someone, if you can, to talk about it.”
Burtka and Harris have twins named Harper Grace and Gideon Scott.
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi
Comedian and host Ellen DeGeneres and Australian actress Portia de Rossi have one of Hollywood’s longest-standing marriages. They celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary last year. They met in 2001, dated in 2004, and married in 2008. Despite the pressures of being a high-profile couple, they consistently showed irrevocable commitment for each other.
A report by The Knot chronicled that the couple publicized their relationship in 2005 at a Golden Globe Awards afterparty. It was a bold move as De Rossi was, at the time, still coming to terms with her sexuality. They announced that they were betrothed to each other in the same year they were married, which was when the California Supreme Court decided to lift the ban on gay marriage. They held an intimate ceremony at home.
Their successful marriage thrives through mutual prioritization of each other over their respective careers. The couple often acknowledges how lucky they are to embark on a life together. DeGeneres said, “I’ve gotten to a place where I really am just settled. Really. I know that I’m not going anywhere. She’s not going anywhere.”
De Rossi also said through People that love is everything. “There’s nothing in the world that would be enjoyable without it. And real love never stays stagnant. It never stays the same. It’s always changing and growing. You just have to kind of go with it.”
Banner photo via Instagram @dbelicious.
