Canadian born Charlie David is a bona fide triple threat. He sings! He acts! He writes! David enjoyed success as a member of popular boy band 4Now, then turned his attention to acting. He landed a spot in Showtime's Reefer Madness and landed a leading role as Toby on here!s sultry gothic hit, Dante's Cove. And as if all of his previous successes weren't enough, David's production company will soon begin filming his screenplay, Mulligans.

What is perhaps most impressive is that the young actor/writer is achieving so many of his professional goals as an openly gay man in Hollywood. Since coming out publicly a year ago, David's star has only continued to rise. He recently spoke to AfterElton.com about the benefits of coming out, writing about gay characters, and those steamy love scenes on Dante's Cove.

AfterElton.com: At one point in your acting career did you come out?
Charlie David: I came out to friends and family when I was sixteen years old. I grew up in a small city in Saskatchewan that like a lot of Canada seemed to be obsessed with hockey. I didn't know anyone gay and when I realized that I was, I felt very isolated.

I had just come to the dinner table after watching an episode of Melrose Place and my mom asked why I watched that garbage. I broke down in tears right there and said, "It's not garbage, my life is Melrose Place!" If only a camera were rolling, I would've snagged an Emmy. But seriously at the time I had a friend in rehab, another struggling with the thought of having an abortion, I was coming out… It was a perfect episode for Mr. Spelling, and we were just sixteen.

A year ago I decided to come out publicly or more to the point, be honest with myself and stop trying to trick people. It's absolutely exhausting, archaic and ridiculous.

AE: Were you ever pressured to stay closeted by people in the industry?
CD: When I was deliberating about coming out I had many friends, peers and professionals within the industry warn me to stay closeted. I think their fear came from a genuine concern for me and from looking at the history of performers coming out and the struggle that exists.

In the end the decision was made because I truly believe in the goodness we offer as gay and lesbians through our differences. We have to be the change we want to see in the world and if we don't take those steps we have no right to sit back and bitch.

I want to offer an example to other young gay men and women that dooms day doesn't come when you come out but a whole world of opportunity can present itself. It's not easy and everyday presents new challenges but just by being out, holding a boyfriend's hand, speaking freely about the love each of us is seeking, that's how we'll change people and become better human beings.

Beyond if I lose a job or gain a gig because I'm gay, I'm happier as a person and so I'm leading a life with no regrets.

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