Gay Comedian Used Friday's "The Tonight Show" to Come Out in Big Way

One Life to Live's Nicholas Rodriguez tipped me off that last Friday night's episode of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno featured comic Kevin Meaney. Not only is Kevin a friend of Nicholas', but according to the OLTL actor, after numerous previous appearances on The Tonight Show when Johnny Carson was still the host, Friday's night appearance with Leno marked the first time Meaney ever used the fact he was gay as part of his stand-up act.

Talk about coming out in a big way. Given how straight men still dominate much of the stand-up world, it really is great to see Meaney have the confidence to do his routine for Leno's decidedly middle of the road audience. And Meaney even made enough of an impression on Jay, that he landed the coveted invite to come sit and chat with Jay. 

Congrats, Kevin! (And apologies for those of you outside the U.S. who can't watch the clip!)