Joy Behar called out for telling gay people to “just come out” at Thanksgiving – LGBTQ Nation

The View host Joy Behar faced heavy criticism over Thanksgiving for telling LGBTQ people to “just come out” to their families during the holiday and “see what happens.”

It all started during a discussion with co-host Whoopi Goldberg, who asked whether her co-hosts felt politics should be avoided at the Thanksgiving table.

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Behar said she enjoyed talking politics before abruptly segueing into telling LGBTQ people that Thanksgiving was the time to come out.

“I’d like to suggest that everybody out there come out to your family this Thanksgiving,” Behar said. “Just come out! See what happens.”

Goldberg then pushed Behar to be more clear, saying, “I’m just curious. Come out the door? What do you mean?”

Behar responded, “No, come out gay. If you’re gay, come out. Be yourself. I’m old enough now. I know that life is short.”

“Come out and be yourself. Don’t let anybody tell you what you have to be in this life,” she said, getting applause.

While Behar’s intentions were noble, many people online said her words were irresponsible.

Twitter users expressed how Behar failed to recognize not only how difficult it can be emotionally for someone to come out, but also that in some situations, it can be dangerous.

“Pressuring people to come out is wrong,” one person tweeted. “As a gay man I find this extremely offensive. It took me 25 years to do that, I fought years of depression, shame on you @TheView.”

Another user wrote, “Is coming out a Joke to you? How dare you take a very important and sensitive moment in someone who is part of the LGBTQIA Community & turn it into a joke? Some have been shunned from their family because of it. Not a joke. Be ashamed.”

See more responses to Behar’s comments below.

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