Diane von Furstenberg on Husband Barry Diller Coming Out as Gay

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Diane von Furstenberg has nothing to add about her husband Barry Diller’s sexuality. 

Following years of rumors, the fashion designer’s husband publicly came out as gay in his memoir, Who Knew, in March 2025. She has stated that this revelation hasn’t altered their relationship at all, despite their 24 years of marriage.

“I just don’t get it—what’s the big deal?” Diane, who has been with Barry since the late 1970s, told *Variety* in an October 16th interview. “It doesn’t matter, really. Honestly, it’s a silly question,” she added.

The 78-year-old also spoke about her three-year marriage to Prince Egon von Fürstenberg, who revealed he was bisexual after they separated in 1972, though their divorce wasn’t finalized until 1983.

Diane explained, “I’ve married two men who happen to be gay, and honestly, I don’t see their sexual orientation as relevant. To me, they’re just two people I married, and that’s all that matters.”

The creator of the wrap dress doesn’t consider being with Barry as helping him through a difficult time.

You know, I’ve noticed people have a certain perspective on things, but honestly, it’s just different for me. I can’t quite put my finger on it. What I *can* say is, I definitely gave him the push he needed to write that book – I really encouraged him to go for it.

However, Diane insisted that Barry’s Who Knew memoir was not meant to be defined by his coming out. 

She clarified that the book wasn’t focused on a specific event, but rather on the author’s life story. She explained that he felt comfortable sharing everything with her right away, and for half a century, she was the only person he truly confided in before he finally wrote the book.

Diane mentioned she hadn’t expected her relationship with Barry to turn romantic at first.

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I didn’t realize it right away, but he ended up being my soulmate,” she admitted. “I initially just wanted to be friends – I never expected anything more. But then we became passionate, and he definitely pursued me.”

For Barry’s part, he was just as stunned by his attraction to Diane. 

In his memoir, Barry admitted he couldn’t understand how they fell in love. He believed it wasn’t the result of any effort or plan, but rather a natural connection, as if they were meant to be together.

Indeed, Barry felt urges just as strong for Diane as he felt for past male lovers. 

When I started dating Diane, I didn’t doubt that my attraction to her was traditionally heterosexual, especially considering my previous attractions had been different. At the time, my first thought was simply, ‘I never expected this!’

For more stars’ coming out stories, keep reading… 

The Dance Moms alum didn’t give it a second thought when she came out in a 2021 Instagram story. 

She explained to *People* magazine in October 2023 that she came out at 17, but didn’t realize how significant that decision was at the time. She also said she didn’t understand why it felt frightening.

She explained that while she received a lot of support and acceptance, she also faced negativity and lost some things in the process. However, she doesn’t regret it, saying she doesn’t care about what or who she lost, even if it meant losing fans, because staying true to herself is what matters most.

While the “Flowers” singer was never a big fan of labels, she came out as pansexual in 2016.

She shared with *Variety* in October 2016 that she’d spent her life unsure about her gender and sexuality. She’d always disliked the label ‘bisexual,’ feeling it was too limiting. She explained that she doesn’t focus on whether someone is male or female.

She also explained that wearing things like nipple pasties never felt sexual to her. She said she became aware of sexuality at a young age, around fifth or sixth grade, and that her first romantic relationship was with a girl.

Telling his traditionally religious family he was gay was a turning point for Matt, beginning a new chapter in his life.

Sharing the news with his family was a major milestone, according to actor Matt Bomer. In an interview with *OUT Magazine*, Bomer, who has three children with his husband Simon Halls, explained that he sees his life as clearly split into ‘before’ and ‘after’ coming out to his parents. He feels the choices he made and the way he lived were dramatically different before and after that moment – a complete turning point.

The singer of “Good Luck, Babe!” shared that she doesn’t always feel as self-assured as she appears, and growing up in the Midwest greatly influenced that.

She explained to *Rolling Stone* that she used to be afraid of openly gay men, because that’s how she was raised. She later realized that people often dislike them because their expressions of personality are seen as feminine, and there’s a general prejudice against women. It was a shocking realization for her, and she described it as deeply upsetting.

She explained that she’s had to challenge a lot of previously held beliefs, and she’s still working through some confusion. This is why she sometimes feels uneasy about being gay. She doesn’t understand why it’s something she struggles with, admitting it shouldn’t be, but she realizes she needs to accept her feelings.

Former *Bachelorette* contestant revealed on *The View* that she is engaged to comedian Robby Hoffman, whom she married in January 2025.

She revealed in August 2023 that she’s been keeping her relationship quiet because it’s significant – she’s dating a woman.

She explained that she’d always had a quiet feeling inside, which gradually became stronger. She hadn’t realized she should listen to it, and admitted that feeling embarrassed about it made things difficult. She had to understand where that shame was coming from and how to deal with it.

The actress known for her role in *Mean Girls* publicly came out as a lesbian in January 2024 during an appearance on *Saturday Night Live*, after previously identifying as bisexual. Her friends were supportive of her decision to share this with the public.

She later told *Billboard* that she suddenly found herself surrounded by nonbinary, transgender, and lesbian friends. Being with them made her realize, ‘I feel so happy, and I really want to identify as a lesbian when I’m with you all.’

The former late-night host officially came out as queer on the last day of Pride month in 2024. 

She publicly came out as LGBTQ+ in a June 2024 Instagram post, sharing the news on the final day of Pride Month. She posted a picture of herself wearing a tank top with the word ‘Queer’ on it, a move that surprised no one, according to her caption.

She encouraged the children, saying, “Be proud of yourselves, little ones! I certainly am!” Then, with a touch of playful defiance, she added, “And I’m looking forward to finding a new way to challenge expectations!”

The former Disney Channel star was hesitant to publicly share that she is queer before she came out.

She explained to *Gay Times* in May 2021 that she’d subtly alluded to her sexuality for years, but was hesitant to be direct about it. She mentioned a lyric video she released last year for her song ‘We Belong,’ which featured animated drawings of couples falling in love. She admitted it felt strange because the video only showed a man and a woman kissing.

After the song was released, many people believed it was a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, and I was accused of ‘queerbaiting’ – misleading fans about my sexual orientation. I addressed this on Instagram Live, explaining that I identify as queer and that it’s a part of who I am, something I want to express through my music. I realized I hadn’t explicitly said it before, but it’s important for me to be open about this.

The “Heart Attack” singer came out as nonbinary in a 2021 Instagram post.

She shared that each day is a new chance to become the person you aspire to be. She reflected on growing up publicly, noting that her followers have witnessed both her successes and struggles. She also felt a responsibility to those watching her journey, realizing she was living not just for herself, but for them as well.

I’m excited to share a personal update with you all. I’m non-binary and will be using they/them pronouns going forward, though I now use she/her pronouns. This decision came after a lot of personal growth and self-discovery. I’m still on a journey of understanding myself, and I don’t pretend to have all the answers. Sharing this feels vulnerable, but it’s an important step for me.

Although she’s been with singer Hayley Kiyoko since 2018, it took four years before she publicly shared that she was in a relationship with a woman. While it felt strange at first when everyone learned about it, she realized how much of a positive effect it had to be open about her relationship.

She explained that the impact of her story extended far beyond her own relationship and feelings. Knowing it gave others the courage to embrace who they love was incredibly meaningful, far outweighing any personal anxieties she had. Reading supportive comments and realizing the power of simply sharing a love story was a humbling experience, she told TopMob News in June 2022.

When Troye was fifteen, he came out to his family. Three years later, he shared his story publicly on YouTube. He later explained that this decision happened during a significant time in his life.

He explained to *People* magazine in February 2022 that as he was finalizing his record deal, he was determined to control his public image. He didn’t want anyone else dictating how he came out, and he wanted the freedom to explore his identity—going to gay clubs, meeting people, and writing honest, heartfelt songs about love.

Chrishell Stause, who is married to musician G Flip, emphasizes the need to make self-care a priority.

Chrishell, who started dating the Australian singer in 2022, explained to TopMob News that genuine love means prioritizing your partner’s happiness, even if it differs from your own views. She emphasized the importance of living life on your own terms, saying, “Don’t change yourself to fit what others want for you – you only get one life.”

This TikTok creator, who is openly gay and attended an all-boys school, uses his online presence to inspire others to embrace their true selves.

Chris explained to TopMob News in October 2022 that his identity is likely to be a topic of debate with different audiences. He sees using his platform as a way to challenge those preconceptions and make his identity seem more ordinary.

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2025-10-16 19:22