Sara Gilbert Realized She Was Gay When Dating Johnny Galecki

Not exactly the magic words a man likes to hear, I imagine, but Sara Gilbert and her Roseanne co-star Johnny Galecki were actually involved in real life while shooting the show, and it was that relationship that allowed Sara to come to terms with her sexuality and the fact that she’s a lesbian.

Sara discussed their relationship on The Talk yesterday, and this is actually the best story, because she actually contacted Johnny – who’s now on The Big Bang Theory – to ask his permission to talk about this – and not only was he okay with it, he offered to come on and sit with her for support! Uh, OKAY THANKS FOR MAKING ME WANT TO CRY, because that’s just too sweet. Also, it was really emotional, as Sara got choked up as she admitted that she often worries about how her sexuality being public affects her career and what people think of her. :(

Here it all is in Sara’s words:

“I thought he was super cute and I had a total crush on him. And we started dating and he would come over and we would, like, make out, and then I would start to get depressed.”

“I started dating a woman who was like 18 years older than I was, who was also in the public eye. It was something people could have found out about. Like no-one knew at the show for years, and Johnny held the secret the whole time. And I always felt so scared. If it came out, what could happen? Could I lose my career? Will I ever be able to play a straight role again?”

“I called him and I just said, ‘Is it okay – I’m thinking of talking about this. The story sort of starts with you. And I’ve got to say I made out with you and got depressed, which is kind of a bummer’. [He said,] ‘Of course. I love you and I think it’s really important and I’m so proud of you. If you want, I will be there and I will hold your hand’. It was so sweet, and this story really makes Johnny look good.””I want people to know there can still be a struggle with it and that’s okay. It’s a process and there can be a part of you that doesn’t want to feel different or feel scared.”

How great is that? First of all, good for Sarah for having the courage to come out – it can be incredibly difficult, especially in the public eye. But in fact it’s also been rewarding for her, because she’s now engaged to Linda Perry, so it all worked out there! The more people talk about these issues, and the more people who just live honestly and regularly like all straight people do (because seriously, people, gay couples’ lives are literally no different), the less of an issue it’ll become. At least that’s the hope.

Also, how much do you wanna hug Johnny Galecki? What a nice guy.