‘Parks And Recreation’ Star Natalie Morales Comes Out As Queer In Powerful Essay

“Parks and Recreation” star Natalie Morales found the best time to come out as queer at the age of 32.

On her Twitter account, Morales came out publicly to her fans while commemorating Pride Month. The actress simply retweeted a post by Smart Girls and captioned it by saying that she’s coming out and wants the world to know about it.

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Morales also explained her decision to only come out now on her website (via E! News). “I don’t like labeling myself, or anyone else, but if it’s easier for you to understand me, what I’m saying is that I’m queer. What queer means to me is just simply that I’m not straight. That’s all. It’s not scary, even though that word used to be really, really scary to me,” she wrote.

The actress, who plays the role of Lucy in the hit NBC show, also said that there’s an even bigger purpose for her coming out. The actress revealed that there are some gay concentration camps wherein people are being tortured because of their sexuality. Last year, Morales said that 49 people were killed and 58 others were wounded just because they were dancing at a gay club.

“Our safe spaces are not safe. I think it’s important that I tell you that this familiar face you see on your TV is the Q part of LGBTQ, so that if you didn’t know someone who was queer before, you do now,” she concluded.

Meanwhile, Morales shared that she’s dated a lot of guys when she was much younger, and it was only when she was 20 that she came out to her friends. At that time, the actress had already moved to Los Angeles. As of late, it is unclear whether or not Morales is in a relationship, but there are rumors that she and John Mayer could be an item.

A source allegedly told one publication that Mayer and Morales have gone on a few dates, and the singer is finally ready to fall in love again after his split from Katy Perry. “John is smitten,” she source said.