All-American TV Mom Meredith Baxter Comes Out as a Lesbian

by Boo Jarchow | Article Date: 12/01/2009 6:06 PM

One of America's all-time favorite TV moms, Meredith Baxter, who played Elyse Keaton on Family Ties came out as a lesbian in an interview with SheWired's Tracy E. Gilchrist on Advocate.com Wed.

Baxter, who also played an all-American girl in Bridget Loves Bernie and in Family in the seventies, opened up about her coming out process, her relationship with her partner Nancy Locke, coming out after sobriety and romping around with thousands of lesbians on the recent Sweet Caribbean Cruise in the exclusive interview.

As a bonus, Baxter -- who became a cult fave in the nineties playing everything from troubled women in made-for-TV movies including Kate's Secret, The Betty Broderick Story and Darkness Before Dawn to playing a lesbian mom in Other Mothers and a breast cancer survivor in My Breast -- has an upcoming guest stint on Cathy DeBuono's and Jill Bennett's lesbian-themed Web series We Have to Stop Now.

Congrats to Meredith for embracing coming out! What budding lesbian old enough to remember her on Family or Family Ties didn't have just the slightest crush on her? Read the exclusive intervie w here.

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busycdbc	view my profile
Wednesday, December 2 2009 \| 09:38:48
wtg meredith!!
That is amazing beyond words! Great article Tracy....I thought it was very nicely and tastefully written. WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Kate	view my profile
Wednesday, December 2 2009 \| 15:09:18
Class and Courage
Meredith has those two quality among many others in spades. I can't help but think that when people like Meredith, Wanda, Ellen etc...come out that they do help promote our cause and in turn I hope they are a little bit happier in their lives. Thank you Ms. Baxter.

outwithmommy	view my profile
Wednesday, December 2 2009 \| 17:33:03
Go Meredith!
I was on a plane with her once and chatted her up about the time Larry King said she had played many dysfunctional roles, ie., alcoholic, bulemic, and lesbian...putting them all in the same category. I told her I was a lesbian and was glad she had set Larry straight about his comments. She then introduced me to her assistant "Jackie." They were both REALLY friendly, and I just thought she was open minded! Hey Meredith, thanks for coming out!

sarah	view my profile
Wednesday, December 2 2009 \| 20:31:37
Cheers!!!
What a classy lady and what a great example for all of us to follow.

writergabriel	view my profile
Thursday, December 3 2009 \| 06:41:57
Definitely Brave
I wrote a novel about a woman coming out late-in-life called Seeking Sara Summers. For these women it isn't about getting their 15 minutes of fame (a criticism of Meredith Baxter on another site), it's about getting a life. I think it takes a tremendous amount of courage to simply be who you are.

SWEET2009	view my profile
Thursday, December 3 2009 \| 12:20:47
Go Meredith
We love you Meredith! Thanks for coming out, and thanks for joining us on the Sweet Caribbean Cruise www.discoversweet.com.

Edwina	view my profile
Friday, December 4 2009 \| 14:00:09
Meredith Baxter, coming a little late to the party
This year we have had TWO late bloomers: Kelly McGillis ("Top Gun" made in 1986 was her big role) and now Meredith Baxter. Who else will come out, and when? (Prediction: Oprah, at about age 72, Amanda Peet (right about now), Allison Janney (maybe she will come out, maybe not.) Bridget Moynahan (wishful thinking)....

Lesbionix	view my profile
Wednesday, December 16 2009 \| 13:53:14
Is there a statute of limitations on Dirty Thoughts?
I grew up watching Meredith on Family and let me tell you, she had my young mind SPINNING! I wanted to make her my girlfriend when I was 11 years old! And I wouldn't kick her out of bed for eating crackers NOW EITHER!!!! Welcome to the family Meredith!