Kristy McNichol Comes Out As A Gayelle

Kristy McNichol, known to you 70s hos as Buddy from Family, or us 90s hos as Barbara from Empty Nest, or you 2000s hos as “Mom, who is this bitch Kristy McNichosomething?“, is proudly waving her Home Depot and flannel flag. Kristy retired from the acting game in the 90s, but is stepping back into the slightly dim spotlight to tell that the world that she’s a big lez. For those of you who are still on the floor from hearing about Clay Gayken, this shocking and surprising news will probably keep you there. I’ll bring you a blanket and a mayo sandwich later. In the meantime, this is what Kristy’s publicist told People about her decision to publicly come out at the age of 49.

McNichol, 49, who has lived with her partner Martie Allen, also 49, for the past two decades, decided to make a statement about her sexuality and share this photo because she is “approaching 50” and wants to “be open about who I am.”

She “is very sad about kids being bullied,” her publicist Jeff Ballard tells PEOPLE. “She hopes that coming out can help kids who need support. She would like to help others who feel different.”

Done with acting, McNichol spends her time focusing on tennis, yoga, travel and raising her beloved miniature dachshunds. “She is very happy and healthy,” says Ballard. “And she enjoys living a very private life.”

YAY for this! The world definitely needs more proud lesbians telling People magazine that they are proud lesbians, and I definitely need to get on a successful sitcom like right now. Then I can retire from sitcom acting in like 10 years and spend my 40s and on focusing on tennis, yoga, travel and raising beloved miniature dachshunds. And now that People has caught up with Kristy McNichols, can they please do a cover story and 15-page spread on the whereabouts of Park Overall!