We're not sure if this counts as using a platform to send a message of strength or hijacking an event, but either way we approve of the style in which Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Justin Mikita announced their engagement! The Modern Family star and his lawyer husband sent a video message of support to the charity foundation Tie the Knot (who support marriage equality) in 2012 and used the opportunity to confirm they were betrothed. They went on to marry in July 2013.
As with many people from conservative backgrounds, Ferguson had to struggle to persuade his parents to accept his sexuality. He recalls having to tell his father he was gay at 17, again at 19, and a third time at 21 before he could finally persuade him to accept it. Ferguson was understanding about this, saying that coming out was an adjustment for both an individual and their family.