When did Jim Parsons come out as gay? ‘Big Bang Theory’ actor slams Donald Trump for ending LGBTQ crisis hotline

Jim Parsons, who is best known for embodying the brilliant yet socially awkward Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory, has never shied away from keeping it real. He officially acknowledged being gay back in 2012, though it was more a low-key confirmation than a media splash—Parsons simply let it slip in a New York Times feature, explaining he’d been “gay and in a 10‑year relationship” at that point.

Fast forward to July 2025, and Parsons is once again making headlines, this time, calling out President Donald Trump’s recent decision to axe the LGBTQ‑specific “Press 3” option on the U.S. 988 suicide-prevention hotline. The actor, now married to art director Todd Spiewak since 2017, didn’t mince words. He labeled the move “literally criminal” and accused the leader of sending a message that queer lives aren’t welcome.

Jim Parsons came out as gay in 2012, and now he’s blasting Donald Trump for killing the LGBTQ⁺ hotline

Jim Parsons first walked into the public eye as Sheldon Cooper, the genius physicist with quirks galore. But it was his choice to live openly and quietly as a gay man that made the real impact. In 2012, he confirmed to The New York Times that “everybody else I worked with knew. It was low-key… no high stakes.” The big reveal didn’t cause scandals, but it added a meaningful pop culture moment: a major sitcom star who simply was himself.

Now, in July 2025, Parsons is using that same authentic voice to criticize Donald Trump—this time, over a decision with potentially deadly consequences. Trump’s administration removed the LGBTQ‑specific “Press 3” service from the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline on July 17, stripping away a vital access point for queer youth.

That hotline, which launched in 2022 in partnership with The Trevor Project, served over 1.3 million queer callers. Advocates warned that removing it could lead to longer wait times, less culturally attuned support, and ultimately, lives lost.

Parsons weighed in during an appearance on MSNBC’s The Weekend, promoting his documentary Reclaiming the Flag. He delivered this punch:

“I think it’s quite literally criminal…there’s no good reason for it…It is only hurtful and…only being done in order to make sure certain people understand they’re not welcome here.”

He didn’t hold back, describing it as a cruel act in a broader pattern of anti-LGBTQ+ policies. Hollywood and political figures alike quickly joined the chorus. Grammy-winning Ariana Grande, actor Pedro Pascal and Harry Potter alum Daniel Radcliffe signed an open letter urging Trump to restore funding.

Senator Tammy Baldwin, who helped create the hotline, called the move “absolutely cruel,” adding that, amid ongoing federal hostility toward queer and transgender communities, “to then cut off a lifeline is absolutely cruel”.

In response, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defended its decision, saying the goal was to make services for everyone more “efficient,” although they assured callers would still reach “culturally competent” counselors. But frontline workers disagree, warning LGBTQ+ youth may no longer find their previous sense of connection, and advocates argue that culturally aware crisis support isn’t a luxury, it’s essential.

Parsons’ critique isn’t just celebrity posturing—he’s speaking from experience. Having quietly come out in his early 40s and built a life with partner Todd Spiewak (m. 2017), he understands the importance of seeing yourself reflected in support systems. His documentary Reclaiming the Flag explores this shared identity and the symbolism woven into American icons.