Former Child Star Comes out to Help Put a Stop to Bullying!

Awesome! Former child star Kristy McNichol, star of 1970s TV shows “Family” and “Empty Nest”, came out as a lesbian on Monday, in a public gesture to support kids who are bullied over their sexuality.

McNichol, 49, has been out of the public eye for 20 years. But she decided to share a photo of herself and her partner Martie Allen with People magazine.

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

“She is very happy and healthy,” Ballard said. “And she enjoys living a very private life.”

McNichol is known for her roles as Leticia “Buddy” Lawrence on the television drama series Family and as Barbara Weston on the sitcom Empty Nest. She is also the sister of former child actor Jimmy McNichol. McNichol retired from acting when she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1992.