It all started when Ellen came out.

.

The mere idea of an actress coming out as gay was alien to me, I mean it was totally unheard of. I wasn't out fully to my family or many of my friends, so when i watched the famous 'Puppy Episode', I watched In awe of this cute, funny character that had graced my TV screen, knowing that I too wanted to be reaching out to someone and telling them I was also, gay.

I hadn't really told my mother, my agent, the director, anyone, apart from a few close friends and my greatest friend, my brother Michael.

He knew as we watched the episode, that i was a closeted gay woman who wanted to feel the same as everyone else did, to feel like I belonged.

.

We watched Ellen Morgan say that earth shattering line, 'I'm gay' over the loud speaker in the airport, and I immediately felt the hairs on my neck stand on end. Michael clasped my hand and gave me a supportive smile, he always knew when I felt concerned or shy about things.

We watched as the show came to an end, and I knew that I had to face facts sooner rather then later, as the credits appeared. Michael gave my hand one last squeeze, I could see tears in his eyes.

"Portia, I want you to be happy, I want you to find someone who will bring out the best in you, someone who you shouldn't be ashamed of sharing your love with. Someone like Ellen".

Little did he know that she was to be my future wife.

.

Looking back at that now, I can clearly remember his face, looking at me, all brotherly and full of concern. He has helped me cope with so many milestones in my life, he never judged me or showed that he thought my sexual orientation was wrong, he just accepted it and kept me level headed.

So as Ellen's life unraveled on the TV screen and in the news, mine was about to begin. I chose to keep my secret a little longer to ensure it would be revealed at the right time, but to Michael and myself, a new me had flourished, making me realise that it was a big step to come out off the closet, but it was who I wanted to be.

A new chapter was starting to begin.