What are your thoughts on the Hollywood closet? It’s a sensitive issue. If you feel more comfortable living a private lifestyle, then that’s your right. I know it can be terrifying, so I don’t fault anyone who isn’t ready to come out. But if you’re a person in the spotlight, I do think it’s of paramount importance that you realize how much good you could do for people who look up to you. Look at my dear friend Zachary Quinto, who I’ve known for more than 12 years: Zach came out when he was ready, he did it for his own very specific reasons, and I’m wildly proud of him. If I struggled with an issue like this, I hope that I would be able to set that kind of example, because I’d want someone to set that example for me.

When you’re close friends with a closeted actor, is it stressful to keep that secret guarded in the public eye? Well, I wouldn’t guard them any differently than I’d guard a straight friend and their personal life. Thankfully, I was never asked a question about Zach’s sexuality, but if a journalist ever asked me about anyone’s sexuality, gay or straight, I’d probably slap them in the face and say, “Check yourself.”

Did you ever encourage Zachary to come out publicly? He didn’t come to me for counsel about that, but Zachary needs no encouragement from anyone. He has known exactly who he is since the day I met him.

Does an openly gay actor no longer jeopardize his status as a romantic lead? Well, Zach has always been sexy to me, even though I knew he was never interested in me. It doesn’t make him any less sexy, onscreen or off.

Because you’ve been engaged for more than two years, reporters often ask about your wedding plans. Yeah, I get a ton of questions about when Dax and I are getting married. I usually blow them off because it’s nobody’s business. To be honest with you — and this is the first time I’ve ever said this to a journalist, but it feels like the perfect time and place — the reason we’re not rushing to get married is because I don’t feel appropriate taking advantage of a right that’s denied to my best friends. That’s why we’ve been so hesitant. Dax and I have talked about it a lot, and this issue is very important to both of us. We’re just standing up for what we believe in. Period.

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