The coming out scene is a staple of gay stories, as it's an important moment gay people experience repeatedly in their lives. In honor of National Coming Out Day, here's a few of my favorite coming out scenes.

Luke Snyder

From: As the World Turns

Right now, Van Hansis is breaking new ground as part of the first gay male romance on an American soap opera, but Luke Snyder's coming out was memorable as well for giving us so much nuance in his family's reaction. Holden had suspected Luke was gay for some time (his only concern being that Luke hadn't felt free to confide in him), while Lily felt betrayed at the idea of people in her family knowing things that she didn't. While Luke's parents were both inclined to be supportive of him, their reactions included a mix of emotions that made it one of the most memorable moments in recent memory for ATWT fans.

Steven Carter

From: Get Real

This mostly sweet teen romance climaxes when Steven comes out at his graduation ceremony. The heartfelt speech is bittersweet since Steven's boyfriend, John Dixon, remains firmly closeted, ensuring that the relationship cannot continue.

Marco DelRossi

From: Degrassi: The Next Generation

When Dylan couldn't stand being in a relationship with a closeted boyfriend any longer he broke up with Marco, leading to a rather sensitive scene where Marco's mother figures it all out from seeing her son heartbroken.

Jamie and Ste

From: Beautiful Thing

Beautiful Thing ended with the unforgettable image of Ste and Jamie slow dancing in the courtyard of their housing complex. As the camera pulls back, Cass Elliot's "Dream a Little Dream" plays and their neighbors react to the sight of the youths being so openly affectionate with each other.

Jack McPhee

From: Dawson's Creek

One of the landmark moments of Dawson's Creek second season came as rumors were circulating about Jack McPhee's sexual orientation. With his family having a history of refusing to acknowledge their troubles, Jack memorably confronted his father to face his being gay.

Angelo Berberini

From: Mambo Italiano

Belonging to a traditional Italian family, Angelo was expected to live with his parents until he found someone to marry. When that prospect becomes to much to bear, he decides to move in with his boyfriend, hilariously coming out in reaction to being asked why he wouldn't want to live with his family.

Kyle Hunter

From: Everwood

The fourth season of the Greg Berlanti drama, Everwood, saw Ephram befriend Kyle, a moody piano student training for an audition to Juilliard. Ephram became a mentor to Kyle, getting a feel for the frustrations he put his father through. Suspecting that Kyle is gay, Ephram pushed him to take a female date to a school dance, a move that forced acceptance from both.

Daffyd

From: Little Britain

Happy to bemoan being "The Only Gay in the Village" Daffyd seemed to be constantly coming out, only to be appalled to find acceptance and other gay people.

The Wedding Banquet

While Wai-Tung never comes out to his family in this bilingual comedy, a memorably touching scene comes when his father hands Simon a dowry envelope, a quiet acknowledgment and acceptance of the relationship.

Johnny Leary

From: The Catherine Tate Show

Johnny had plenty to fear in coming out to his mean and judgmental mother. Instead of facing rejection, however, coming out only got Johnny requests for style advice.

What are your favorite coming out scenes? Let us know in the comments!