Yesterday evening Neil Patrick Harris told people by way of People that he is in fact a gay man and denied the recently released denial by a publicist that he is “not of that persuasion.” His coming out was spurred by that publicist’s remark, which in turn was sparked by a story on a Canadian website that reported Harris had got his “longtime sweetheart” David Burtka a role on the sitcom How I Met Your Mother. Some of us have always known of Harris’ persuasion and were dismayed by the denial. Apparently, all one had to do was ask Harris.

“The public eye has always been kind to me, and until recently I have been able to live a pretty normal life,” Harris told the mag. “Now it seems there is speculation and interest in my private life and relationships. So, rather than ignore those who choose to publish their opinions without actually talking to me, I am happy to dispel any rumors or misconceptions and am quite proud to say that I am a very content gay man living my life to the fullest and feel most fortunate to be working with wonderful people in the business I love.”