Back in 1977, Sue Fink wrote a song called, “Here Come the Lesbians.” Thirty-three years later, the march of lesbians has arrived and is growing — loud, proud, and out. This fact struck me while I was watching the opening night ceremony for the Winter Olympics, when k.d. lang appeared center stage, larger than life, in front of millions of people and singing “Hallelujah.” How appropriate. Hallelujah, indeed!

Most every day of the week, I tune in to the Ellen DeGeneres show, catch The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC, laugh at Wanda Sykes on “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” or watch a parade of lesbian athletes, politicians, and other actors/musicians/performers across the various media options.

Ellen pretty much tore down the flannel curtain in 1997 when she leaned, inadvertently, into a mic and announced to the world, “I’m gay.” Cheers arose from coast to coast, and though it eventually cost her the show and her career for a few years, she came roaring back in 2003 with her own talk show. The Ellen DeGeneres show has not only been one of the most popular daytime talk shows, it has consistently won awards every year, and Ellen has hosted the Emmys, Grammys, and Academy Awards. Most recently, Ellen became a judge on the highly popular American Idol. All this ain’t bad for someone whose innocent “I’m gay” declaration cost her her career for a few years. We can all take a lesson from her determination and reinvention despite all the odds being against her.

Other lesbians have been tearing down barriers, making inroads, and changing perceptions. Suze Orman regularly gives financial advice to millions of people every day, whether she’s on “Oprah” or her own syndicated show. Jackie Warner helped stars and every day people shape up on her Bravo TV “Work Out” show. Jane Lynch is the acerbic Sue Sylvester on the highly acclaimed “Glee.” Sheryl Swoopes, WNBA and collegiate basketball star, declared her lesbian partnership in 2005, making her one of the most high profile athletes to do so.

In the world of politics, Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is one of the few out politicians on the federal level, and recently Annise Parker was elected as Houston, TX’s mayor. You’ll find dozens, if not hundreds, of “out” lesbians elected to public office – state representatives, judges, mayors, county commissioners, etc.

In other words, lesbians can be found in all areas of life – loud, proud, out, and making a difference in this world. It’s about time.