Coming out will be on ‘Simpsons’

First, Homer Simpson learned to respect homosexuals after gay antique dealer John (voiced by John Waters) saved him from a herd of angry reindeer in “Homer’s Phobia.” Then Homer moved to Springfield’s gay neighborhood, moved in with a pair of flamboyant housemates and even enjoyed a same-sex smooch.

Now his ties to the gay community will get even tighter this coming season of Fox’s hit animated series “The Simpsons.”

“We have a show where, to raise money, Springfield legalizes gay marriage,” producer Al Jean told fans at the recent Comic-Con convention in San Diego. “Homer becomes a minister by going on the Internet and filling out a form. A longtime character comes out of the closet, but I’m not saying who.”