'Knowing when the time is right': coming out, not holding back.

Maria Esposito is a media professional​.

Originating from Leicester, Maria is the daughter of an Italian ice cream maker and has the unique experience of growing up in an ice cream factory! She went on to study Performing Arts at DeMontfort University and immediately after graduating worked as a professional actress for 12 years before joining the BBC as a comedy script editor and producer.

In 1986, she stepped on to the stage as an out gay stand up comedienne, performing across the UK and in the USA. Maria was one of the first gay presenters on TV and Radio hosting the BBC Radio 4 special 'A Sunday Outing' (a five-hour gay extravanganza of live and pre-recorded shows) and Channel 4's groundbreaking gay news and features series 'Out'.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx