Kristy McNichol, now 49, comes out as a lesbian and introduces her partner of two decades

Kristy McNichol, one of the 1970s' best-known child stars, has come out to People.com as a lesbian with a longtime partner:

McNichol, 49, who has lived with her partner Martie Allen, also 49, for the past two decades, decided to make a statement about her sexuality and share this photo because she is "approaching 50" and wants to "be open about who I am."

Click here to read the complete People article.

Interesting detail, not in the People story: McNichol became famous playing Buddy, the younger sister on the 1976 ABC drama, Family. Her older sister was played by actress Meredith Baxter -- who came out of the closet a few years ago.