Happy 16th birthday to Mark Indelicato!

He has literally grown up before our eyes as Justin Suarez on Ugly Betty and now Mark Indelicato is 16 years old!

Mark recently filmed a guest spot on the new sitcom Hot in Cleveland (the one with Betty White) and keeps his fans in the loop with frequent Twitter updates including several earlier today about turning 16!

The teenager is also a wonderful singer who has appeared in several musicals including performing the part of Boq for “Wicked Day”‘s 5th Anniversary Concert on Broadway in New York City in 2008.

I’m sure Mark has a long career ahead of him but already he has contributed so much to the world by being Justin who always marched to his own drummer with his love of fashion and drama.

We pretty much figured Justin was gay but the show took time and care in focusing on it – Justin had to be ready.

And finally, he was when came out to his family by dancing with his cutie pie boyfriend Austin at his mother’s wedding.

I felt so good inside for every gay kid out there watching that episode and I hoped that their family would take a cue from the Suarez family who loved Justin unconditionally – just as he is.

Justin’s family looked on lovingly and allowed the teenager to come out on his own terms. It was in contrast to an earlier scene where the family found out about Austin through Hilda’s fiance, Bobby, who had seen the two boys kissing.

Hilda calls Betty and says excitedly: “Betty! Justin’s got a boyfriend!” The family then plans a surprise coming out party: “This one of the most important things that will ever happen to Justin and he needs to know that we accept him.”

Ignacio excitedly shows Betty the “starter kit” with info on PFLAG and GSLEN.

They toned it down though and let Justin do it on his own.