[As the star of Ella Enchanted, Annie had the distinct pleasure of singing a fairy tale rendition of Queen’s “Somebody To Love.” I know she’d kill me for posting that footage, but this track complements the second part of this interview…]
AB: I know church is important to you, so when you were going to church as a child, did it ever come up?
AH: No, I don’t actually remember it coming up in sermons. My family’s attitude was that we go to church to learn how to love, to learn about the way God wants us to love and it’s not for us to put limits on that, but I don’t particularly remember a sermon. I have on occasion spoken with religious figures about it and let them know that I disagree.
AB: Let’s talk about Sally Kern – I’m not sure if you’re familiar with the name, but Kern burst onto the scene last week when Victory Fund published some secretly taped audio of her comparing gays to terrorists and saying we were far more dangerous to America than Al Qaeda.
AH: Well, that’s just ridiculous. I think that’s just sad.
AB: Do you think that an elected official who makes those statements, even if in private, should be publicly censured or asked to resign?
AH: I think if she was elected saying that she believes in something else and was making campaign promises about something else, she should certainly be questioned about it, but that’s a tough question. It’s her opinion. It’s her free speech. Yes, I disagree with it, but I don’t know that you can censure someone for speaking their mind no matter how much you completely disagree with it. I think when you get into censorship and free speech issues, its a slippery slope and unfortunately – you know, the first amendment can be amazing in so many ways, but also it can cause you to eat a lot of crow from people with whom you disagree.
AB: It’s interesting to me, because obviously she was elected democratically. Hypothetically speaking, say all of her constituents really believe this, they really believe that gays are demon spawn, and they decide to vote for gay marriage. They vote to pass legislation to define marriage as a man and a woman. This is something that I’ve been tackling with for many years – obviously you can’t control how people are going to vote and they often vote for illiberal policies, like restricting marriage. That can be a big flaw in democracy.
AH: Absolutely. One of things about democracy is that it’s defined, created and controlled by human beings and we’re fallible. But that’s – and I agree with you, it’s hard to accept that a lot of the abhorrent things that people do are legally protected, but at the same time, that’s where freedom of speech comes in, that’s where freedom of protest – there’s that system of checks and balances to keep a lot of that under control. And obviously civil disobedience is very important, too.
AB: Rupert Everett a few months ago made some comments about how Hollywood still works against people’s sexuality. Do you get that impression that Hollywood condones the closet?
AH: Since I’m not a gay person, I don’t really know the pressure that people must be under. I’d like to think that we’re getting to a place where can be very honest and open about who you are and how you love. I think it’s not necessarily Hollywood that encourages people to go into the closet – I don’t even know how to answer this question! Since I’m not a gay person and since I’ve never felt any pressure in that respect, I don’t think that I’m qualified to answer that question.
AB: You know, it may not even be Hollywood. It may just be what people perceive – what people project the American perception to be. You know, if I’m a young actor on Gossip Girl and I’m just coming up and I don’t know how the public will react to my gay ways, I can understand why that would instill fear in somebody. I suppose.
AH: Ideally we could all be ourselves and love the way we love. But, quite frankly, actors being closeted is not as simple as, “I don’t want anyone to know, because I’m ashamed” or “I’ll never be famous.” I don’t think it’s as simple as that. It’s really hard to put yourself out there. It’s really hard to be comfortable with the idea that people won’t accept you and, in fact, it’s really nobody’s business is you don’t want to tell anyone about your sexuality. Not that you should have to hide it, but if you want that to be a private part of your life – gay, straight, whatever. I can imagine it must be really hard to realize that people, without knowing you, just because of their own prejudices, will hate you. I don’t judge the individual, but I’d like to see us get to the place as a society where we can just love each other and just be cool with each other.
AB: “Peace!” You’re such a hippie.
AH: It is about peace!
Don't forget to share:
Thirsty for more?
Subscribe to our newsletter to indulge in daily entertainment news, cultural trends, and visual delights.
Comments are closed.
fredo777
Love her.
I’m a “hippie”, too, + am all about the “live + let live” philosophy.
Kiki
Ummmmmm…. why do the Queerty correspondents keep keep attacking HRC so much but still feel the need to post up its event photos?
And HRC has a hit out on you? Don’t be silly…
Seriously, kids. C’mon. Why all the hate?
Inquiring minds want to know.
oakling
Aw. I do not like a lot of her work, but now I like what she has to say as a person!
lucas
i guess this is the first “normal” [non-movie promotional] interview i read from anne. she’s really someone to admire, a real actress and an interesting human being. i wish i was her friend too.
John
Gee did Andrew make enough of a point that he and Hathaway are friends? Jesus, could you bend over backwards any more to prove that you’re gal pals? Get over yourself, Belonksy, no one cares that she’s an acquaintance of yours.
name
What is it,