“It’s a much smaller minority of people who think they still have to stay in the closet. It’s quite interesting to see how fast it’s all changed… Without naming names, I certainly think there are a couple of people out there who have not come out in the spirit of protecting their careers and livelihoods. It’s probably a little bit more difficult going that way. I think that’s true.”
–Behind The Candelabra star Michael Douglas speculated with ShortList on why some actors aren’t ready to come out publicly.
Sweet Boy
John Travolta will not be amused with this comment
LadyL
I would be fascinated to know how “small” that closeted minority truly is, according to Mr. Douglas.
We are seeing some celebs coming out in various ways–which is always a great thing. Still, I question what the percentage is of out celebs compared to closet cases who’ll say they’re out because…well… “everybody knows.”
To me, being out means you don’t direct your publicists to issue obfuscations and denials or even care particularly whether audiences see images of you and your partner holding hands or kissing in public the same way straights do. I’m not convinced that definition holds for a lot of LGBT actors, especially if they represent a racial minority as well. Yes, things are changing, Michael, but there are more than a “couple” of people who have not come out, and I think you know that.
Mr. E. Jones
I love how he puts it on the actors for not coming out, while ignoring all the people behind the scenes–PR people, agents, producers, who keep actors closeted to protect their own income.
Jackhoffsky
@Mr. E. Jones: touche!
Geoff B
I just don’t get how these famous celebrities are even able to stay in the closet in this day and age of smartphones and social media. It’s got to just be exhausting.
Kangol
@Geoff B:
You have to wonder, but even when some celebs, like Kevin Spacey or John Travolta, do get outed, the mainstream media and Hollywood pretty close the closet door right back shut, and act as if the outing never happened. I imagine it is exhausting, but look at major pols like Lindsay Graham who are openly homophobic yet very likely gay. Can you believe no one in Washington knows his business? Mike Rogers even nearly outed him a few years ago, but the mainstream media just keep that closet door. Being gay is not shameful or wrong. But maintaining closets helps to perpetuate the lie that it is.
LadyL
@Mr. E. Jones: Point taken.@Kangol: And again, point well made. Especially for celebs of Travolta’s, Spacey’s and Graham’s generations, the MS press seem to feel they’re “protecting” them. More like they’re protecting themselves for all the years of lying heterosexualizing.
Charles175
There’s several “Rock Hudson’s” in Hollywood. One that I suspect, this one loves to play the role of modern macho superheros. Like Justin Bieber, he is trying too hard.
Polaro
Being out an gay in their line of work can seriously hurt their income. While I find it uncomfortable, I certainly understand why they would not necessarily want to lose work over it. I hate hypocrisy of closeted gay people throwing shade on being gay, which is more prevalent in politics. Not wanting to admit their sexuality is their choice, however. Shouldn’t matter, but it does.
CaptainFabulous
@Charles175: *cough*vindiesel*cough*