“There’s still a tremendous amount of fear around particularly openly gay men in our industry. There is this long-held and stubborn belief that to identify as an openly gay man on some level means you’re inherently less masculine, inherently less believable as a straight character. There are still actors who believe their careers are better served by not acknowledging their authentic selves. That’s their prerogative, but I think we’re part of a movement that is unstoppable.”—Zachary Quinto speaking with The Independent about why it’s still difficult for gay male stars to come out, even at a time of increased LGBTQ representation in media.
Related: Colton Haynes says coming out harmed his career, but he still has hope: “I’ve done the right thing”
Donston
The fact that those closeted guys and Zachary himself are so obsessed with coming off both “masculine” and “straight-passing” is a big part of the problem. So long as those things are huge priorities then you will always have issues with self-comfort, gay panic, masculinity/femininity, even if you’re “out”. But yes, half of people in the damn industry are probably homosexual, overall homo-leaning, have queer dimensions, are somewhere in the gender, sexual, affection, romantic, emotion, commitment spectrum. It’s borderline duh to say there’s a lot of closeted dudes in the industry.
DCguy
Quinto never said that he was obsessed with coming off masculine. He said that there was a long term stubborn belief in the industry and there were actors who still felt it was better to not be their authentic selves.
SDR94103
oh sweetie, you forgot your meds, again.
KyleMichelSullivan
Way to read a lot of your own shit into a basic statement about reality. Don…please stop.
pattygale
It’s easy to say that, but when it’s your career, it makes it tough to take the gamble. At least with athletes, you’re either good at your job or not. A friend used to say about being in commission sales, every day you wake up unemployed. It’s kind of the same with acting.
Bren91
And these men should come out. I’m sorry but you have more luxury then 99 percent of people in the world, your catered too, pampered and treated better than most. I don’t feel sorry for any male celebrity that feels they should come out. While I think it’s brave to do so, it’s also very cowardly to hide in the shadows when you’re as established as a celebrity. Buck up, man up and come out. Today in almost the year 2023 for you to be gay or bi sexual and not be out just makes you a coward. These men are afraid of losing their careers over it, but nothing will change until enough people realize being gay or bi is just a part of life and has nothing to do with your sexual orientation. And as long as people stay hidden, it won’t change. After all the blessings these celebrities have been given if their gay the least they can do is help someone that may hate themselves or want to harm themselves over it by coming out and maybe making someone realize it’s okay. I’m sorry but I don’t feel bad for these celebrities who whine about having to come out, whine about something else, quit making it a thing. Just love who you love unapologetically and quit being part of the problem. And being closeted your part of the problem. And if your a part of the problem you are not part of the solution. Grow a pear, it’s time to wake up.
Doug
How ridiculous. Zachary Quinto doesn’t come off as particularly “masculine” or “straight passing,” nor is that even relevant. Not every gay actor needs to be a drag queen in order to be accepted by our community or the straight public.
Donston
I know exactly what Zachary was attempting to say. But this is like the umpteenth interview where he’s talked about masculinity or being straight-passing. That’s also one of a handful of times he’s reduced actors not wanting to being all about perception of masculinity. And while those are big insecurities for many guys, being out is connected to a bunch a lot of social and ego things, not just masculinity. While masculinity and wanting to be “straight-passing” is not a thing for many guys who struggle with the closet. I’m telling Zachary (and the posters here) to be less basic bitch when talking about masculinity, sexuality, dimensions, identities, coming out struggles. Because every time he talks about being out it gives “basic” energy and often gives masculine/straight-passing obsession energy.
Creamsicle
Not a surprise. The entertainment industry loves to take credit for social progress, but they perpetuate the exact opposite. A LOT of gender roles are taught or reinforced through entertainment, and we’re barely starting to see more LGBTQ experiences and representation make it onto screens in mainstream productions.
There were loads of speculative posts about Quito’s orientation before he came out. Same with Lee Pace, who was rudely outed by an interviewer.
Bren91
Also I would like to add, we as part of the gay community need to quit giving these celebrities excuses for not coming out. They are not the every day person who if they lose their job might not be able to pay their bills next month. They are not teenagers whose parents might kick them out of the house with no place to go. No they are way better off than most. And there is truly in 2023 no excuse for not being part of the solution and manning up. With their kind of platform that inspires so many and has impact, they should do what’s right whether they lose acting gigs or other gigs because of it. They have truly blessed on so many ways most of us are not. If they’re really appreciative they should want to help others by coming out. I don’t understand all these other gay people giving them excuses and saying “no one should have to come out”. Like no one should have to do anything! That’s not the point. They should want too! So maybe it becomes easier for other everyday people to accept themselves and live their lives, and maybe not lose their jobs over it or be disowned. Because sooner than later people realize being gay or bisexual is just life for some.