Kate Winslet Says There Are Several Actors Hiding Their Sexuality Over Homophobia

Kate Winslet is opening up about some LGBT+ actors she knows who have yet to come out openly for fear that it will cost them roles.

The “Ammonite” actress revealed in a recent interview that she knows of “at least four” gay stars who are keeping themselves closeted over fears of harming their careers.

“I cannot tell you the number of young actors I know — some well known, some starting out — who are terrified their sexuality will be revealed and that it will stand in the way of their being cast in straight roles,” she said.

In fact, as ‘ET Canada’ reports, she pointed to one “well-known actor” who, she said, had recently been told by an agent to keep their bisexuality hidden.

“The agent said: ‘I understand you are bisexual — I wouldn’t publicize that. I can think of at least four actors absolutely hiding their sexuality,” she said. “It’s painful. Because they fear being found out.”

Lasting change in Hollywood, she added, will only come about if there are “more people to speak the way I am,” she added.

“People are afraid because we live in a world where political correctness is dictating people’s willingness to be upfront,” she continued. “We live in a finger-pointing culture. And I definitely feel that holding myself accountable, as I have done, for having worked with Woody [Allen, for ‘Wonder Wheel’] and Roman [Polanski, for ‘Carnage’] has helped me feel like I am allowed to have a voice again.”

Winslet added: “For a number of years it wasn’t right for me to speak like this because there would be too many people getting ready with their big pointy fingers. I don’t intend to browbeat or take on Hollywood. We’re just talking about young actors who might be considering joining this profession, and finding a way to make it more open. For there to be less judgment, discrimination and homophobia.”

Read related myGwork articles here:

‘Ammonite’ Director Francis Lee Was Told He Shouldn’t Tell Lesbian Stories

First Pictures Released of Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan in Lesbian Love Film

‘Call Me By Your Name’ Director Luca Guadagnino Defends Casting Straight Actors

German LGBT+ Actors Come Out In Fight For Visibility

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