Zachary Quinto says ‘spate of teen suicides’ compelled him to come out publicly as gay
"I felt like the hypocrisy was too much to bear".
Zachary Quinto has shared that a spate of suicides among gay teens prompted his decision to come out publicly almost a decade ago.
The Boys In the Band star, who appears alongside his co-stars in the Attitude October issue, out now to download and to order globally – added that he chose to keep his sexuality hidden until then as he was afraid being open about it would harm his career.
However, he addressed it for the first time on his website in 2011.
Speaking to Variety, Quinto said: “That was at a time when a lot of young gay kids were killing themselves around the country because of bullying. There was a huge spate of teen suicides that were happening.
“I just felt like I had an obligation at this point. Having enjoyed a certain level of success, I felt like the hypocrisy was too much to bear for me to be enjoying this life that I had created for myself and not acknowledging my identity as a gay man.
“I felt like it was actively harming a group of young people who the choice to come out could benefit.”
On entering Hollywood in 1999, Quinto added: “I did feel like me coming out would have potentially had an impact on my career and it wouldn’t have been a good one.”
If you are struggling with your mental halth, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123.
‘He’s someone who has transmuted his self-loathing into power’
The star appears on the cover of the current issue of Attitude with his BITB co-stars, including Jim Parsons and Andrew Rannells.
Speaking to us about his character Harold, Quinto said: “He is the honourary of the party, and probably the most self-aware of the guys. He’s someone who has transmuted his self-loathing into power.
“He knows himself completely through and through, for all of his shortcomings and all the things about himself that he hates.”
The Boys In the Band is out now on Netflix. Zachary Quinto appears alongside the cast in the Attitude October issue, out now to download and to order globally.
Subscribe now to secure your special edition The Boys In the Band double gatefold cover and get your first three issues for just £3.
