Zachary Quinto says some actors are still scared to come out
"There are still actors who believe their careers are better served by not acknowledging their authentic selves."
American Horror Story: NYC‘s Zachary Quinto says many actors are still afraid to come out as gay out of fear of harming their careers.
The Heroes actor came out as gay in 2011 saying he felt like he had to be open to “make a significant contribution to the immense work that lies ahead,” when it comes to LGBTQ rights.
In a recent interview with The Independent, the actor, 45, described an “unstoppable” movement of openly queer actors in Hollywood.
Recognising the improvements in LGBTQ visibility in the media over the last 11 years, Zachary told the site that it was “incredible,” adding “particularly in the trans community”.
However, he shared that, “there’s still a tremendous amount of fear around particularly openly gay men in our industry”.
He goes on to say, “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.”
Speaking recently to Attitude, the Star Trek actor discussed defending LGBTQ rights in the US and around the world.
On a potential roll back of LGBTQ rights, he said: “We have to be incredibly vigilant and the anti-trans movement, especially when it has to do with young people in schools, is something that I’m hyper-aware of and interested in fighting against.
“We have to make sure we protect those young kids. That’s always the thing I have my mind on the most because I think the most vulnerable group in our community is the one that needs the most attention and the most advocacy.”
British actor Luke Fetherston revealed to Attitude earlier this year that he had only recently been advised to keep his sexuality discreet for fear of it negatively impacting his career.
Dismissing a former co-star’s opinions as a result of them growing up “in a different time,” he questioned why sexuality matters in 2022, but also why he wouldn’t speak about his identity.
“Have I ever worried? Yes, I have worried about announcing it. As I said, it’s not something I think anyone needs to scream and shout about because what does it matter? I’m playing a gay role. And I’m a gay man. Why wouldn’t I say that?”
Zachary Quinto is appearing in Best of Enemies at the Noel Coward Theatre in London from 14 November – 18 February.