Kate Winslet slams homophobic culture in Hollywood

Kate Winslet has called out the pervasive homophobia in Hollywood, urging the industry to tackle the stigma against casting gay actors. 

In a recent interview with the Sunday Times, the Oscar-award winner condemned the discrimination against openly LGBTQ+ performers in television and film. 

"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. "Now that's f**ked up." 

The Ammonite star went on to reveal she personally knows people who have been advised to conceal their sexuality from the public. "A well-known actor has just got an American agent and 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. It's painful. Because they fear being found out," she explained. "And that's what they say. 'I don't want to be found out.'"

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While women too can be subject to homophobia in the industry, the prejudice seems to be particularly targeted at male actors. 

"Hollywood has to drop that dated crap of, 'Can he play straight because, apparently, he's gay?'" Kate added. "That should be almost illegal." 

Kate's stance on the matter has likely been bolstered by her recent portrayal of a gay character in the romantic drama, Ammonite. 

The British actor plays Mary Anning, a paleontologist who begins a secret relationship with another woman. The historical film, which also stars Saoirse Ronan, gave Kate the chance to finally share her true thoughts on Hollywood's alleged homophobia. 

"I'm done with not being honest about what my real opinions are," she said. "In taking this part I had an opportunity to bring an LGBTQ story into living rooms."