Kate Winslet claims rampant homophobia within Hollywood is keeping several actors from openly living their lives.
"I can think of at least four actors absolutely hiding their sexuality," she told The Sunday Times. "It's painful. Because they fear being found out. And that's what they say. 'I don't want to be found out.'"
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Part of the reason these stars stay in the closet is for fear of being typecast.
"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.
Often times, the actors are told at a young age to keep their sexuality to themselves, particularly if they're gay, the "Titanic" star alleges, saying agents will even warn clients not to "publicize" their sexuality. The stigma applies more to men than women, the Oscar winner indicated.
"It's bad news. Hollywood has to drop that dated crap of, 'Can he play straight because, apparently, he's gay?'" she said. "That should be almost illegal. You would not believe how widespread it is. And it can't just be distilled to the question about gay actors playing gay parts. Because actors, in some cases, are choosing not to come out for personal reasons. And it's nobody's business. Perhaps privacy. Perhaps conditioning and shame."
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In Kate's mind, the only way to correct the supposed widespread discrimination is for young stars to take a stand.
"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," she said. "For there to be less judgment, discrimination and homophobia."
