Todd Holland Openly gay director Todd Holland has some advice for all you hollywood wanna-bes. If you're gay, don't come out of the closet.
During a panel discussion on "Taking It to the Streets: LGBT Directors Get Political" at Outfest in Los Angeles, the Emmy winning director argued staying in the closet was a smart career move for young queer actors if they wanted to be successful.
Filmmaker Kirby Dick, a straight man. took Holland to task for his comment. "I know where you're coming from, but it's a regressive argument," Dick suggested. He argued it was time for a real celeb to take a stand and come out because if "an A-list actor came out, it would have more impact on the culture than an A-list politician."
Openly gay filmmaker Matthew Mishory, who watched from the audience, said Holland's views are quite common.
"This stuff doesn't just extend to actors," says Mishory. "We've been told, as gay filmmakers, not tell queer stories or else we'll get pigeonholed."
As another audience member pointed out: "What kind of message is that for an older gay filmmaker to send to young gay filmmakers? It's the kind of thing that will keep people in the closet."
Do you agree? Should young actors continue to hide their sexuality to be successful in Hollywood?
Yes. It's sad but coming out will end someone's career before it has even started!
No! A good actor will be able to make it. Times have changed. No more hiding!
Queer Town: Emmy-winning Director Todd Holland to Young, Gay Actors: 'Stay in the Closet' [LA Weekly]
http://blogs.laweekly.com/ladaily/queer-town/queer-town-emmy-winning-direct/
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People don't like us, regardless of what they say to your face. And in a job like entertainment it is essential to establish momentum in a career before announcing yourself as slightly different. Movie makers talk all the time about how sophisticated their audiences have become, which is bullshit. If utter unwatchable rubbish like Transformers 2 can make a billion dollars it only proves that viewers are shallow, and easily seduced by bright colors and loud noises. I admire actors/actresses who have the courage to come out, but the truth is, it does affect their career sometimes very badly.
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