Recently, Matt Damon came under fire for a comment he made that actors shouldn't disclose their sexuality. After Hrs asks those in the film industry if they agree...
During an interview session for his recent film The Martian, actor Matt Damon spoke about homosexuality in Hollywood and how most people thought he and Ben Affleck were gay during their Good Will Hunting days. The actor also added that he thought people shouldn't reveal their sexual preference — whether gay or straight. He said, "I think it must be really hard for actors to be out publicly. But in terms of actors, I think you're a better actor the less people know about you, period. And sexuality is a huge part of that. Whether you're straight or gay, people shouldn't know anything about your sexuality because that's one of the mysteries that you should be able to play." His comment, however, did not go down too well with most. He later clarified, "I was talking about actors are more effective when you know less about their personal lives," he said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Does one's sexual choice affect the film roles or quality of one's work? Experts weigh in.
Nandita Das
Just because Matt Damon is a Hollywood star, why do we expect him to be more progressive? People are prejudiced, regressive, safe-playing and offensive, everywhere in the world. Whether someone wants to come out or not, is their prerogative, at least let's not force our opinions on that. Personally speaking, I feel when people who are influencers, come out, or speak up, they give voice and strength to many others, who do not command the same attention and power. When will we see sexual preference as a choice and a right that everyone must have. The day we do, no one will need to be in a closet. And that's the kind of world I dream of.
Naseeruddin Shah
I don't see how it's anyone else's business what you are but actors just like to talk about themselves I guess. Nobody can stop a guy intent on making news!
Dino Morea
Well, it's a personal choice if he or she wants to reveal their orientation. As an actor, it definitely would change your fan following as perceptions about you would change. Assuming one is an action hero, there is a perception about how they behave, act, appear even when not on screen, macho etc. This perception could be altered if one revealed their orientation. Having said that, like I said earlier, it's a personal choice.
Pooja Bedi
Privacy of an individual is a personal right. But to say an entire fraternity should keep mum puts his statement in a dubious light. The only things you keep quiet about are the things that embarrass you or compromise you. Homosexuality should not be considered either, especially in the West where laws protect you for the same.
Pranay Pachauri
I think to each his own and everyone should respect that. To come out in the open to the world about being gay or not is one's personal choice. And I think it hardly makes a difference to an actor or his popularity.
(played a gay character in the recently released Time Out)
Swara Bhaskar
It's a very telling and tragic comment I feel about the state of our society, our minds, the world we live in that even a leading Hollywood star feels that actors shouldn't come out about being gay. It is true that as actors we are all doubly vulnerable to the perception of the media and public. We all lie about our age (smiles). But surely to feel that being who-you-are openly will lead to discrimination means that gay actors feel hunted. And it's true I'm sure! The fear that they will be discriminated against. In India of course we have section 377 of the IPC that renders the gay community legally vulnerable. I am reminded of a time when actresses felt compelled to marry in secret in India for fear that they will lose work.
Hansal Mehta
It is a matter of choice. It has nothing to do with being actors or celebrities or even being gay. One has the right to privacy that one is free to exercise in a democracy.
(He has just directed Aligarh about a real-life gay professor)
Onir
Ideally, nobody should need to hide their identity. But I suppose his statement is in context to the bias that exists in society.
Celina Jaitly
Being in the closet can be a lonely, anxious and unhappy place. Denying your feelings, lying to loved ones and putting on an act to please others is unhealthy and can be costly in terms of emotional well-being. I do believe that the only way to have a chance at real happiness is to have the courage to be yourself. However, coming out of the closet is a personal choice. People from the LGBT community should have the legal and societal privilege and right to decide whether or not they want to come out of the closet or not.
Rikhil Bahadur
Matt Damon really said that? I can understand where he is coming from though. Unfortunately, people all over the world really judge you for your sexual orientation. That said, actors and in fact all people in power should step up and make a statement! People worship actors like God and they hold the power to influence thinking. Why not use it for a positive change in the mindset? If an actor is respected and loved, how does his/her sexuality matter?
(director, Time Out film which addresses homosexuality)
Kalki Koechlin
I think that's a very personal decision for each individual to decide for themselves.
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