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Ezra Miller Was Actually Told ‘Coming Out’ Was A Huge ‘Mistake’

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In 2017, we live in a world where same-sex marriage is finally legal, you would think that people would be a bit more comfortable and understanding of those who identify themselves as queer, or anyone who associates themselves with the LGBTQ community. But, alas, we are still living in a society that has a “closed for business” sign on their minds – meaning, everyone is extremely closed minded still. Especially, it seems, in the entertainment industry – where I would feel as though more people would be understanding and supportive of those who are brave enough to come out. Ezra Miller, the phenomenal actor who starred in films such as “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” and “Justice League,” just proved that Hollywood is behind in the times now more than ever.

Back in 2012 when Miller was promoting “Perks,” he did an interview with Out Magazine where he openly discussed being a queer male for the first time in public. In the interview, he said:

’m queer. I have a lot of really wonderful friends who are of very different sexes and genders. I am very much in love with no one in particular. I’ve been trying to figure out relationships, you know? I don’t know if it’s responsible for kids of my age to be so aggressively pursuing monogamous binds, because I don’t think we’re ready for them.

Miller made it clear that he wasn’t identifying himself as “gay” but instead, “queer.” He claimed that he has loved people of both genders and doesn’t choose who he loves based on their gender or gender roles. It takes complete and utter bravery and courage to come out when the entire world is looking upon you. But, Miller told Shortlist in an interview this week that, although he felt good about coming out, many in the industry told him it could potentially ruin his acting career.

This is an interesting thing to talk about. I was told by a lot of people I’d made a mistake. I won’t specify. Folks in the industry, folks outside the industry. People I’ve never spoken to. They said there’s a reason so many gay, queer, gender-fluid people in Hollywood conceal their sexual identity, or their gender identity in their public image. I was told I had done a “silly” thing in thwarting my own potential to be a leading man … I was given a lot of stern talking-tos.

It’s unfortunate to see that even people who are at the height of their careers can’t even be themselves without such negative backlash. Although Miller has been told this could “hurt his career,” I’ve seen nothing but drive and perseverance from him. He is the first openly queer actor to play a superhero on film, and, he has broken barriers in the industry. That’s more than a little something to be proud of.

People online were moved by Miller’s courage and strength to be happy and proud of who he is.

https://twitter.com/bleuvaIentine/status/926483268622585856

https://twitter.com/bleuvaIentine/status/926873351431294976

https://twitter.com/monicaraymund/status/928288298942042112

https://twitter.com/pinecavill/status/926460431526490112

Image source: Getty.