In an industry where coming out can be a difficult process, Sarah Paulson has been unapologetically open about her sexuality. Paulson, who identifies as a lesbian, has made it clear that she is proud to be openly gay and to share her story with the world. Let’s take a look at how Paulson came out and what she has done since then to support the LGBTQ+ community.
The Road to Self-Discovery
In 2018, Sarah Paulson opened up about her sexuality in an interview with The Advocate magazine. She revealed that while she had identified as bisexual in her early 20s, she now identifies as a lesbian. In the same interview, she also spoke about why it was so important for her to come out publicly: “I think there’s value in standing up and being counted when you see something that’s not right…It’s really important for me personally that people know I have absolutely no shame about being gay.”
Supporting Other LGBTQ+ Artists
Paulson has also used her platform to support other LGBTQ+ artists in Hollywood. In 2017, she executive produced the documentary Out of Iraq, which tells the story of two Iraqi soldiers who fall in love despite the dangers posed by their country’s anti-LGBTQ laws. She also spoke out against President Trump’s ban on transgender people serving in the military in an interview with Entertainment Weekly: “I think it’s disgusting…I mean, if this were anybody else but Donald Trump [who] had just said something like that…it would be outrageous and we would all be marching on Washington protesting it.”
Being an Ally for All Queer People
We can also see how Paulson is using her platform to stand with queer people who may not have access to resources or acceptance from their families or communities. For example, she recently donated $10K to a GoFundMe campaign set up for a trans teen whose parents refused to accept his identity and kicked him out of their home. She also spoke out against conversion therapy during an appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert earlier this year: “The idea that we are trying to convert someone from one thing into another because we don’t understand them is horrifying…I will never stop talking about it because I feel like it’s my job as someone with some visibility—the least I can do is use my voice.”
Sarah Paulson is an inspiration for all members of the LGBTQ+ community—especially those who feel like they do not have anyone standing up for them or accepting them unconditionally. She is proof that you can be out and proud even when society doesn’t always feel like you should be; after all, love always wins! If you’re looking for someone inspiring and empowering to follow on social media, Sarah Paulson should definitely be at the top of your list!