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Kristen Stewart says coming out is worthwhile if she can help others

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Why do people feel they have to announce their gayness? Keep your private lives to yourself, and sex in the bedroom. It's nobody else's business.

4 ( +25 / -21 )

sensei258 - exactly. one might assume from her appearance that she has psychological problems - perhaps trying to cash in on them. sad.

-4 ( +17 / -21 )

Power to her. If her actions help someone feel more comfortable with who they are, it's a good thing!

0 ( +13 / -13 )

sesei258, almost word for word what I was about to write. I don't shout about being hetero, why is it necessary to publicly announce a person's sexual preference? It doesn't help anyone. Who cares how a person gets their rocks off. As long as it doesn't hurt anybody, that's their scene.

-7 ( +14 / -21 )

In 2017, the most liberal and accepting time in history, are there really teens out there who are struggling to come out that will be inspired by a B level actress?

I'd argue not a single human on earth will find comfort in this. Stewart needs publicity.

-5 ( +13 / -18 )

sensei258MAR. 14, 2017 - 07:49AM JST Why do people feel they have to announce their gayness?

Because so long as there are still people who think heterosexuality can be assumed by default, there will be people who suffer from being assumed to be heterosexual. Announcing their non-heterosexuality is a form of pushback. Best to get over your discomfort with it.

7 ( +17 / -10 )

I guess in this day and age it means power, maybe some people think it's something courageous or maybe it's just a marketing strategy, who really knows, but it seems to get much attention.

0 ( +10 / -10 )

Because so long as there are still people who think heterosexuality can be assumed by default, there will be people who suffer from being assumed to be heterosexual. Announcing their non-heterosexuality is a form of pushback. Best to get over your discomfort with it.

I see. So she's frustrated that people are not seeing her as gay.

Why is it she wasn't so frustrated years ago when her career was going great?

And why is sensei258 "uncomfortable" with her announcement? Are you implying he is uncomfortable with homosexuality?

-4 ( +9 / -13 )

And in other news, seals have been observed humping penguins.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I see a lot of heterosexual people feeling uncomfortable here. Is there really anything wrong with being open with who you are? You may think that gayness is welcomed in this day and age. And in some parts of the world it is. But unfortunately, there are many places where it isn't, and gay people are bullied and abused. You all are too smart not to know this.

I don't see any need for her to keep her life private. It's really her choice. And I don't see anything "sexual" about being openly gay. She isn't implying about anything that "happens in the bedroom" as @sensei258 immediately brought into this conversation. So what's wrong with you all attacking her as a publicity stunt? Honestly, give credit to her. Take her at her word when she says, "I always wanted to keep what was mine in private, mine. And then I thought like you know, you open it up a little bit and you can help one or two people, it’s absolutely worth it!"

Sounds like a very selfless act to me. And I hope she reaches the hearts of those one or two people before some of your words do.

1 ( +15 / -14 )

I see a lot of heterosexual people feeling uncomfortable here.

Your assumption is incorrect. I'm not uncomfortable, I just want to know why it has to be announced to the public. The one's you are close to know you are. What does it matter what other people think?

-3 ( +14 / -17 )

You may think that gayness is welcomed in this day and age. And in some parts of the world it is. But unfortunately, there are many places where it isn't, and gay people are bullied and abused. You all are too smart not to know this.

absolutely. In some Muslim countries, homosexuals are thrown off of roofs simply for being homosexual.

I don't see any bias against gays on JT or in the west though. Indeed, in the west, homosexuality is celebrated.

Whats your point again?

-5 ( +9 / -14 )

If you are gay you're gay! But why the need to make it public?? I don't go around telling people I am heterosexual!

0 ( +12 / -12 )

Maxjapank

Exactly.

We still live in a world where people can be killed, in accordance with the law, for their homosexuality.

5 ( +12 / -7 )

I don't go around telling people I am heterosexual!

But you do. Every time you introduce your girlfriend, or wife, or talk about how pretty that girl is, you are announcing yourself as heterosexual. The thing is, and I think you are missing the point, is that she is not "going around announcing to the world that she is gay." She has been repeatedly asked and she is finally being honest and open about it.

4 ( +13 / -9 )

The result of dating Robert Pattinson?

2 ( +6 / -4 )

I don't know why this is such a shock to people, I kinda figured that a looong time ago. Anyway, glad she finally admitted what a lot of people had been thinking for years.

0 ( +7 / -7 )

Hilarious so many people are uncomfortable hearing news like this. If a terrible B list actress coming out as gay makes you uncomfortable, the future will be extremely unpleasant for you

1 ( +9 / -8 )

sigh, nobody cares

6 ( +14 / -8 )

I'm coming out then...I am a heterosexual male in a monogamous relationship, with my wife. There, I said it. I feel so much better now. Maybe the discrimination and harassment will cease.

2 ( +14 / -12 )

Hmmm, so dating a gay vampire doesn't turn you into vampire but turns you gay. I'll remember that next time i date a vampire

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

I'm coming out then...I am a heterosexual male in a monogamous relationship, with my wife. There, I said it. I feel so much better now. Maybe the discrimination and harassment will cease.

sensei258 - as a fellow closeted heterosexual, I'd like to tell you how brave and beautiful that was. You have inspired me to also openly admit my heterosexuality.

I also have a wife and a child.

Oh man, its like a giant weight off my shoulders...

2 ( +15 / -13 )

I think for she, coming out of the closet should mean that she accepts that she needs to improve her acting skills

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

And the next time people refer to me as a he, I`m suing them.

-3 ( +6 / -9 )

more attention seeking feminist rubbish. sigh....

-4 ( +11 / -15 )

I want to thank everyone for the thumbs up. It's not so important to me as I appreciate the support you give to Kristen, gays, and tolerance. After reading so many attacking her and semi-attacking gays "coming out" so to speak, it's comforting to know that there is a silent majority present here. Personally, it really saddens me to read some of the negative comments here. But maybe your thumbs up will help gays know that they are not alone.

3 ( +12 / -9 )

Big problem is the whole us and them argument. Is her coming out and telling the world helping people? I don't think it actually is but if it does then good. If she had been asked time and again about it then yes she needed to tell people once and for all. But the more famous people come out and say it, the more visible backlash there will be too. Does that help anything? I have a feeling that seeing some comments sections on some websites some of the people who should be able to come out and say something actually go further into hiding. It needs to get to a point where nobody cares. Sexuality shouldn't be defining.

I don't know, maybe the media has a part to play in this?

1 ( +3 / -2 )

almost word for word what I was about to write. I don't shout about being hetero, why is it necessary to publicly announce a person's sexual preference? It doesn't help anyone. Who cares how a person gets their rocks off. As long as it doesn't hurt anybody, that's their scene.

My head is left spinning by the stupidity of comments like this. If nobody cares, then why do you feel compelled to write comments slamming her for the crime of (gasp) stating who she is? Obviously you care.

One of my best friends from high school is gay. We are both 40 years old and I only learned this fact last year when he came out on Facebook. I get that for big celebrities like Stewart coming out really isn't a big deal since they are wealthy and pampered and live in a community of similarily wealthy peers who are pretty supportive of stuff like that. Normal gay people don't have that luxury. Its a pretty stressful decision to come out for people like my friend - which is simply admitting to the world who you are and should not be made difficult - because of people like you and half the commenters here making comments like that, more or less telling them to get back in the closet because your delicate snowflake sensibilities are somehow offended by it.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

Performing Monkey

We still live in a world where people can be killed, in accordance with the law, for their homosexuality.

Then why not direct your energy and communication to those places? Probably most people here couldn't care less about it as long as it's not hurting anybody. It's a private matter.

-3 ( +6 / -9 )

I don't see any bias against gays on JT or in the west though. Indeed, in the west, homosexuality is celebrated. Whats your point again?

I disagree clamenza. Went back to oz a few weeks ago and watched "Insight" (sbs) where former league player (and openly gay) Ian Roberts said very little things had changed since the 90s. Anti-gayness is probably much more subtle and 'thinly veiled' than it then was (less gay-bashing, discrimination at work perhaps, finger-pointing etc) but things are still far from perfect for gay ppl, in the west and elsewhere.

You and I may not 'feel' it, it doesn't mean all gay ppl of all ages feel ok about themselves and/or totally accepted by the community.

Re teens, when you say "are there really teens out there who are struggling to come out that will be inspired by a B level actress?" keep in mind some/many teens feel they don't 'fit in' simply cause they are too small/fat/skinny/pimply etc. So yes, knowing/not knowing, admitting/not admitting one's gay is a big deal for many teens and support from this actress (whom I didn't even know) may help, who knows.

7 ( +11 / -4 )

goldorak - I hardly think Aussie rugby players are an accurate bellwether of the state of homophobia in 2017.

As I stated before, there has never been a better time for the gay community than now. And good for them. Kirsten Stewart coming out may have been a big deal 20 years ago, today it is so commonplace that it looks all the more like a desperate attempt at some free press for her new movie.

I aint buying it.

-2 ( +7 / -9 )

I aint buying it.

Sorry, I missed the part of the article in which Kirsten Stewart saying she is gay in any way involves someone trying to sell something to you.

5 ( +10 / -5 )

Sorry, I missed the part of the article in which Kirsten Stewart saying she is gay in any way involves someone trying to sell something to you.

You may have also missed the part where she is trying to sell a movie right now.

Oh! and I forgot; I would like to thank everyone who gave me a thumbs up. Its really not that important for me, but just knowing there are others out there who support my heterosexual lifestyle gives me hope in times when I read so much negative stuff.

Now if you'll excuse me, theres something in my eye.....

-4 ( +7 / -11 )

@clamenza @sensei @gaijin playa

I will come out too. Hello world, I have a wife, I like girls. Dang that felt good to finally tell someone

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

Clamenza, Guess that something in your eye is so big that all your sensibility is concentrated on it. Your (and others ' comments) here only show how what you are trying to prove (that gays have it easy) is not at all true.

I hope that at some point in the not so distant future we will get to live in a world we're celebrities and ordinary people alike will not have to be talk about sexuality just because others speculate or spread rumours about it. And then we might not see comments by people who pretend to not care but keep commenting on the thread.

4 ( +10 / -6 )

It's a pity you keep on @clamenza. Not only are you insensitive to the plight of others, but you have to rub that insensitivity in. Hope your eye is okay. Sometimes there are birds flying over head. Be careful.

-2 ( +6 / -8 )

Readers, this ends the bickering.

A new study was also just published:

"Legalizing same-sex marriage was associated with fewer youth suicide attempts, new study finds"

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/02/21/legalizing-same-sex-marriage-was-associated-with-fewer-youth-suicide-attempts-new-study-found/

Gay, lesbian and bisexual youth attempt to take their lives at a rate four times higher than heterosexual teenagers

More recently, researchers from Johns Hopkins University and Harvard University asked a different sort of question: whether the legalization of same-sex marriage could have an impact on suicide attempts in adolescents.

Such an association seems to exist, at least based on self-reported data from more than 750,000 students. As the scientists wrote in JAMA Pediatrics on Monday, students living in states where same-sex marriage was legalized saw a drop in suicide rates, compared to students living elsewhere (a critical point being that the scientists investigated an association, not a causal relationship).

The new study was not designed to explain why the drop occurred. But one possibility, the study authors said, was that same-sex marriage was related to a reduction in social stigma.

Although the majority of high school students do not have immediate plans to get married, legalizing “same-sex marriage reduces structural stigma associated with sexual orientation,” Raifman said.

“There may be something about having equal rights — even if they have no immediate plans to take advantage of them — that makes students feel less stigmatized and more hopeful for the future.”

So it seems anything's good that could reduce the social stigma

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Maybe she did it to end speculation ?

4 ( +6 / -2 )

@clamenza, I don't disagree with your statement about Stewart, i.e coming out could be an opportunist move, who knows. But that's imo irrelevant to the fact that the move itself may help some ppl feel better about themselves.

Re Ian Roberts, he wasn't talking as a gay former leaguie when he said things hadn't changed (retired a good 15y ago anyway) but as a gay man living in a modern, western country. Could have been a german baker or a kiwi plumber, just happened to be an aussie & league bloke who has spent most of his life in one of the most gay-friendly city in the world, Sydney.

I have to say I was surprised when I heard him say that then I thought he must have good reasons to feel this way. Tbh, am not even sure my attitude towards gays/lesbians has changed much in the last 15y and reckon most ppl are probably the same. We don't mind 'them', treat 'them' fairly but they are still 'them' in our eyes I guess meaning they belong to a different group and perhaps it's what Roberts and others mean/feel.

Plus in a world where body image issues are skyrocketing (who talked about labiaplasty, hair implants etc say 15-20y ago?) , where ppl pay big bucks to 'life coaches' and other pseudo therapists to help them 'feel better', why should we be surprised that gay ppl also do not feel totally accepted?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Is it not brave? Being bisexual or gay was, in the distant past, widely accepted as normal but became a crime in the past centuries. Seriously enough that in some societies people are still executed for it today. Even in western democratic countries we are still struggling with sharing our societies with gay people. Religions still teach their followers that homosexuality, etc... is not acceptable.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Lots of negativity here. We do not announce we are gay because if we don't let our friends etc know, how are we going to meet the right guy or girl? As another poster said, hetero is the default. It is just to find a little happiness in this short life.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

sensei258MAR. 14, 2017 - 09:35AM JST Your assumption is incorrect. I'm not uncomfortable,

If you want people to believe that, then it's probably not the best strategy to immediately follow a comment that heterosexuality is incorrectly assumed to be the default state with a proclamation of your own heterosexuality.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

So...she should just stay in the closet then?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

We are only 1.6% of the population. It will be impossible to find love and a little happiness in this short life if we do not make it known what we are (gay). It is not to brag or boast. We just want a chance at a little happiness.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

It is not to brag or boast. We just want a chance at a little happiness.

It doesnt matter if you are gay, straight, or otherwise, everyone wants the same thing!

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Kristen Stewart - taking the "happy" out of "gay" since 2017.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

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