Celebs Who Were Asked To Stay IN The Closet About Their Sexuality

1 / 10

Cara Delevingne

Model and actress Cara Delevingne confronted Hollywood biases when Harvey Weinstein advised her to conceal her queerness for career advancement. Weinstein's inappropriate suggestions and discouragement reflect the industry's historical challenges for LGBTQ+ individuals. Delevingne's refusal to conform underscores the importance of dismantling such discriminatory practices.

2 / 10

Matt Bomer

'Magic Mike' star Matt Bomer made the courageous decision to come out at a pivotal career moment, fully aware of potential consequences. Despite facing certain setbacks, including the risk of losing opportunities, Bomer prioritized being true to himself for his family and personal well-being. His journey underscores the complexities of balancing authenticity with the demands of a thriving career in the entertainment industry.

3 / 10

Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin, the Latin music sensation, faced a daunting moment when Barbara Walters pressed him about his sexuality on TV. Refusing to succumb to pressure, Martin later revealed the internal struggle he faced, torn between his desire for authenticity and the warnings that coming out could jeopardize his career. The invasive interview left a lasting impact, highlighting the complexities of navigating personal identity in the public eye.

4 / 10

Amber Heard

Amber Heard, known for her roles alongside A-list actors, encountered skepticism and discouragement when she openly identified as bisexual. Advised to conceal her sexuality to safeguard her career, Heard refused to conform, boldly stating, "I cannot do this any other way. Watch me." Her defiance against industry norms challenged perceptions of openly LGBTQ+ actors in leading romantic roles, paving the way for increased visibility.

5 / 10

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood, a successful actress, defied advice against coming out as bisexual, emphasizing the industry's tendency to prioritize marketability over individuality. Despite warnings that her openness could make her less desirable to audiences, Wood experienced a supportive reception from a new community. Her journey highlights the transformative power of breaking free from prescribed norms.

6 / 10

Elliot Page

Before Elliot Page embraced his identity as a transgender man, he faced resistance when coming out as a lesbian. Acknowledging the potential career repercussions, Page confronted the industry's restrictive narrative that coming out could hinder success. Page, forced to conform to gender norms through wardrobe choices, bravely navigated societal expectations, emphasizing the importance of personal comfort over imposed stereotypes.

7 / 10

Ezra Miller

Ezra Miller, renowned for portraying 'The Flash,' faced backlash after openly discussing their sexuality in a 2012 interview. Criticized for what some deemed a "silly" revelation, Miller stood firm in their authenticity, rejecting attempts to stifle their potential as a leading figure. Miller's resilience serves as a testament to the power of self-affirmation in the face of societal expectations.

8 / 10

A Toronto International Film Festival red carpet, Kirsten Stewart in Canada Model Released

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart, known for her roles in blockbuster films, encountered early career advice that urged her to remain tight-lipped about her personal life. Discouraged from embracing her identity and relationships openly, Stewart chose authenticity over compromise. Her refusal to conform to outdated norms in the industry exemplifies a commitment to genuine self-expression.

9 / 10

Jonathan Bailey

Bridgerton' star Jonathan Bailey engaged in conversations with other gay men in the industry who advised him to stay in the closet. Confronting the palpable sense of shame within the LGBTQ+ community, Bailey made a conscious decision to be true to himself. Addressing the industry's hesitancy around openly gay roles, he emerged as a strong advocate for breaking free from societal constraints, contributing to a more inclusive entertainment landscape.

10 / 10

Samira Wiley

In the glitzy world of entertainment, the journey for LGBTQ+ celebrities to embrace their authentic selves can be a formidable challenge, especially when the pressures of fame and public image loom large. Many stars have navigated a delicate balance between personal identity and professional success, and some have faced explicit advice or pressure to conceal their sexual orientation for the sake of their careers.

Stars Who Were Asked To Stay In The Closet

In this gallery, we delve into the stories of resilient individuals who defied expectations and chose authenticity over conformity. From Ricky Martin's candid reflection on a challenging interview to Kristen Stewart's rejection of outdated advice, these celebrities share their encounters with the industry's old-school mentalities and showcase the triumph of self-expression over suppression.