Living openly is important.
So said Lee Pace – who has appeared in TV show “Pushing Daisies”, and blockbusters “The Hobbit” and “Guardians of the Galaxy” – in a series of tweets.
Earlier, while being interviewed by W Magazine, Pace was quoted as saying that it is important to have openly gay actors in both “Angels in America” and “The Normal Heart,” given the subject matter of the plays. But when writer Brian Moylan asked whether Pace, who had never spoken about his sexuality publicly, personally identified as gay, the actor retorted that the question was “intrusive.”
“I’ve dated men. I’ve dated women. I don’t know why anyone would care. I’m an actor and I play roles,” he said. “To be honest, I don’t know what to say ― I find your question intrusive.”
Following a backlash, with his statement considered as a “reluctant coming out”, Pace took to Twitter to “own” being part of the LGBTQI community.
“As a member of the queer community, I understand the importance of living openly, being counted, and happily owning who I am. That’s how I’ve always lived my life just as it’s been important to me to portray queer characters with dignity for my entire career,” Pace stated.
In a recent phone interview, I was asked questions that I wasn’t expecting and found myself momentarily at a loss for the right words. My privacy is important to me, so I protect it. When interviewed by the media, I keep the focus on my work.
— Lee Pace (@leepace) March 5, 2018
As a member of the queer community, I understand the importance of living openly, being counted, and happily owning who I am. That’s how I’ve always lived my life…
— Lee Pace (@leepace) March 5, 2018
…just as it’s been important to me to portray queer characters with dignity for my entire career: A Soldier’s Girl (Showtime. 2003). The Normal Heart (Broadway. 2011). Halt and Catch Fire (AMC. 2014-2017). Angels in America. (Broadway. NOW.)
Onward, with Pride.— Lee Pace (@leepace) March 5, 2018
Prior to this, Pace already faced speculation over his sexuality, but mostly kept tight-lipped about the subject of his personal life in interviews.
