Hollywood Still Has Homophobia, Says Ben Whishaw: LGBTQ Actors Must Conform

Ben Whishaw, the Golden Globe-winning actor, has opened up about the pressures LGBTQ actors still face in Hollywood.

Speaking to The Guardian, Whishaw shared his experiences working openly as a gay actor for over a decade and the challenges that come with it.

Whishaw pointed out that there are still very few openly gay actors at his level. He said part of the reason is the pressure to fit into the industry’s idea of what audiences want.

“It’s complicated and probably different for every individual, but I think it’s still something to do with the fact that if you want to be really successful, you have to conform to what is deemed to be heterosexual taste, or something,” he said.

“Or be s*** in a heterosexual way. I’m always amazed by how much s** is underneath everything, actually. Or desire. There’s still a lot of homophobia and hatred. I mean, it’s better, but it’s still true.”

Whishaw also acknowledged that some actors may choose to keep their private lives separate from their careers. “Also, who knows what journey people are on with these things? I don’t blame people for being private,” he added.

Whishaw first publicly spoke about his s****** in 2014. Now, he is working with director Ira Sachs again on a new film, Peter Hujar’s Day. He said playing the gay photographer in a film by a gay director makes the experience especially meaningful.

“It definitely feels different if you’re making a project that’s about gayness or queerness. And there are lots of beautiful gay directors – but not that many. I think it’s hard for them to make films,” Whishaw said. “So it’s precious when you get to be involved with one.”

Whishaw’s comments highlight that, while progress has been made, homophobia and pressure to conform are still present in Hollywood. Being openly LGBTQ can still come with challenges, even for well-known actors at the top of their careers.

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