Sarah Paulson says she’s not a visible LGBT figure because she doesn’t ‘define’ herself
By Will Stroude
Sarah Paulson has admitted that her reluctance to apply labels to her sexuality has prevented her becoming more of a visible figure in the LGBT community.
In a candid interview with PrideSource, the American Horror Story star discusses her attraction to both men and women, and says her her refusal to “define” herself shouldn’t be mistaken for a refusal to embrace her sexuality publicly.
Asked how she’s “escaped” becoming a pillar of the LGBT community, Paulson – who was in a five-year relationship with 24 star Cherry Jones between 2004 and 2009 – replied: “Because I refuse to give any kind of label just to satisfy what people need.
“I understand that everybody wants to have a person to look toward that is actively making change around this issue, and I understand for young people coming out they want to attach that hope to a particular person, but I think that honesty is the most important piece of this for me.
She continued: “All I can say is, I’ve done both, and I don’t let either experience define me. I don’t let having been with a man make me think I am heterosexual, or make me want to call myself that, because I know I have been attracted to women – and have lived with women.
“So, for me, I’m not looking to define myself, and I’m sorry if that is something that is seen as a rejection of or an unwillingness to embrace [my sexuality] in a public way, but it’s simply not. It’s simply what’s true for me, and that’s all I can speak to.”
Paulson was in a five-year relationship with Emmy-winning actress Cherry Jones (l) between 2004 and 2009
Paulson, who’s set to star in Ryan Murphy’s new project American Crime Story next year, also defended Matt Damon’s recent comments that actors should an air of mystery about their sexuality for the sake of the audience.
“I do think it’s more important, and I know that Matt Damon got a terrible amount of flak for the way he phrased those things,” she said.
“But the sentiment is still true: My personal life… I’m not gonna hide it from you, but I also don’t want you to think about that before you think about the character I’m playing.”
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