Arts & Entertainment
Ellen Page says gay actors should be able to play straight roles
the actress talks double standards for LGBT actors
(Screenshot courtesy of YouTube)
Ellen Page is speaking out about discrimination LGBT actors face in an interview with Elle magazine.
The 28-year old actress, who came out in 2014, says that she fears her sexuality could limit her options for roles.
“Zachary Quinto is out and he stars in one of the biggest blockbuster franchises [Star Trek],” Page told Elle magazine. “I have four projects coming up – all gay roles. People ask if I’m concerned about getting pigeonholed. No one asks: ‘Ellen, you’ve done seven straight roles in a row, shouldn’t you shake it up and do something queer?”
Page continued that she doesn’t understand how her sexuality and acting ability are related. She says her filmography should be enough to prove she can do different types of roles and playing straight should be no different.
“There’s still that double standard. I look at all the things I’ve done in movies: I’ve drugged a guy, tortured someone, become a roller-derby star overnight. But now I’m gay, I can’t play a straight person?,” Page says.
The actress’s comments follow fellow actor Sir Ian McKellen who recently said homophobia is a problem in Hollywood.
Page has appeared in “Juno,” “Inception,” “Hard Candy, “American Crime,” among others.
Celebrate the start of Pride month at the Queer Magic Dance Party at the Black Cat on Saturday, June 6. Doors open at 9 p.m.
There will be pole performances and demonstrations, a free photo booth with glitter bar, a queer vendor market, tarot readings by Skye Marinda Tarot, a drag performance by Sapphica, and dancing to a blend of smooth R&B, Afrobeats, hip-hop and pop by Slammer & Saba. Tickets are $20 at the door or $15 (plus fees) in advance, purchased here.
Local queer journalists will celebrate Pride this weekend at the annual NLGJA-DC Pride Happy Hour event at Trade (1410 14th St., N.W.) on Saturday, June 6, 3-5 p.m. Admission is free.
Out & About
DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K set for Saturday
Annual event held at historic Congressional Cemetery
The 14th annual DC Front Runners’ Pride 5K run/walk is set for Saturday, June 6 at historic Congressional Cemetery. The race starts and ends at the cemetery (1801 E St., S.E.) and passes through scenic D.C., along the Anacostia River trail and the fields at RFK campus. Registration ends Friday at 11:59 p.m.
Runners can pick up their race packets on Saturday from 7-8:30 a.m. at Congressional Cemetery; the race begins at 9 a.m.
The fee to run the 5K in person is $65 ($35 for those under age 20). Proceeds benefit local LGBTQ nonprofits, including Thrive DC, Wanda Alston Foundation, Blade Foundation, Ainsley’s Angels, SMYAL, and Team DC. Visit DCFrontRunners.org for more information.
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DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K set for Saturday
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