A study conducted by acting organisation Equity has revealed that almost half of gay performers are not open about their sexuality with their agents.
Researched exclusively for British newspaper The Stage, the study also claimed that a third of respondents had experienced homophobia in the
industry.
The news reaffirms the belief held by many gay performers that the industry still suffers from a deeply-ingrained anti-gay bias.
Most of the participants of the study were professionally successful, employed actors.
Interestingly, although 94 per cent of the study sample are honest about their sexuality to
fellow performers, only 57 per cent are not 'out' to their agents.
the main reason noted for this is that it may hinder their chance of securing coveted roles.
Equity equalities officer Max Beckmann told The Stage: “The finding that 81%
of survey respondents are out in their professional lives and that 73%
found the decision to be out easy is hugely encouraging and suggests an
industry in which it is safe to be out. What is troubling is the finding
that only 57% of respondents are out to their agents and it’s
particularly concerning 35% of respondents have experienced homophobia
in their professional lives.
"This goes some way to explaining that many
respondents say they weigh up whether or not to come out on a job by job
basis, and while not hiding their orientation often do not ‘broadcast
it’.
“Comments also suggest that actors remain fearful that coming out
will hinder their prospects of being cast in certain roles such as
romantic leads.”
Famous actors who have questioned whether being openly-gay has adversely affected their career include Rupert Everett.
