Photo: Michael Rozman/Warner Bros.
Lucas Hedgesprefers not to label himself.
AtDeGeneres‘ prompting, Hedges revealed how his own experience with queerness informed his portrayal of the leading role. “I was fortunate enough to be raised — I went to a progressive, liberal arts school for my whole life,” he began.
Michael Rozman/Warner Bros.
“In sixth grade, I had a health teacher, and he presented the idea of sexuality existing on a spectrum. It’s not really that you exist 100 percent one thing and 100 percent the other,” theLady Birdactor recalled. “From that moment on, I always identified myself as existing within that spectrum. I see it as something that’s more fluid. It’s just not as black and white.”
Then the host quipped in response, “I’m confused whenever I’m aroundRyan Reynolds. I could go on,Justin Timberlake, I’m confused. What’s wrong with me?”
In addition to being nominated for an Oscar at just 20 years old, Hedges’ advocacy for the grey area of sexual orientation has helped him build a name for himself. Ina profile withVulturepublished in September, he got even more candid about how he sees himself.
“I recognize myself as existing on that spectrum: Not totally straight, but also not gay and not necessarily bisexual,” he explained. “In the early stages of my life, some of the people I was most infatuated with were my closest male friends. That was the case through high school, and I think I was always aware that while for the most part I was attracted to women, I existed on a spectrum.”
He added, “I felt ashamed that I wasn’t 100 percent, because it was clear that one side of sexuality presents issues, and the other doesn’t as much.”
He then addressedBoy Erasedspecifically with the outlet.
“I recognized that sense of anticipating and waiting for anyone and everyone to be like, ‘There’s something wrong with you,’” Hedges commented about his upcoming role. “It’s a story about shame, which felt to me like the governing factor of my life and my childhood.”
Boy Erasedis out Friday in select theaters.
source: people.com
