Germany s LGBTQ actors come out publicly en masse to fight discrimination
February 21, 2021
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On the front page of Süddeutsche Zeitung Magazin, one of Germany s largest publications, 185 actors have come out as members of the LGBTQ community. The cover is filled with pictures and names of the actors, along with the message: We are here.
In a movement called #ActOut, actors are advocating for LGBTQ representation on-screen and behind-the-scenes in Germany s media productions.
Actor Karin Hanczewski started planning the statement about a year and a half ago when she experienced LGBTQ erasure while at a film festival with her girlfriend. Before they hit the red carpet, Hanczewski s agent told her it would be better to appear in pictures without her partner.
Credit:
Courtesy of Jeanne Degraa
Responses to the proposition ran the gamut. Some were supportive from the start. Others hesitated even after several discussions about it.
“There were people who said they wanted to be a part of it and then talk to us again and say, ‘No, I responded too quickly. I’m not there emotionally. I can’t do it.’”
Over the course of 18 months, the group gradually started to expand.
Actor João Kreth d Orey heard about the movement through other actors. Kreth d Orey was immediately excited but never expected it to attract so much attention. When the magazine cover and story came out on Feb. 5, Kreth d Orey knew it was a historical moment.