In an interview with Attitude magazine, Matt Bomer revealed that coming out gay “cost” him opportunities in Hollywood.
Bomer, 42, can be seen in the upcoming Netflix gay drama The Boys in the Band, Ryan Murphy‘s adaptation of Mart Crowley‘s play of the same name.
Making the movie, Bomer said, “It was such a freeing experience to get to tell a story with an entirely gay ensemble and creative team.”
“There are often times on set where I am the only openly gay person there, and I’ve learnt how to manage that and do the work – but it was so nice to have this collective experience together and a shared sense of who we are, and who we want to be, and an understanding of each other.”
“I think that really informed the work,” he added.
Bomer, who is married to publicist Simon Halls and has three children, went on to say “There are definitely more opportunities for gay actors than ever before – but there’s still a price to pay for being out.”
“We’re living in a day and age where there are actors and athletes and public figures who are openly gay and have been unafraid to acknowledge that. But without a question, there’s a trade-off, in my experience.”
“I came out at a time when it was very risky to do so – I had a studio film that was about to premiere, and a television series coming out. But to me it was more important to be my most authentic self, both for my family, and for myself.”
“I wasn’t trying to be a role model, nor am I now, but I thought if it could help just one person, then it would be worth it. But to say that didn’t cost me certain things in my career would be a lie. It did. To me that trade-off was worth it. But it hasn't been some fairy tale – no pun intended,” he added.
