I didn't choose the fact that I was gay, but I did choose whether to live my life as a gay woman-that was the terrifying thing for me. Especially being a gay actress.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Most simply but profoundly, I chose to live an honest life, which I think as a gay person is not a given.
There I was as a kid: a closeted homosexual who wants to be an actress. I had no choice! Wanting to act was something I was wired with when I was born. I never thought I would have success or celebrity, although I did want that. But what I wanted more than anything was to work.
I was raised thinking I'd burn in hell for being gay, but I didn't have a choice. It's just who I am.
I was pursuing my acting career, but I was silent on the LGBT issue, the issue that was closest to me. I knew if I came out then, I'd have had to change careers.
I knew that I was gay, I knew it. I just couldn't see myself as a gay woman, even though that's where my heart was.
I kind of live my life as an example, and I just never felt like I had to be on the cover of a magazine announcing that I was gay; it's just who I am. I just live my life, and I never really thought about it.
I was a closet straight. I think I wanted to be gay because I thought it was arty and interesting. And also, I was phenomenally shy with girls.
I graduated from high school in '62 and I didn't know any people who were gay. I'm sure there were people, but I didn't know any. For years and years, I guess, I was very uptight about being a gay actor. I thought it would make me less hirable.
I didn't choose to be an actress.
I chose to treat the homosexuality like I would treat any other form of sexuality.