There have always been whispers, but now we know for sure: Zachary Quinto, the fabulously understated thesp who made pointy ears sexy again, has come out as a gay man in the pages New York Magazine. Speaking about his acclaimed turn in Angels In America, Quinto said:
…[it was] the most challenging thing I've ever done as an actor, and the most rewarding … And at the same time, as a gay man, it made me feel like there’s still so much work to be done, and there’s still so many things that need to be looked at and addressed.
Of course, Zach was probably already "out" by the standards of ordinary people — it's only famous folk who've got to come out both to their family and friends and to roomfuls of curious journalists with notepads. Still. He's done a very cool thing. A generation of closeted Trekkers will now grow up liking themselves that much more. Congrats, Zach!
UPDATE: This morning, Zachary published a lovely note on his blog, expanding upon his reasons for coming out. Excerpts below:
when i found out that jamey rodemeyer killed himself – i felt deeply troubled. but when i found out that jamey rodemeyer had made an it gets better video only months before taking his own life – i felt indescribable despair … it became clear to me in an instant that living a gay life without publicly acknowledging it – is simply not enough to make any significant contribution to the immense work that lies ahead on the road to complete equality.
…we are witnessing an enormous shift of collective consciousness throughout the world. we are at the precipice of great transformation within our culture and government. i believe in the power of intention to change the landscape of our society – and it is my intention to live an authentic life of compassion and integrity and action. jamey rodemeyer's life changed mine. and while his death only makes me wish that i had done this sooner – i am eternally grateful to him for being the catalyst for change within me. now i can only hope to serve as the same catalyst for even one other person in this world. that – i believe – is all that we can ask of ourselves and of each other.
