[UofMfan]

I am a little torn when it comes to this.

First I think what makes an actor great is to be able to step out of their comfort zone and portray roles that are nowhere near their actual persona. This would include straight actors playing gay roles and vice versa.

A similar argument has been raised about those with disabilities portraying disabled people and so on.

If we go with this line of thinking this would mean that gay actors would only play gay roles. Is this what an actor wants?

I do believe that Hollywood is run by powerful men and thus the increase in gay female scenes and also because I believe that society accepts a relationship between two women easier than it does one between two men. It is also why women of a certain age, gay or straight, have such a hard time finding quality roles. It is also why average to ugly looking men, such as Adam Sandler, cast themselves or get cast opposite women who are much more attractive-younger than they are and would have zero chance of dating them in the real world.

I think that if a gay or TG actor is a good, has an equal or better audition, than a straight actor that they should be the obvious choice, but to choose them simply based on their sexuality, gender identity, may open up a Pandora's box.

As far as actors outing themselves. I am also split on that one. I know the great service that it does to our community, especially our youth, when someone with such public exposure comes out as gay. But I also agree with Rupert Everett.

Tough subject, interesting questions to ponder.