My first thought when I read the headline “Anna Paquin: I’m bisexual” was “Well, that’s interesting. Why is she telling us again?” But now that I know the context, it’s actually kind of cool. Anna is one of several celebrities participating in a new GLBT campaign called the Give a Damn Campaign. The celebrities are filming PSAs where they talk about how they feel about the GLBT community, and they’re connections to it. In her PSA, Anna tells the audience, “I’m bisexual, and I give a damn.” Oh my God, does Bill know?!?
Anna Paquin has come out of the closet.
The True Blood star says “I’m bisexual, and I give a damn,” in a new online public service announcement for the Give a Damn Campaign, aimed at promoting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality.
Now 27, Paquin dated actor Kieran Culkin in 2007, and has never discussed her sexuality with the press. She became engaged to True Blood costar Stephen Moyer, 40, in August 2009. The couple hasn’t yet announced their wedding date.
“We always take the p— out of each other and are silly with each other, and it is great,” Brit actor Moyer has said. “We’re very, very happy. She’s the best.”
Launched Thursday, the “Give a Damn” campaign — featuring Elton John, Whoopi Goldberg, Sharon and Kelly Osbourne, Wanda Sykes and others — is part of singer Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors Fund.
“In my life I’ve crossed paths with many different people and I’ve seen firsthand what it means to be discriminated against,” Lauper says. “As a straight person, I have a responsibility to stand up for gay and transgender people each and every day. We all have to get involved; we all have to give a damn.”
[From Us Weekly]
So, Anna really is bisexual right? It’s not like one of those “We are all…[New Yorkers, Ukrainians, Londoners, bisexuals]” movement where you just say you are something as a way of expressing solidarity? I think she’s really is bisexual. Good for her! I mean, whatever. It doesn’t make a difference to me, but I’m sure Stephen Moyer “gives a damn” about that little fact.
Is Whoopie bi?
Well I would hope that since they are engaged, she would have already revealed her preferences to her partner.
I always thought she was a lesbian for some reason. Then when she became engaged to her costar – I figured she was bi-sexual.
But is anyone else getting tired if people declaring their sexuality? Go to a social network dating site for that. I think it’s a sad state of our world when people feel they have to broadcast their sexual status when really, if we’re not f$@king them ourselves, we don’t need to know.
Oh wait. Unless this coming out is the new “calling card” for prospective dates. Next thing we’ll see is a celeb on People Mag declaring that they’re straight.
He probably thinks it is hot.
I dont necessarily think she’s lying, but it is rather de rigeur for Hollywood actresses to announce their bisexuality. Hmm….
“Woot” is all i can say. My BF shares the sentiment.
Great… the male world of Maxim and King and the semi-porn websites are gonna go nuts.. “Anna is bi and the new hottest woman on earth!”
Good for her. Guess they’ll have to decide in the prenup if she’s allowed girlfriends.
“I broke the damn” “I too, broke the damn.”
If you’ve seen that southpark, you’ll get the bit about solidarity.
i go through periods of loving and hating Anna. I don’t know why but i do. And I love her for this and because Fly Away Home was on last night =)
She looks so much older than her actual age, more like 35 than late 20’s.
Why don’t male actors come out as bi or gay?
It’s always female’s that announce being bi but never lesbian except when their careers’ are over.
Yay Anna!
I didn’t know she was Bi, so this is big news to me.
Oh, I can’t help feeling so happy and proud whenever fine, outstanding Canadian artists/entertainers/icons share their LGBT publicly! (Or are okay about being associated with LGBT).
Who f*cking cares? I could not give less of a damn about another person’s sexuality, and I don’t understand why everyone feels the need to announce what sex they choose to get freaky with. I am just sooo tired of, and disgusted with, people spilling their guts about what they do with their genitals. Keep that sh*t in the bedroom PLEASE. Have some god damned dignity, whether you’re gay, straight, bi, whatever. It is not that interesting to anyone but you. Seriously.
Also, isn’t it interesting that there’s so much more bisexuality and homosexuality nowadays? I personally think that it’s because of all the toxic chemicals and plastics in the environment. It’s already been proven to screw with the sex of fish, frogs, etc., yet we think it isn’t doing something to us? Not judging anyone for whoever they choose to sleep with, but I do think it is an interesting “coincidence”. That’s all….
Yawn. I hate labels.
Wow and others,
You are seeing it “announced” more because right now is a critical time for the equal rights movement for LGBT’s. It’s important for people to see that actor, that singer, that neighbor, that teacher, that doctor, etc., as on equal footing as themselves. Do the LGBT community WANT to have to announce their sexuality? For the most part, I would say no. But because people place such emphasis on that portion of their humanity, like it makes a difference in their abilities or character, and therefore use it to limit or outright deny their fellow citizen rights they get automatically by being straight, yes, it is necessary right now to speak up. The ramifications are shocking in what is allowed to continue…job loss, bullying, discrimination, to name just a few. It’s appalling and ridiculous in this day and age. It still seems to boil down to the sex act, which is an asinine and immature thought process, and yetsome can’t get past it. Moronic, really. Oh, it’s couched in other “concerns”, but those “concerns” have been disproved, over and over and over, but it still remains…animosity where there shouldn’t be.
I also want to say that a LGBT person should never be forced or outed as it is an individual journey and is completely up to them when/if they share that about themselves. Those that do, I applaud. In this world, still, it’s a tough thing to do.
With any kind of justice it won’t be needed much longer and everyone will be treated or at the least, protected, the same way.
Peace.
eta for the “don’t need to be seeing that” brigade: Yep, keep that shit locked up…don’t want to see that. But we can be inundated on a 24/7 basis with the bootie/boobie brigade, even so far as sexual innuendo in sliced cheese commercials starring middle school aged children and that’s acceptable! But you let a person love someone of the same sex, which has nothing to do with anyone else, and all hell breaks loose. Yep, keep that shit on lockdown…it might interfer with my getting to see the latest “acceptable” hetero showing in music, tv, movies, magazines, soap ads, toothpaste, and especially the Cialis ads. Sheesh.
Sorry for ranting…but the double standard really is remarkably obvious.
But, again, peace. Hopefully…
As for Anna, good for her; she’s living her life.
@ kai – Really?…
Doesn’t Kai’s comment qualify as hateful bigotry? Biphobia and saying bisexuality is caused by environmental chemicals? I have family who are bi-and don’t be dissing my family.
“Also, isn’t it interesting that there’s so much more bisexuality and homosexuality nowadays? I personally think that it’s because of all the toxic chemicals and plastics in the environment.”
I, personally, think it’s more to do with the decreasing need for people to hide. When your life is at risk, literally, if someone learns of your personal taste… surprisingly, you don’t feel comfortable telling everyone about it. It’s exactly as Cindy Lauper says above: we all have a responsibility to end such ridiculous discrimination.
As for when public declarations should stop… It can stop when we don’t automatically assume everyone is straight. When we drop heteronormative attitudes in our mainstream culture. When we don’t overlook life experiences that are different from our own. When kids aren’t bullied and beaten, proms aren’t cancelled, and people aren’t fired over their sexuality. Until then, keep ’em coming!
Love her, love that she’s being supportive of the GLBT community, love her engagement to Moyer
Love everything…She and Lady Gaga are my “Girl Crushes” Love, love love this woman!!
@Kai – I second that, REALLY??
@moomoo – I thought Anna was from New Zealand?
As for me.. Yay. I love Anna, I’m glad she chose to come out. I read that the people filming the PSA didn’t know she was going to say that. Love Her..
And, I’m straight and I’d definitely hit it!!! Oh wait, does that make me Bi?? 😛
@Kai * eyeroll and deep, deep sigh* How do you explain my feelings of deep devotion and love towards my partner, plastics you say..well..all I can say in regards to that statement is VIVA LA PLASTIC..La Femme jolie..LOL I haven’t been that amused since Sarah Palin and the death panels comment..
I’m a huge True Blood fan, but I have not been such a huge fan of Paquin’s.
I like her so much more now, we actually have something in common, who knew?!
@ moomoo
Anna isn’t canadian; she’s from New Zealand.
I like her, but I’d like her more if she reshaped her eyebrows.
“Also, isn’t it interesting that there’s so much more bisexuality and homosexuality nowadays?”
I don’t think there is more bisexuality or homosexuality (people have been gay since biblical times) just more people willing to say that they are. But for every one in ten persons that feels comfortable with their sexuality the rest are scared to tell their friends or love ones or heck even admit it to them self because of the negative stigma still attached to being gay. I do agree that announcing to the world is unnecessary – I for one don’t give a damn who’s gay, straight or trysexual – but in this case it seems like it’s for a good cause.
@kai: I’m pretty sure more people are coming out these days because it’s more accepted than it was even 20 years ago, even though your comment proves it’s not as widely accepted as it should be.
@jay: Beautiful, thanks for writing that.
I think this is great. Good for her for coming out and being honest. Bisexuals face much of the same discrimination as homosexuals and sometimes the abuse comes from both straight and gay people. And I don’t get the “ew, I don’t want to know” attitude. Gay people see and deal with the massive amounts of straight couples represented on popular tv shows, in ads in magazines, walking down the street everyday. I don’t think it’s too much to ask that we allow gay people the same mainstream lives that we lead.
We’re not so hung up on sexuality and sex in the UK, it’s doubtful Stephen Moyer gave it a second thought. Maybe he thinks it makes her more interesting, open people usually are.
Please don’t flame the sh-t out of me for this, because I love the writers on this site and Kaiser in particular, but what is with all of the grammar/spelling errors (‘they’re’ instead of ‘their’, etc.)? Kaiser, you’re hilarious and witty and obviously intelligent, and these English 101 mistakes are beneath you!
Anna was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and members of her family including her brother still reside here, yes she is Canadian..
At the first paragraph, I just thought that Kai was a bit prudish.. which is fine.. I get that..
The second paragraph though.. the environment and the chemicals… the implication that homosexuality or bisexuality is some sort of ENVIRONMENTAL MUTATION is too much.
There seems to be “more homosexuality” probably because we have (thankfully) grown more tolerant and accepting as a society, and these people feel more comfortable expressing who they are, without criticism or cruelty from others. TO blame the environment sounds like a bad sci-fi script.
@Kai: Being gay or bi or straight does not only have to do with sex. You should know that. Therefore, “keep it in the bedroom” is a ridiculous thing to say. I bake with my girlfriend on the weekends, we go canoeing, we squabble, and we talk about our future together (kids, jobs, etc.). None of that has to do with sex. Being in a relationship of any kind involves so much more than sleeping with someone.
So, I’m not going to keep it in the bedroom, the living room, or anywhere just to help you feel comfortable with your own homophobia. Why don’t you keep your trash talk where it belongs — in the can….
@jay Perfectly said, thank you. I feel very passionately about this particular situation & am horrified by the ignorance and bigotry that is still so prevalent. Intelligent, clear posts like yours definitely help! 🙂
@ Katyusha not to be a complete loser, but Anna’s birthplace is Winnipeg, Canada and she was raised in NZ by her parents. So technically, she is Canadian-born.
As a fellow bisexual, I couldn’t be more proud of Anna Paquin. I also know the risk it is for her to come out, so when people talk about it being a publicity stunt, that’s hilarious. It’s far less advantageous for her career to be honest and frankly, with an Oscar and Golden Globe under her belt, I hardly doubt she needs publicity. Given some of the ignorant comments posted here, it’s all the more obvious that celebrities like her do need to come forward and talk about their sexuality, if people keep the truth about themselves hidden away, then the public will be far less informed about differences within their own society. To have discussions about things that aren’t so quickly understood is massively important. Misunderstandings and myths about bisexuality run rampant, and the more people talk about it the more some will be less afraid and well informed. I can’t believe someone on here actually thinks it has something to do with chemical pollutants. As a health-conscious person, I eat organic and all-natural and guess what – I’m still bi. Unbelievable. I am also aware that for every silly comment, there is an insightful one, and I am highly encouraged by all the positivity in this post.
Good for Anna! I have always liked her and am a huge True Blood fan. Her and Stephen seem to have a very stable relationship IRL.
@ Strawberry
No, thank you!
I could’ve sworn she was from New Zealand. I’ve been misled!
Sorry.
I’m sure Stephen doesn’t mind as long as he can pick the girl.
Just sayin’. Whatever works for them.
Everyone wants to be bi or gay now..
@Katyusha you haven’t been misled. Anna was born in Canada but spent her childhood and formative years in New Zealand. I’m pretty sure she would refer to herself as a kiwi.
Good for her, I love Anna. In her case, she’s not making a publicity stunt out of it, it’s to help support others to feel comfortable being themselves too. And her honesty is refreshing, it makes me so P.O.ed when lying, petty, attention whores say this sort of thing to get noticed. *ahem-Megan Fox*
holy shit…let the sookie & tara fantasies begin.
you lezzies were thinkin’ it, admit it!
🙂
Blah, blah, blah, who cares? I am bi, i am gay! Whatever. Everyone is suddenly sentimental! Puhlease!
Oh how courageous! *eye roll*
Sexuality is a flexible thing, according to Gore Vidal and others. I think younger women are more open to being bi, and towards bi experience. I think as they get older many, perhaps most, bisexual females stick to preferring men. Every gay and lesbian person I’ve known KNEW they were so at an early age.
Being gay or bi or straight does not only have to do with sex.
Rougletate: Exactly!
Good for her. I am bisexual too but I’ve never really broached the subject with anyone but my husband. I suspect there are more people like me out there than we realize.
Princess pea, you make an excellent point. The prom being cancelled because a young lady wanted to bring her girlfriend still burns me up.
Bisexuality and homosexuality have been common throughout human history – art from ancient Greece and the Roman Empire depicted it frequently. At some point someone must have decided it was taboo or wrong, and that way of thinking is very slow to undo, I guess.
Not so much here but elsewhere I saw a lot of comments on this story implying that Anna must also be dating women on the side, a 3rd party would be involved, they have an arrangement, etc. I don’t really get that. She’s attracted to men and women, but fell in love with and is marrying Stephen. Just because she’s also attracted to women does not automatically mean she will have relationships outside of her marriage! I’m straight, attracted to men. If I get engaged and married to a guy, I’ll still find other guys attractive, but that doesn’t mean I’ll cheat with them! I guess there’s still a lot of weird thinking and misunderstanding out there.
Hey, guess what, Anna? You’re bisexual, and I don’t give a damm, either!
@kai (Kai is the Maori word for ‘food’ btw).
Please tell me you did not try to “blame” bi-sexuality on PLASTIC contamination in our environment!!! OMFG.
All of us have facets to our sexuality. I’m heterosexual but I can and have found a woman attractive, have fantasised about being with women etc. It is completely NORMAL. What is not ok is attempting to present someone’s sexuality as twisted, subversive, disgusting or evil. Or to blame it on ‘environmental contaminants.’ You say you don’t care what people do with ‘their genitalia’ well you obviously do. Why else would you come up with such a ridiculous statement? It isn’t about ‘not caring’ what people do. Its about being accepting of other people’s lives, their right to make choices about their sexuality that you might not, AND the joy in speaking out in suppport of people who have, and continue to be persecuted and marginalised for who they love and make love to.
Anna is a New Zealander, sorry folks. 🙂
Russell Crowe is a born and bred New Zealander, but as he moved to Australia as a teen and got his first breaks over there he became an ‘Australian’ (they can have him). But sorry, we are keeping Anna- she *is* a Kiwi! (You can at least tell by her accent ;-)).
I think it’s rather egotistical that these people think we absolutely need to know their sexual preference, and to have yet another campaign promoting their sexual preferences. It isn’t enough that it’s all over television, the news, magazines, books, music, movies, etc. Considering how pro-gay Hollywood is, this kind of “awareness” campaign is hardly necessary. We’re aware. We just don’t give a damn. Love who you want, but don’t expect us to throw you a parade and give you a medal for it. I really don’t care.
Oh, and if you want to compare yourselves to the black people during the civil rights movement, it would be helpful to refrain from the hateful reactions seen when Prop 8 passed in California, and/or hanging politicians in effigy. Last time I checked, black people didn’t resort to such childish measures in their fight for equality (and I hate this comparison because being black is NOT the same as being gay).
loving anna even more.
i live in one of those areas where the “kais” seem to be very dominant. being closeted is very very painul but the alternative would be me getting physically (and probably sexually) assaulted.
cuz i have to be “taught” my “proper place”
any and all gay-rights supporters are more than welcome! i want to someday live in a place where i’m not afraid to hold my lover’s hand in public!
i just want to act towards my sweetheart the way straight people get to act towards their sweethearts in public.
why why why, kai, is that so wrong?
jerk
also.. same question at marie… equal rights are not special rights.. but until the bashing stops, the “big showy” support has to continue in order to counter the bashing. blacks got lynched and gays get beaten to a pulp and then tied to fences out in the middle of nowhere.
exactly how many Matthew Shepards and Brandon Teenas do you need before you realize that signs of support like what Anna and Cyndi are doing are VERY NEEDED??
🙂
Yay! I would hit that in a second.
On one level I agree with the people who are saying its sort of redundant to broadcast your sexual prefs, but as someone in an open marriage, I know Ive been discriminated against because of my lifestyle, which is in some ways now seen as more risque than being gay in these sigh, conservative times. It still seems to make a lot of people seriously angry and hostile.
So maybe we do still need to be loud and proud if we’re not ‘standard issue’. A sad admission!
Whatever! Open marriage, gay, bi, whatever! Who cares? And then u say u dont want to be labeled. Well STFU, nd go ahead and f**k whoever you want.
@ Kai, the model for all “free” governments was the Greek city-states approach to government (although, technically the US is a republic), and homosexuality and bisexually were accepted practices. There’s not “more” homosexuality, there is an increased level of respect and tolerance for another’s personal preferences than we might have found 50 or 100 years ago. If you look beyond your own narrow view of history (probably limited to 30-50 years), homosexuality and bisexuality have gone through periods and stages of complete acceptance. Further, the United States, being a relatively new country when compared to Europe, has a very prurient obsession with same-sex relationships (and sex in general). It’s considered taboo, dirty, risky, etc, which could be influencing your narrow viewpoint that this is a “new” thing that must be “caused” by something in the person’s environment.
I think it’s great that Anna is standing up for a important cause.
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