The #MeToo movement has shed light on some of the underlying prejudice and bigotry in the movie industry, and aside from drawing attention to misogyny and sexual abuse, it's also made it clear that many Hollywood actors are frightened of the homophobic attitudes of casting directors, so that they are forced to remain closeted in order to protect their careers.
But now, more and more actors are being open about their sexuality, including Aquaman actress Amber Heard.
Heard first came out as bisexual at a Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation event back in 2010, and was in a relationship with photographer Tasya van Ree from 2008 to 2012. However, the actress was always mostly private about her relationships.
Now she has made the decision to open up about being bisexual in a recent interview with Italian magazine IO Donna.
Commenting on her sexuality, Heard stated: "[My] colleagues were increasingly demanding privacy and in the meantime being bisexual was considered a taboo. But to be silent about something means to admit underneath that thing is wrong. But I knew it was not like that.
"So I told myself to describe reality in a truthful way and to offer young people someone to look up to, since those of my generation had grown up without any model of reference. Who knows. Thanks to me, maybe someone has felt less inadequate."
She also commented on the effect that the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements have had on politics in Hollywood, stating: "We women are at a crossroads: we are galvanised because we finally know what is ours, what is our place. But at the same time, we are exhausted by the attitudes that so far have held us in check, diminished or reduced us to objects. The film industry still has a lot to do to get back on track: we need more women behind the camera and equal pay for everyone."
Heard believes that she was ignored by casting directors in the past due to her sexuality, but now hopes that she can set a more positive example for people in the future. However, she is adamant that other people need to do the same for the culture in Hollywood to change, stating: "If every gay man that I know personally in Hollywood came out tomorrow, then this would be a non-issue in a month."
Although it's clear that we're a long way from achieving true equality in Western cinema, Heard's decision to come out and her openness about her attraction to men and woman should hopefully incentivise more people into doing the same.
