Gay old movie stars
5. Stars from a Bi-Gone Era
Most of the stories that we discussed came from one guy: Scotty Bowers, a Hollywood pimp of the queer silver screen actors of the s and beyond. He was also connected with Alfred Kinsey in his famous study of human sexuality in the s by providing many of the interview subjects.
A former marine, Bowers kept calm for many years about these stories, as he did not want to adversely affect the lives of any of the actors who were still around. Many of the stories were actively hushed up using fixers paid by the studios at the time, and several of the actors were in "lavender marriages"marriages arranged by the studio, frequently with another queer thespian. At the time, studios especially would not have wanted the queer attractions of their headlining actors to be widely famous, as that would have damaged the 'wholesome family image' of many of the films they wanted to market.
After all of the actors died, Bowers finally decided that his experiences and stories couldn't harm their image or beloved statusplus the planet was a more open place to queer attracti
For many, June represents the month of pride; a time to celebrate, teach and communicate all that is queer, gay and fabulous. Although today organism gay isn&#;t much of a deal, back in the 50&#;s it was a dangerous label to have. Throughout history, thousands have lost their lives because they were labeled as &#;gay&#; or &#;queer&#; and many lived out their true sexual preferences in secrecy. As it&#;s almost the end of Pride month, I wanted to have a stare at some celebrities from the golden age of Hollywood who were same-sex attracted, or at least thats what the rumours said. It&#;s difficult to comprehend if all these celebrities, and of course many more, were truly same-sex attracted, but I wanted to share a few stories just so see how far we&#;ve come. Elated pride everyone.
*Disclaimer: Please note that some of the following stories may depict graphic descriptions and behaviours which some readers may find disturbing. Discretion is advised.
Katherine Hepburn
Iconic Hollywood actress and Academy Award-winning performer in films such as Guess Who&#;s Coming to Dinner, The Lion in Winter, and O Let's state the obvious: Being a gay icon during the days of Old Hollywood was no hike in the park. Behind Tinseltown's glitzy facade loomed the specter of Hollywood's "sexual gestapo," a term coined by Matt Tyrnauer, director of the documentary Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood (via NPR). "It was very difficult," he said, "for people to have authentic lives." And Tyrnauer should know: His production profiled L.A. character Scotty Bowers, who reportedly acted as a "confidante, companion, and pimp for Hollywood's closeted production stars." The threat of exposure was authentic and ever-present for these entertainers. Per Tyrnauer, studio contracts contained so-called "moral clauses" that could instantly vaporize a lucrative career. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Police Department's vice squad were all too willing to bust celebrities, often working in cahoots with the squeeze in their quest to hobble reputations. Definitively name-checking these stars is impossible, as they were all in the closet through There were apparently rags in the s that would out actors if the studios did not cough up enough money for them not to. And, some of the now elderly partners of Hollywood stars have told all. I've been surprised at some of the actors who were gay. The one that surprised me most was Raymond Burr. Any others that have been surprising? I've heard rumors about Liberace. Van Johnson, Golden Age Hollywood Queen. Billy Haines. Who, when told "play along or don't play", told the studio to shove it and became the most sought after interior decorated in Hollywood/Beverly Hills. He and his partner, Jimmie Shields, were together until Haines death from cancer at Soon afterward Shields committed suicide. Joan Crawford, a friend, called them "the happiest married couple in Hollywood". After telling Hollywood to go pound salt Mr. Haines went on to become one of the mos
Old Hollywood Stars You Didn't Know Were Gay
Gay Hollywood Actors of Old
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