Kelly Marie Tran’s Brave Coming Out: A Journey of Identity and Representation
Oh my goodness, can we talk about how incredible Kelly Marie Tran is right now?! This fabulous actress, known for her role in Star Wars, just opened up about her decision to come out as queer, and honestly, it’s so much bigger than just her! In a candid chat with Them, she spilled her heart about why she felt the need to share her identity with the world, saying, “At the end of the day, I think what’s really important to me is to remind myself that it’s bigger than me.” Like, can you imagine the weight of that statement? She’s not just talking about herself—she’s talking about the entire community! Kelly, at 36, is breaking barriers and reminding everyone that we should celebrate all parts of our identities that society has made us feel ashamed of.
She first addressed her queerness during a conversation with Vanity Fair while promoting her new romantic comedy, The Wedding Banquet. “I haven’t said this publicly yet, but I’m a queer person,” she said, and honestly, it was like the clouds parted and sunshine poured in! Can you believe the courage it took for her to say that out loud? And let’s not forget her adorable stories about her girlfriend of two years—who remains a mystery for now. Kelly teased about how her girlfriend has this hilarious habit of strolling through Zoom calls without even realizing it! I mean, can you picture that? It’s like a sitcom moment waiting to happen!
But hold on, because it gets even deeper. Kelly reflects on her journey and the pressure she feels to represent the queer Asian community. She admits that she often thinks about her younger self when she sees young queer Asian individuals, hoping they look up to her and feel proud. It’s all about paving the way for future generations! She mentioned having to believe that she’s in this position for a reason, and that just hits you right in the feels, doesn’t it?
Kelly’s been open about facing racism and sexism in her career, especially during the release of Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi. She’s been a target of negativity, but her hope is for a future where the younger generation doesn’t experience the same hurdles. “We need to be open and celebrating these parts of our identities that we’ve been taught to be ashamed of,” she states emphatically, and honestly, can we get a round of applause for that?
This brave and beautiful journey she’s on is not just about her—it’s about all of us! She’s trying to walk that walk every day, even when she feels terrified. But isn’t that what makes her so relatable and inspiring? The Wedding Banquet is set to hit theaters on April 18, and I just know it’s going to be a delightful watch.
Whew, talk about a whirlwind of emotions! I swear, I could chat about this all day!
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Them, Vanity Fair
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
