King Richard actress Aunjunue Ellis talked with Variety about being part of the LGBTQ+ community.
On March 24, the Oscar nominee accepted honors at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards. Emblazoned on the left arm of her red-hot Dolce & Gabbana suit jacket was the word “queer” spelled out in rhinestones. However, she joked with the publication that people didn’t ask her about it because “they probably thought it said ‘Queen.'”
It wasn’t until she was in her 30s that Ellis, 53—who is in an 11-year relationship with a man she met in church—fully acknowledged that she’s bisexual.
Ellis (who played Oracene Price—the mother of Serena and Venus Williams—in King Richard) said she was aware that being out would have personal consequences and repercussions. However, she also knew she wasn’t hiding it. “I’m very clear about being bisexual,” she said. “I have a sweatshirt that says ‘Girl Bi’ that I wear everywhere.”
As for why her sexuality hasn’t come up in the media sooner, Ellis said with a chuckle, “Nobody asked.”
The full article is at http://tinyurl.com/3m6ukfz6.