7 Male Celebrities Breaking Homophobic Excuses

7 Male Celebrities Breaking Homophobic Excuses

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This Pride Month, we shine a spotlight on these celebrities who prove that being a straight man is not a valid excuse to be homophobic

As the LGBTQIA+ community perseveres in their ongoing struggle for a more secure and inclusive society, it is crucial to keep in mind that this is not a battle they should have to face alone. Regardless of whether or not you identify as straight, we have a collective duty to promote respect and equality at all times. As we celebrate Pride Month, we turn our attention to these male celebrities who have shown that being a man is never an excuse to be homophobic.

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Dwyane Wade

At the forefront of this roster stands none other than the basketball legend, Dwyane Wade. Not only is he a remarkable basketball player, but he also stands out as a staunch supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community. The NBA superstar made headlines when he spoke out against Missouri legislators who proposed a bill that would prohibit transgender individuals from participating in sports.

Dwyane Wade LGBT Allies
Photo: DWYANE WADE (via Instagram)

In his Instagram post, Wade shared Brandon Boulware’s speech with a caption that read, “I vote against this legislation! I don’t know Brandon Boulware at all, but I do know we have something real in common. Here’s the one thing we can’t do: silence our child’s spirit. Thank you for using your platform and sharing your family’s story! Our kids are more than bedrooms, bathrooms, and locker rooms.” Dwyane Wade’s unwavering support for his transgender daughter, Zaya, has been nothing short of inspiring. He has gone above and beyond to express his love and acceptance for his child, serving as a shining example for fathers everywhere.

Timothée Chalamet

In a heartwarming moment captured on the Golden Globes red carpet in January 2019, Timothée Chalamet, star of the critically acclaimed film Call Me By Your Name, brought joy to many members of the LGBTQIA+ community when he was spotted making a generous donation of USD 1,000 to the New York LGBT Community Center. Prior to this, the organization had already received the actor’s support. In a bold move in 2018, he publicly denounced Woody Allen and pledged to donate his salary from Allen’s film to different organizations that aim to combat harassment, discrimination, and assault.

“I have been asked in a few recent interviews about my decision to work on a film with Woody Allen last summer. I’m not able to answer the question directly because of contractual obligations. But what I can say is this: I don’t want to profit from my work on the film, and to that end, I am going to donate my entire salary to three charities: Time’s Up, the LGBT Center in New York, and Rainn (the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network),” he wrote on his Instagram caption.

Chris Hemsworth

Joining the ranks of these commendable men who have shown their support for equality is the star of Extraction 2, Chris Hemsworth. In 2017, he encouraged Australians to support the legalization of same-sex marriage. In an Instagram post, he wrote, “Marriage is about love and commitment, and, in a country based on equal citizenship, it should be available to everyone!”

Chris Hemsworth LGBT Allies
Photo: CHRIS HEMSWORTH (via Instagram)

On December 9, 2017, a historic moment marked Australia’s history as the right to marry was no longer restricted by one’s sex or gender. This decision has undoubtedly paved the way for a more inclusive and equal society. The Marriage Act of 1961 was revised to reflect the modern understanding of marriage as the holy union of two people who choose to spend the rest of their lives together and refuse all other relationships.

Daniel Radcliffe

Harry Potter’s Daniel Radcliffe has also been an outspoken supporter of LGBTQIA+ rights for quite some time. He has been a strong advocate for the Trevor Project, which works to prevent young people from the community from taking their own lives. In addition, Daniel worked with the series Sharing Space, which serves as an avenue for young trans and nonbinary people to discuss their experiences and educate adult supporters on what it means to be a true ally.

In 2020, it can be recalled that the actor boldly spoke out against J.K. Rowling’s problematic position on transgender matters. The Harry Potter author has received backlash for her opinions after they were extensively shared on social media and in her books.

Cristiano Ronaldo

When it comes to interviews, football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is known to predominantly discuss sports-related topics. But in one of his 2010 interviews for the World Cup, Ronaldo’s tone shifted to a more serious note when the topic of same-sex marriage legalization in Portugal was brought up.

Cristiano Ronaldo LGBT Allies
Photo: CRISTIANO RONALDO (via Instagram)

“As the Portuguese man that I am, I try to keep informed about what is happening in my country. I know the law was passed, and the comment it deserves is that we must respect the choices made by anyone because, after all, all citizens should have the exact same rights and responsibilities,” Ronaldo stated.

Chris Evans

He may be better known as Captain America, but Chris Evans is also a man who genuinely understands the value of respect and acceptance. After some countries banned Lightyear due to a same-sex kiss, Evans denounced the homophobic responses to the prequel.

“The real truth is that those people are idiots,” Chris said in an interview. “There’s always going to be people who are afraid and unaware and trying to hold on to what was before. But those people die off like dinosaurs. I think the goal is to pay them no mind, march forward, and embrace the growth that makes us human,” he added.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch, known for his roles in Doctor Strange and Sherlock, made a bold statement in a 2014 interview where he expressed his willingness to fight religious extremists to protect the freedom of expressing one’s sexuality, even if it meant putting his life on the line. “People are being beheaded in countries right now because of their beliefs or sexual orientations,” he said.

Benedict Cumberbatch LGBT Allies
Photo: L3ENEDICTCUMBERBATCH (via Instagram)

“It’s terrifying. It’s medieval—a beheading! I’d take up arms against someone who was telling me I had to believe what they believed or they would kill me. I would fight them. I would fight them to the death. And, I believe, the older you get, the more you have to have an idea of what’s right or wrong. You can’t have unilateral tolerance. You have to have a point where you go, ‘Well, religious fundamentalism is wrong.’” Cumberbatch added. The actor went on to say that being gay was still very much an issue for males in Hollywood who wanted to get into the film industry as leads. Even if there is still more to be done, Benedict has expressed his appreciation for human rights and sexual and homosexual rights movements, which have contributed to significant societal development in recent years

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