Mallm X - gay black hero? | LGBTQ+ rights | The Guardian

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• BLOGGG BROADWAY: MALLM GETS LIV THE "LIFE"{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}NEWSBY MICHAEL PORTANTIEREFEBARY 18, 2009/8:50 AMBY MICHAEL PORTANTIEREFEBARY 18, 2009 / 8:50 AM{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"NEWSARTICLE","HEADLE":"BLOGGG BROADWAY: MALLM GETS LIV THE \"LIFE\"","DATEPUBLISHED":"2009-02-18T13:50:25.000+0000","DATEMODIFIED":"2009-02-18T13:50:25.000+0000","IMAGE":{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT","WIDTH":1920,"HEIGHT":1080},"URL":","THOR":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","NAME":"LOGO TV"},"MAENTYOFPAGE":{"@TYPE":"WEBPAGE","@ID":"},"PUBLISHER":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","@ID":","NAME":"LOGO TV","URL":","LOGO":{"@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT"}},"CREATOR":"MICHAEL PORTANTIERE","KEYWORDS":"THE BACKLOT","ARTICLESECTN":"NEWS"}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MALLM GETS THE STORY OF MY LIFE (PHOTO: AARON EPSTE){BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ALTHOUGH MALLM GETS DIDN’T “E OUT” TO THE PRS UNTIL THE LATE ’90S, THAT STILL EARNS HIM AN HONORED PLACE AMONG THE VANGUARD OF ACTORS WHO HAVE CHOSEN TO BE UP-ONT ABOUT BEG GAY. BT KNOWN FOR HIS PORTRAYAL OF RICHARD KARSKY ON THE S CAROLE THE CY, GETS IS ALSO A POSER, CLASSILLY TRAED PIANIST, VOL DIRECTOR, DANCER, CHOREOGRAPHER, AND TEACHER. YOU MAY HAVE SEEN HIM AS ONE OF THE LEADS THE GAY CULT FILM ADAM AND STEVE AND, MORE RECENTLY, THE MOVIE VERSN OF SEX AND THE CY. HIS NEXT BIG SCREEN ASSIGNMENT: THE LORFUL ROLE OF GEE GOULD STRONG GREY GARNS, STARRG JSI LANGE AND DREW BARRYMORE, SET FOR RELEASE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MALLM HAS APPEARED ON BROADWAY THE MOLIERE COMEDI (1995) AND THE LOVELY BUT SHORT-LIVED MICHEL LEGRAND MIL AMOUR (2002). NOW HE’S BACK, -STARRG WH WILL CHASE THE STORY OF MY LIFE, A TWO-CHARACTER MIL ABOUT A EP, LONG-LASTG, NON-ROMANTIC IENDSHIP BETWEEN TWO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}LIKE MANY OTHER PERFORMERS HIS POSN, MALLM REGNIZ BOTH THE PLS AND THE PFALLS OF BEG OUT AND PROUD; AN TERVIEW A WHILE BACK, HE OBSERVED THAT “ONCE YOU TALK ABOUT ON THE PUBLIC RERD, THEN YOU N THE RISK OF, FOR THE RT OF YOUR LIFE, BEG LABELED AS 'OUT GAY ACTOR MALLM GETS.’” HE AND I RECENTLY DISCSED THIS SUBJECT HIS DRSG ROOM AT THE BOOTH THEATRE, WHERE THE STORY OF MY LIFE IS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;} THE THORS OF THE STORY OF MY LIFE, BRIAN HILL AND NEIL BARTRAM, ARE LIFE-PARTNERS AS WELL AS WRG PARTNERS. HOW OL IS THAT?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MALLM GETS: IT’S GREAT. THEY’RE CANADIAN. THEY MET DOG A PRODUCTN OF FOREVER PLAID, AND THEY’VE BEEN TOGETHER FOR A LONG TIME. I HAD GONE TO TORONTO TO WORKSHOP ANOTHER SHOW THAT BRIAN AND NEIL WROTE, AND I WAS ALSO ASKED TO DN FOR THE STORY OF MY LIFE.  THEY WANTED ME TO E AND HAVE A WORK SSN WH WILL CHASE, SO I SHOWED UP AT WHAT I THOUGHT WAS BRIAN AND NEIL’S OFFICE. THEY WELED ME , AND I SAID, “WOW, YOU HAVE A FANTASTIC OFFICE! IT’S SO FY AND ZY.” AS THE WORDS WERE G OUT OF MY MOUTH, I SUDNLY REALIZED WHAT WAS UP, AND I SAID, “OH. YOU GUYS LIVE TOGETHER?!” I FELT LIKE SUCH AN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AE: OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD, THERE ARE FEW STANC OF GAY LIFE PARTNERS TO BE FOUND THE ANNALS OF WELL-KNOWN MIL THEATER WRERS. THE ONLY OTHER EXAMPLE THAT TO MD IS THE TEAM OF WRIGHT AND FORRT, WHO WROTE KISMET AND SEVERAL OTHER {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MG: THEY WERE LIFE PARTNERS? WOW, YOU LEARN SOMETHG NEW EVERY DAY! YOU MIGHT THK WOULD BE A PRER RELATNSHIP, BUT BRIAN AND NEIL WORK TOGETHER SO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AE: IS REALISTIC TO FEEL THAT THERE SHOULD BE A PLACE ON BROADWAY FOR SMALL, TIMATE SHOWS LIKE THE STORY OF MY LIFE?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MG: I DID AN TERVIEW A FEW WEEKS AGO, AND I WAS ASKED, “WHY SHOULD YOUR SHOW BE ON BROADWAY AS OPPOSED TO OFF-BROADWAY?” I SAID, “WELL, WHY SHOULD PROOF OR DOUBT BE ON BROADWAY?” MY POT IS THAT THIS IS REALLY A MIL PLAY. I THK BROADWAY WOULD ABSOLUTELY BE A BETTER PLACE TO HAVE A SHOW LIKE OURS NNG. AND WHO KNOWS? THIS IS SUCH AN SANE TIME ENOMILLY THAT MAY BE THE PERFECT TIME FOR THE STORY OF MY LIFE.  MY CHARACTER, ALV, IS OBSSED WH IT’S A WONRFUL LIFE – AND BELIEVE ME, MALLM IS ALSO PRETTY OBSSED WH FRANK CAPRA AND PRTON STURG. IT’S NOT LOST ON ME THAT THOSE FILMS ME OUT OF THE DEPRSN. THERE’S A VERY SIMPLE, HUMANISTIC QUALY ABOUT THEM, AND I THK OUR SHOW ALSO HAS THAT QUALY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AE: THERE’S SOME DITN THE SHOW THAT ALV IS PHYSILLY ATTRACTED TO THOMAS. CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THAT?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MG: I THK ALV ABSOLUTELY LOV THOMAS, AND PERHAPS WHEN HE WAS A TEENAGER, HE WAS “ LOVE” WH HIM. I’M AN OPENLY GAY ACTOR AND I LOVE THE GAY CHARACTERS I’VE PLAYED, BUT I JT DON’T THK ALV IS A SEXUAL BEG. I DON’T THK HE’S EVER TAKEN OFF HIS CLOTH AND BEEN WH ANOTHER PERSON. HE’S NOT ABOUT THAT. HE LOV A VERY TENSE, TE WAY, AND THE OBJECT OF HIS LOVE HAPPENS TO BE A MAN. THIS SHOW IS NOT ABOUT UNREQUED ROMANTIC LOVE; TO SEE THAT WAY MAK THE STORY SO MUCH SMALLER THAN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MALLM GETS AND WILL CHASE THE STORY OF MY LIFE (PHOTO: AARON EPSTE){BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;} {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AE: I BELIEVE YOU WERE ONE OF THE FIRST WELL-KNOWN ACTORS TO E OUT PUBLICLY – CERTALY, ONE OF THE FIRST AMONG MEN KNOWN PRIMARILY FOR THEIR TV OR FILM {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MG: WAS I? THE FIRST GUY I REMEMBER G OUT TO THE PRS WAS MY IEND MCHELL ANRSON. AND THEN, WHO? I TEACH AT NYU AND I SUBSTUTE AT JUILLIARD. TWICE THE LAST FIVE YEARS, THE KIDS AT JUILLIARD HAVE GONE TO THE FACULTY AND ASKED IF THERE ULD BE A SYMPOSIUM ON BEG OPENLY GAY THE DTRY. I PUT TOGETHER THE PANELS, AND WAS SO HEARTBREAKG: DENIS O’HARE AND A FEW OTHER PEOPLE SHOWED UP FOR ME, BUT I LLED A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE WHOM I ASSUMED WERE OUT AND THEY SAID, “WELL … TECHNILLY, I’M NOT.” BEFORE THAT, I THOUGHT THERE WAS A WHOLE PATCH OF , BUT NOW I THK THERE ARE STILL NOT MANY – NOT EVEN THE THEATER {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AE: AFTERELTON AND, AS FAR AS I KNOW, MOST OTHER MEDIA OUTLETS E THE YARDSTICK THAT SOMEONE IS NOT OFFICIALLY OUT UNLS HE OR SHE IS OUT TO THE PRS, REGARDLS OF HOW OPEN HE OR SHE MAY BE PRIVATE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MG: FOR SOME REASON, THE STANDARD THAT HAS BEEN SET FOR THE ARY IS THE SAME ONE THAT’S ED THE ENTERTAMENT DTRY: “DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL.” THAT’S BEEN TE SCE I WAS ON TELEVISN 1996. WHEN ELLEN DEGENER ME OUT, A LOT OF PEOPLE MY SUATN WERE APPROACHED BY THE MEDIA SAYG, “WE WANT A GUY TO E OUT NOW, SO IF YOU’RE WILLG TO DO , WE’LL GIVE YOU THE VER OF THE MAGAZE, A FEATURE AT THE TOP OF THE SHOW.” BUT NOBODY DID . MY EXPERIENCE THOSE YEARS WAS THAT I HAD A BOYIEND WHO ME WH ME TO EVERY EVENT. WE WOULD S WH THE ST OF FRIENDS AT AWARDS CEREMONI, BUT WASN’T UNTIL I TOLD KATHIE LEE I WAS GAY THAT BEME OFFICIAL. I WAS DOG EDWARD II SAN FRANCIS, WH MARK LAMOS DIRECTG, AND I JT THOUGHT WAS RIDICULO NOT TO BE OPEN ABOUT . I ULDN’T BEAR {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AE: DON’T YOU FD AMAZG THAT THIS IS STILL SUCH AN ISSUE?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MG: I FEEL LIKE IF WE ALL ME OUT, WE ULD ALL GET ON WH OUR LIV. HONTLY, I’M AT THE POT WHERE I NO LONGER NEED OM MY ACTG REER WHAT I ED TO NEED OM ; I’M ALSO WRG, DIRECTG, AND DOG LOTS OF OTHER THGS, SO I’M A DIFFERENT POSN THAN MOST ACTORS. BEE I’M TEACHG, I OFTEN HAVE YOUNG PEOPLE E UP TO ME AND SAY, “I WANT TO BE WHO I AM, BUT I DON’T WANT MY PARENTS TO THROW ME OUT OF THE HOE.” I WISH WE ULD JT PH THE FAST-FORWARD BUTTON ON THE VCR OF LIFE AND GET PAST ALL OF {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AE: ONE UNFORTUNATE DOWNSI OF BEG AN OPENLY GAY CELEBRY IS THAT SOME FANS ARE GOG TO WANT TO KNOW THE TAILS OF YOUR ROMANTIC AND SEXUAL LIFE, MUCH THE SAME WAY THAT SO MANY PEOPLE ARE SO NCERNED ABOUT WHAT’S GOG ON WH BRAD PT, ANGELA JOLIE, AND JENNIFER {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MG: WELL, I CERTALY UNRSTAND WHAT YOU’RE SAYG THAT RPECT. I’M THE CHILD OF ENGLISH PARENTS, SO A WAY I’M VERY PRIVATE. MY PARTNER AND I HAVE BEEN TOGETHER FOR A LONG TIME, BUT I DON’T LIKE TO TALK ABOUT HIM TO THE PRS. WE HAVE A GREAT, BORG LIFE TOGETHER. THE WAY I WANT TO SET AN EXAMPLE IS TO LEAD A HEALTHY LIFTYLE AND HAVE SOME SORT OF {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;CLEAR:BOTH;}THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;MARG:0 TO;WIDTH:90%;M-WIDTH:288PX;MAX-WIDTH:1440PX;M-HEIGHT:194PX;}LATT NEWS
• IS MALLM GETS GAY?
• MALLM X - GAY BLACK HERO?

BLOGGG BROADWAY: MALLM GETS LIV THE "LIFE"{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}NEWSBY MICHAEL PORTANTIEREFEBARY 18, 2009/8:50 AMBY MICHAEL PORTANTIEREFEBARY 18, 2009 / 8:50 AM{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"NEWSARTICLE","HEADLE":"BLOGGG BROADWAY: MALLM GETS LIV THE \"LIFE\"","DATEPUBLISHED":"2009-02-18T13:50:25.000+0000","DATEMODIFIED":"2009-02-18T13:50:25.000+0000","IMAGE":{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT","WIDTH":1920,"HEIGHT":1080},"URL":","THOR":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","NAME":"LOGO TV"},"MAENTYOFPAGE":{"@TYPE":"WEBPAGE","@ID":"},"PUBLISHER":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","@ID":","NAME":"LOGO TV","URL":","LOGO":{"@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT"}},"CREATOR":"MICHAEL PORTANTIERE","KEYWORDS":"THE BACKLOT","ARTICLESECTN":"NEWS"}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MALLM GETS THE STORY OF MY LIFE (PHOTO: AARON EPSTE){BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ALTHOUGH MALLM GETS DIDN’T “E OUT” TO THE PRS UNTIL THE LATE ’90S, THAT STILL EARNS HIM AN HONORED PLACE AMONG THE VANGUARD OF ACTORS WHO HAVE CHOSEN TO BE UP-ONT ABOUT BEG GAY. BT KNOWN FOR HIS PORTRAYAL OF RICHARD KARSKY ON THE S CAROLE THE CY, GETS IS ALSO A POSER, CLASSILLY TRAED PIANIST, VOL DIRECTOR, DANCER, CHOREOGRAPHER, AND TEACHER. YOU MAY HAVE SEEN HIM AS ONE OF THE LEADS THE GAY CULT FILM ADAM AND STEVE AND, MORE RECENTLY, THE MOVIE VERSN OF SEX AND THE CY. HIS NEXT BIG SCREEN ASSIGNMENT: THE LORFUL ROLE OF GEE GOULD STRONG GREY GARNS, STARRG JSI LANGE AND DREW BARRYMORE, SET FOR RELEASE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MALLM HAS APPEARED ON BROADWAY THE MOLIERE COMEDI (1995) AND THE LOVELY BUT SHORT-LIVED MICHEL LEGRAND MIL AMOUR (2002). NOW HE’S BACK, -STARRG WH WILL CHASE THE STORY OF MY LIFE, A TWO-CHARACTER MIL ABOUT A EP, LONG-LASTG, NON-ROMANTIC IENDSHIP BETWEEN TWO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}LIKE MANY OTHER PERFORMERS HIS POSN, MALLM REGNIZ BOTH THE PLS AND THE PFALLS OF BEG OUT AND PROUD; AN TERVIEW A WHILE BACK, HE OBSERVED THAT “ONCE YOU TALK ABOUT ON THE PUBLIC RERD, THEN YOU N THE RISK OF, FOR THE RT OF YOUR LIFE, BEG LABELED AS 'OUT GAY ACTOR MALLM GETS.’” HE AND I RECENTLY DISCSED THIS SUBJECT HIS DRSG ROOM AT THE BOOTH THEATRE, WHERE THE STORY OF MY LIFE IS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;} THE THORS OF THE STORY OF MY LIFE, BRIAN HILL AND NEIL BARTRAM, ARE LIFE-PARTNERS AS WELL AS WRG PARTNERS. HOW OL IS THAT?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MALLM GETS: IT’S GREAT. THEY’RE CANADIAN. THEY MET DOG A PRODUCTN OF FOREVER PLAID, AND THEY’VE BEEN TOGETHER FOR A LONG TIME. I HAD GONE TO TORONTO TO WORKSHOP ANOTHER SHOW THAT BRIAN AND NEIL WROTE, AND I WAS ALSO ASKED TO DN FOR THE STORY OF MY LIFE.  THEY WANTED ME TO E AND HAVE A WORK SSN WH WILL CHASE, SO I SHOWED UP AT WHAT I THOUGHT WAS BRIAN AND NEIL’S OFFICE. THEY WELED ME , AND I SAID, “WOW, YOU HAVE A FANTASTIC OFFICE! IT’S SO FY AND ZY.” AS THE WORDS WERE G OUT OF MY MOUTH, I SUDNLY REALIZED WHAT WAS UP, AND I SAID, “OH. YOU GUYS LIVE TOGETHER?!” I FELT LIKE SUCH AN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AE: OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD, THERE ARE FEW STANC OF GAY LIFE PARTNERS TO BE FOUND THE ANNALS OF WELL-KNOWN MIL THEATER WRERS. THE ONLY OTHER EXAMPLE THAT TO MD IS THE TEAM OF WRIGHT AND FORRT, WHO WROTE KISMET AND SEVERAL OTHER {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MG: THEY WERE LIFE PARTNERS? WOW, YOU LEARN SOMETHG NEW EVERY DAY! YOU MIGHT THK WOULD BE A PRER RELATNSHIP, BUT BRIAN AND NEIL WORK TOGETHER SO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AE: IS REALISTIC TO FEEL THAT THERE SHOULD BE A PLACE ON BROADWAY FOR SMALL, TIMATE SHOWS LIKE THE STORY OF MY LIFE?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MG: I DID AN TERVIEW A FEW WEEKS AGO, AND I WAS ASKED, “WHY SHOULD YOUR SHOW BE ON BROADWAY AS OPPOSED TO OFF-BROADWAY?” I SAID, “WELL, WHY SHOULD PROOF OR DOUBT BE ON BROADWAY?” MY POT IS THAT THIS IS REALLY A MIL PLAY. I THK BROADWAY WOULD ABSOLUTELY BE A BETTER PLACE TO HAVE A SHOW LIKE OURS NNG. AND WHO KNOWS? THIS IS SUCH AN SANE TIME ENOMILLY THAT MAY BE THE PERFECT TIME FOR THE STORY OF MY LIFE.  MY CHARACTER, ALV, IS OBSSED WH IT’S A WONRFUL LIFE – AND BELIEVE ME, MALLM IS ALSO PRETTY OBSSED WH FRANK CAPRA AND PRTON STURG. IT’S NOT LOST ON ME THAT THOSE FILMS ME OUT OF THE DEPRSN. THERE’S A VERY SIMPLE, HUMANISTIC QUALY ABOUT THEM, AND I THK OUR SHOW ALSO HAS THAT QUALY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AE: THERE’S SOME DITN THE SHOW THAT ALV IS PHYSILLY ATTRACTED TO THOMAS. CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THAT?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MG: I THK ALV ABSOLUTELY LOV THOMAS, AND PERHAPS WHEN HE WAS A TEENAGER, HE WAS “ LOVE” WH HIM. I’M AN OPENLY GAY ACTOR AND I LOVE THE GAY CHARACTERS I’VE PLAYED, BUT I JT DON’T THK ALV IS A SEXUAL BEG. I DON’T THK HE’S EVER TAKEN OFF HIS CLOTH AND BEEN WH ANOTHER PERSON. HE’S NOT ABOUT THAT. HE LOV A VERY TENSE, TE WAY, AND THE OBJECT OF HIS LOVE HAPPENS TO BE A MAN. THIS SHOW IS NOT ABOUT UNREQUED ROMANTIC LOVE; TO SEE THAT WAY MAK THE STORY SO MUCH SMALLER THAN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MALLM GETS AND WILL CHASE THE STORY OF MY LIFE (PHOTO: AARON EPSTE){BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;} {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AE: I BELIEVE YOU WERE ONE OF THE FIRST WELL-KNOWN ACTORS TO E OUT PUBLICLY – CERTALY, ONE OF THE FIRST AMONG MEN KNOWN PRIMARILY FOR THEIR TV OR FILM {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MG: WAS I? THE FIRST GUY I REMEMBER G OUT TO THE PRS WAS MY IEND MCHELL ANRSON. AND THEN, WHO? I TEACH AT NYU AND I SUBSTUTE AT JUILLIARD. TWICE THE LAST FIVE YEARS, THE KIDS AT JUILLIARD HAVE GONE TO THE FACULTY AND ASKED IF THERE ULD BE A SYMPOSIUM ON BEG OPENLY GAY THE DTRY. I PUT TOGETHER THE PANELS, AND WAS SO HEARTBREAKG: DENIS O’HARE AND A FEW OTHER PEOPLE SHOWED UP FOR ME, BUT I LLED A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE WHOM I ASSUMED WERE OUT AND THEY SAID, “WELL … TECHNILLY, I’M NOT.” BEFORE THAT, I THOUGHT THERE WAS A WHOLE PATCH OF , BUT NOW I THK THERE ARE STILL NOT MANY – NOT EVEN THE THEATER {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AE: AFTERELTON AND, AS FAR AS I KNOW, MOST OTHER MEDIA OUTLETS E THE YARDSTICK THAT SOMEONE IS NOT OFFICIALLY OUT UNLS HE OR SHE IS OUT TO THE PRS, REGARDLS OF HOW OPEN HE OR SHE MAY BE PRIVATE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MG: FOR SOME REASON, THE STANDARD THAT HAS BEEN SET FOR THE ARY IS THE SAME ONE THAT’S ED THE ENTERTAMENT DTRY: “DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL.” THAT’S BEEN TE SCE I WAS ON TELEVISN 1996. WHEN ELLEN DEGENER ME OUT, A LOT OF PEOPLE MY SUATN WERE APPROACHED BY THE MEDIA SAYG, “WE WANT A GUY TO E OUT NOW, SO IF YOU’RE WILLG TO DO , WE’LL GIVE YOU THE VER OF THE MAGAZE, A FEATURE AT THE TOP OF THE SHOW.” BUT NOBODY DID . MY EXPERIENCE THOSE YEARS WAS THAT I HAD A BOYIEND WHO ME WH ME TO EVERY EVENT. WE WOULD S WH THE ST OF FRIENDS AT AWARDS CEREMONI, BUT WASN’T UNTIL I TOLD KATHIE LEE I WAS GAY THAT BEME OFFICIAL. I WAS DOG EDWARD II SAN FRANCIS, WH MARK LAMOS DIRECTG, AND I JT THOUGHT WAS RIDICULO NOT TO BE OPEN ABOUT . I ULDN’T BEAR {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AE: DON’T YOU FD AMAZG THAT THIS IS STILL SUCH AN ISSUE?{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MG: I FEEL LIKE IF WE ALL ME OUT, WE ULD ALL GET ON WH OUR LIV. HONTLY, I’M AT THE POT WHERE I NO LONGER NEED OM MY ACTG REER WHAT I ED TO NEED OM ; I’M ALSO WRG, DIRECTG, AND DOG LOTS OF OTHER THGS, SO I’M A DIFFERENT POSN THAN MOST ACTORS. BEE I’M TEACHG, I OFTEN HAVE YOUNG PEOPLE E UP TO ME AND SAY, “I WANT TO BE WHO I AM, BUT I DON’T WANT MY PARENTS TO THROW ME OUT OF THE HOE.” I WISH WE ULD JT PH THE FAST-FORWARD BUTTON ON THE VCR OF LIFE AND GET PAST ALL OF {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AE: ONE UNFORTUNATE DOWNSI OF BEG AN OPENLY GAY CELEBRY IS THAT SOME FANS ARE GOG TO WANT TO KNOW THE TAILS OF YOUR ROMANTIC AND SEXUAL LIFE, MUCH THE SAME WAY THAT SO MANY PEOPLE ARE SO NCERNED ABOUT WHAT’S GOG ON WH BRAD PT, ANGELA JOLIE, AND JENNIFER {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MG: WELL, I CERTALY UNRSTAND WHAT YOU’RE SAYG THAT RPECT. I’M THE CHILD OF ENGLISH PARENTS, SO A WAY I’M VERY PRIVATE. MY PARTNER AND I HAVE BEEN TOGETHER FOR A LONG TIME, BUT I DON’T LIKE TO TALK ABOUT HIM TO THE PRS. WE HAVE A GREAT, BORG LIFE TOGETHER. THE WAY I WANT TO SET AN EXAMPLE IS TO LEAD A HEALTHY LIFTYLE AND HAVE SOME SORT OF {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;CLEAR:BOTH;}THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;MARG:0 TO;WIDTH:90%;M-WIDTH:288PX;MAX-WIDTH:1440PX;M-HEIGHT:194PX;}LATT NEWS

Mallm Gets The Story of My Life (Photo: Aaron Epste)Although Mallm Gets didn’t “e out” to the prs until the late ’90s, that still earns him an honored place among the vanguard of actors who have chosen to be up-ont about beg gay.

You may have seen him as one of the leads the gay cult film Adam and Steve and, more recently, the movie versn of Sex and the Cy. Now he’s back, -starrg wh Will Chase The Story of My Life, a two-character mil about a ep, long-lastg, non-romantic iendship between two many other performers his posn, Mallm regniz both the pls and the pfalls of beg out and proud; an terview a while back, he observed that “Once you talk about on the public rerd, then you n the risk of, for the rt of your life, beg labeled as 'out gay actor Mallm Gets.

” I felt like such an Off the top of my head, there are few stanc of gay life partners to be found the annals of well-known mil theater wrers. I’m an openly gay actor and I love the gay characters I’ve played, but I jt don’t thk Alv is a sexual beg.

IS MALLM GETS GAY?

Twice the last five years, the kids at Juilliard have gone to the faculty and asked if there uld be a symposium on beg openly gay the dtry. We would s wh the st of Friends at awards ceremoni, but wasn’t until I told Kathie Lee I was gay that beme official.

” I wish we uld jt ph the fast-forward button on the VCR of life and get past all of One unfortunate downsi of beg an openly gay celebry is that some fans are gog to want to know the tails of your romantic and sexual life, much the same way that so many people are so ncerned about what’s gog on wh Brad Pt, Angela Jolie, and Jennifer Well, I certaly unrstand what you’re sayg that rpect. Mallm Gets has never ma any public statement about this, so all mors about if Mallm Gets is gay rema pletely unfound and unproven.

Yet, as often happens wh artists of this field, the mors that Mallm Gets is gay are persistent, which is surely annoyg. The g out of Mallm Gets would greatly benef lns of homosexuals around the world who are still the closet. Although Mallm Gets has refed on numero ocsns to beg homosexual, mors are nstantly found on-le.

MALLM X - GAY BLACK HERO?

Dpe Mallm Gets has not said to be homosexual, the procs of g out amongst celebri n be seen as easier nsirg there are many who have already e out wh the muny.

Vooxpopuli manag thoands of famo celebri and 's possible we missed some tails about the qutn - Is Mallm Gets gay?

Gets me out as gay the late 1990s and liv wh his partner. That's a b more credible, but I thk given the fact that masculy is often nstcted opposn to homosexualy, and given that many Mallm's own alyt have nstcted that way, the matter is que relevant. To the evince: The notn that Mallm X was a closeted gay man was first aired by Bce Perry who, his book Mallm, claimed that his subject had several gay enunters, many of them for money.

He don't offer any other stanc of sex wh men, but impli that there may have been when he wr that Mallm was "not an active homosexual after 1952. And I thk people who are movg to the much broar pot--that Mallm X was gay--are really stretchg. He is openly gay.