LOS ANGELES (AP) — Annette Bening, the award-winning actress, spoke out on “The View” Friday about her decision to openly discuss her transgender son in recent years. Bening explained that while she initially wanted to protect her son from the public eye due to his famous parents, she felt compelled to advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community amidst the current political climate.
Bening expressed her concern about the increasing fear and ignorance being directed towards transgender individuals in the political arena. She emphasized the unfairness of using trans people for political gain and called for a more compassionate approach. As a Democrat, Bening acknowledged the importance of a strong opposition but stressed the need to avoid fear-mongering tactics.
The “Nyad” star shared that her perspective has evolved over time. In an interview with AARP in 2019, she discussed her son Stephen’s transition when he was 27, expressing her pride in his strength and intelligence. Bening previously felt protective of her children’s privacy, but now recognizes that they have their own struggles and identities.
Throughout the interview, Bening emphasized the importance of personal connections with transgender individuals. She urged viewers to get to know someone in their lives who is transgender, such as a grocery store worker, doctor, or teacher, in order to foster understanding and acceptance.
Bening’s decision to speak openly about her son’s gender identity has sparked conversations about the visibility and support of transgender individuals. She hopes that by sharing her son’s story, she can contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Annette Bening’s decision to advocate for her transgender son reflects a growing trend of public figures using their platforms to raise awareness and fight discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community. As the political climate continues to impact marginalized communities, Bening’s message resonates as a call for empathy and understanding.