Ms. Corrin recalls the backlash they faced because of who they were.
The Crown actor is coming out as LGBTQ and non-binary in April 2021. It didn’t take long for Corrin to share his process of realizing and embracing their gender fluidity on social media. This candor has been followed by a lot of criticism, and the actor recently spoke to Harper’s Bazaar about his views on the disparaging remarks.
“It’s more hateful than I thought,” Corrin told the publication on May 22. “While we like to think we’re in a progressive society, a lot of what we’re seeing is more and more a step backward.”
They further stated that most of the criticism came from those who only saw them as the fictional characters they portrayed rather than as real individuals. “I have followers because people who have seen my content follow me. They realize who I am and how I present myself when they stop believing that I am a certain type of person and I will never understand why. By being who you are, you are hurting anyone why am I causing controversy?
As mentioned, Corrin has been completely transparent about their identity on Instagram. They asked the media to approach discussions about their gender more cautiously, adjust their pronouns, and share their first experiences with wearing a bib. There were many supportive comments on these personal posts, but there was also some homophobic venom. The variety of responses eventually led them to stop reading the comments permanently.
Corrin admitted to Harper’s Bazaar that despite their attitude, they sometimes make mistakes and hear criticism regarding their work. “I’m getting pretty good at resisting the urge. I’d be lying if I said I’ve never read one,” the My Cop actor noted. “After reading one, you might decide you’ll never play again. Nothing can be done with me. You’ll learn a lesson.” Fortunately, they’ve experienced the same level of support in real life.
During the discussion, they talked about a nice conversation they had with a fan after their 2022 performance in Orlando about Virginia Woolf’s 1928 gender-bending novel of the same name.
“I remember this older man waiting for me. He was trying to understand that his grandson had come out as transgender.”
His whole outlook was changed by Seeina Orlando and he expressed his gratitude to me. It was crazy. It was beautiful,” Corrin commented, adding that moments like this serve as a reminder of how important it is to “take up space” and “be seen.”
Despite the intense backlash and criticism that followed their public coming out, Ms. Corrin remains resilient and committed to their journey of self-acceptance and visibility. Their reflections on hateful reactions reveal the challenges we face in navigating personal identity in the public eye. Yet Corrin’s determination to stay true to themselves, despite the negativity, underscores their strength and commitment to their truth.
Support and positive interactions with fans, such as a candid conversation with an elderly man in Orlando, highlight the profound impact of their openness. These moments reaffirm the importance of representation and the powerful influence it can have on others. While criticism can sting, Corrin’s experience underscores the value of taking up space and visibility, as it can lead to meaningful connections and shifts in perspective. Their ongoing journey reflects both the struggles and triumphs of authentic life.