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Today, the LGBT community and allies worldwide are observing Spirit Day, an anti-bullying campaign and day of remembrance. Tomorrow marks the commercial release of Kimberley Peirce's remake of Carrie, arguably the most horrifying fictional depiction of bullying in the history of cinema and literature. Recently, Pride Source sat down with the remake's lead, Chloë Grace Moretz , who spoke about her experience with bullying and what she witnessed her gay brothers go through.
Asked whether or not her brothers' victimhood from bullying played a role in her adaptation of the iconic Steven King character, the 16-year-old actress answered, "Yeah of course. Whenever you play a character that is going through certain things and you can, in some way, understand them even more - when you have a personal aspect that can actually relate to the character - then it takes (the role) to a whole other level because you've seen it and you've experienced it."
Even at her young age, Moretz has faced speculation about her sexual orientation. While seemingly unfazed by rumors, she says she is straight, and finds it interesting that her compulsion to play strong female leads should be considered evidence to her sexuality. "I've actually gotten so much shit my entire career. Because of the characters I play, people have always said, "Oh my god, are you a lesbian because you play an action hero?" And it's just like, "Noooo! And why are you so stereotypical for thinking that you can't be a strong woman without being a lesbian?” she tells Pride Source.
She does, however, embrace her gay fans and praises her Carrie director, Kim Peirce, who was awarded the Outfest Achievement Award earlier this summer. Peirce is openly gay and best known for directing Boys Don't Cry, the story of murdered trans man Brandon Teena. "I think what I found interesting is, with her take on it she didn't exploit female characters," Moretz says of Peirce. "I feel like in a lot of movies, especially horror movies, women tend to become sexually exploited. I think working with a female director - one that is a lesbian - she definitely respects women more. I found that enlightening in a way, and refreshing compared to a lot of male directors who just want, you know, sex in their movies because they think that's what hits the teen community."
Still, Moretz says she would have no qualms playing a lesbian character, if the role appealed to her. "If it's appropriately done, I don't have any fears about it. It's a real part of life, and as an actor you have to be able to portray any character. If it's a brilliant role with a great director and a great script and everything else, then why not?"
