Kristen Stewart is confidently embracing her openly gay phase, and we wholeheartedly support it. While she has been authentically expressing her queerness for quite some time, a recent cover story in Variety sheds light on how Stewart has liberally cast aside the heteronormative boundaries that once constrained her professional journey.
In the interview, Stewart reflects on her past work, stating that Twilight, in hindsight, was “such a gay movie.” She emphasizes how the themes of oppression and desire for self-destruction within the film resonate with a Gothic, queer inclination that she deeply appreciates.
The upcoming lesbian bodybuilding thriller, Love Lies Bleeding, directed by Rose Glass and featuring Stewart, portrays her as Lou, a reserved butch managing a gym where bodybuilder Jackie (Katy O’Brian) trains. Stewart passionately describes the film as a celebration of elements she finds attractive, deeming it “really sexy.” She hints at provocative scenes, particularly a bathroom hookup, that are bound to surprise viewers.
Stewart also discloses her desire to reveal more of her authentic self on screen than ever before, recounting a moment during the haircut for the role when she took control of the scissors. She expresses satisfaction in seeing herself in a way reminiscent of her appearance in 2002’s Panic Room.
Despite exuding what some may call “baby dyke vibes” in Love Lies Bleeding, Stewart shares her complex sentiments about the ongoing speculation surrounding her sexuality. She acknowledges the invasive scrutiny she faced during her younger years, questioning why people were trying to define her before she even fully understood herself. Stewart officially came out on Saturday Night Live in 2017, humorously framing the revelation to avoid the need for a traditional interview.
As she anticipates the premiere of Love Lies Bleeding at the Sundance Film Festival, followed by a theatrical release on March 8, Stewart continues to navigate her career with authenticity and a bold embrace of her unapologetically gay identity.