Nathan Lane, a well-known actor, took nearly a decade to publicly embrace his truth about being gay. Despite having marched in Pride Parades in the late seventies, Lane struggled with expressing his sexuality to the public. It wasn’t until he was honored with the Career Achievement Award at the Critics Choice Association’s inaugural Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema & Television that he reflected on his journey.
During his speech at the event, Lane revealed how his late friend and co-star, Robin Williams, had been a supportive ally during a time when Lane wasn’t ready to come out as gay publicly. Williams, who starred alongside Lane in the US adaptation of the 1973 play La Cage aux Folles, had always been there to protect and comfort Lane during difficult moments.
A Moment of Regret
Reflecting on his past, Lane acknowledged that he wished he had been braver when confronted about his sexuality in the past. Recounting an interview with Oprah Winfrey in promotion of the movie “The Birdcage,” Lane expressed regret over not openly acknowledging his sexuality when questioned. He admitted that he wished he had embraced his truth earlier and responded with pride.
It wasn’t until the tragic death of Matthew Shepard in 1998 that Lane felt compelled to come out publicly. Shepard’s brutal murder brought national attention to hate crime legislation, and Lane was deeply affected by the event. Motivated by Shepard’s story, Lane decided to open up about his sexuality in a 1999 cover story for The Advocate, a decision that he now reflects on as a meaningful step in his journey.
After Williams’ death by suicide in 2014, Lane honored his friend’s memory by continuing to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. Williams had always been considered an ally to the community and had played a significant role in supporting Lane during his struggles with coming out. Despite his own battles, Williams had offered words of comfort and protection to Lane, showing unwavering support.
Nathan Lane’s journey to embracing his truth was a tumultuous one, filled with moments of fear, regret, and ultimately, courage. With the support of allies like Robin Williams and the inspiration drawn from real-life tragedies, Lane found the strength to come out publicly and take pride in his identity. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and the impact of supportive allies in one’s journey towards embracing authenticity.