Yahoo News Mara Wilson wishes she didn't come out when she did
Matilda star Mara Wilson has revealed that she "often wishes" she did not come out as bisexual/queer when she did.
The actress opened-up about her sexuality in the wake of the June 2016 Orlando Pulse nightclub tragedy, but has now revealed that she received a lot of backlash over the timing of her coming out.
"I often wish that I hadn't done it then because I got accused of taking advantage of a tragedy for personal attention," she told Lambda Legal.
"Now clearly I like attention, but I am not so callous as to make a tragedy about myself, my life and my story. That isn't what I was going for.
"A lot of people like to tell women - and especially queer women - that they are doing things for attention. And it is strange to me that the worst thing a woman can do is do something for attention."
But while she's admitting that she wasn't a fan of the timing, Mara added: "I think that if you're in a place of security and privilege - which I can admit that I am - it's important for you to [come out].
"I don't see myself as anybody's savior, but I'd rather it were me - who can afford therapy and afford this platform - getting harassed for being who I am than a young LGBTQ kid. I think it's important."
Me at a gay club when I was eighteen. I feel embarrassed looking at it now... pic.twitter.com/qMZec3WBvu
- Mara Wilson (@MaraWilson) June 12, 2016
Mara also said one of the reasons she did not come out sooner was because of the perception of bisexual people in society and the media.
"There's definitely a stigma," she continued. "One of the reasons I didn't come out for a very long time was because I grew up hearing that bisexual girls were 'crazy'.
"I heard that all the time. I heard that bisexual girls were 'crazy,' they were greedy, they were selfish and they caused drama. They were the worst. They wanted attention."
She further explained of labelling her sexuality: "I like queer more than I like bisexual, but I have no problem with people calling me bisexual."
As well as Matilda, Mara was a well-known child star that had roles in the likes of the 1990's movies Miracle on 34th Street and Mrs. Doubtfire. In her adult career, she has worked as a writer and on the Welcome to Night Vale podcast.
Bi Visibility Day, which aims to highlighting biphobia, is taking place today (September 23).
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