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Listen, I have no judgment about anything. Some people will bring certain celebrities up to me who are presumably - or known to be - gay and ask 'Why don't they come out?' But we don't know why they don't, and it's none of our business, really. In '75 I was making the Modern Scream album, and Jane and I were in the studio. My publicist called me and said 'Time will give you the cover if you'll come out.' I was more offended than anything that they thought we'd make a deal. But that was '75 - it would have been a hard thing to do at that time.

Lily Tomlin#17

IdentityMediaPrivacy

About this quote

What does it mean?
Reflects on privacy, celebrity, and the pressure to disclose personal identity.
In plain terms
Coming out is a personal choice and not our business.
What can you take from it?
Respect privacy even when curious about public figures.

Where it applies

  • public discourse
  • media interactions
  • personal boundaries

Putting it to work

  • respect privacy
  • avoid speculation

Questions to consider

  • When is privacy most important?
  • How do you handle public pressure?

Another view

It ignores the importance of visibility for marginalized groups.

More from Lily Tomlin

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  2. It's a more ridiculing, divisive humor today, especially with the advent of political incorrectness, which is a license to be as ridiculing and awful about cer…

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  3. I respect her talent and her brain and who she is as a person - and that kind of admiration and respect is a big factor in binding someone in a relationship. I…

    Permalink to quote #15

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