Kerry Washington Never Minded Lesbian Rumors About Her, She Says

Our sibling site, the Advocate, recently met up with Kerry Washington, who has played everything from a high powered crisis management expert to prostitute, and during the interview, the Emmy nominated actress opened up about equality, bullying, and lesbian boot camp.

“I always want to be a part of work that speaks to people across the lines that divide us,” Washington told the Advocate.  “For our show (Scandal) in particular, because it represents such diversity on so many levels, sexual orientation included, it means a lot.”

Currently, Washington stars as Olivia Pope, an ex-politician and mistress to the President on the 3^rd season of ABC’s hit Thursday night drama Scandal.  But before hitting primetime, Washington took on more controversial fare in The Dead Girl, and for her turn as Fatima, an out lesbian who pays her ex-boyfriend for sperm in Spike Lee’s She Hate Me.

“The best part for me was when we would just go hang out together in lesbian clubs,” she disclosed about her time researching for the role of Fatima.  “I always approach a role like an anthropologist, so I like to lose myself in a culture and an identity. It was amazing to spend time in that world.”

Because Washington is a strong, multi-nominated actress, sometimes her work appears close to reality.  “I’ve never been bothered by the lesbian rumor,” she said. “There’s nothing offensive about it, so there’s no reason to be offended.”  Earlier this year she married professional NFL cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, and together they are expecting their first child. 

In addition to her wife, soon-to-be mom, and acting duties, Washington also takes her philanthropic commitments very seriously.  In 2007, she joined the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Lee National Denim Day, supporting Women’s Cancer Programs, and also serves as a member of the Creative Coalition.

She was also a member of V-Day, a group fighting to bring awareness to violence against women and girls.  And most recently, she took a stance against bullying when she was named honorary co-chair for the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network’s Respect Awards. 

“It’s important to fight for equality on a policy level, but we also have to address these issues with young people,” she said.  “We don’t come out of the womb filled with prejudice, racism, and homophobia. Kids are taught to hate, so we have to protect our young people’s minds from those evils.”

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