Sir Ian McKellen: I’m ashamed how little I know about trans issues
Stonewall co-founder Sir Ian McKellen has said that he’s “ashamed” about how little he knows about trans issues and the drag community.
Sir Ian McKellen – who is narrating a documentary on Muslim drag queens – said he was “in awe” of drag queens and the trans community.
According to the Daily Express, he said at a screening of the film: “I am just in awe of you [the cast] and the others and the thousands who are not in the film.”
“I’m ashamed how little I know about drag and trans and areas of being gay that I have not been part of.
“It makes me begin to understand what it was like 30, 40 years ago when people didn’t understand about simply being gay.”
He added: “You are a pioneer but somehow you’re riding on a wagon that’s going forward and we’re all with you on that. You’re going to have to lead us and help us help you. I think you’re wonderful.”
The veteran gay rights campaigner was one of the original founders of rights charity Stonewall, 26 years ago in 1989.
The charity did not begin campaigning on trans issues until February this year – after years of outcry over the exclusion of the trans community.
The actor recently locked lips with Sir Patrick Stewart at the première of his film Mr Holmes.
Sir Patrick, who is straight, seems to have enjoyed the kiss – going on to kiss chat show host Conan O’Brien this week.
