Natasha Lyonne, a dynamic actress known for her roles in “Orange Is the New Black” and “Russian Doll,” has often intrigued fans with her charismatic on-screen presence and distinctive style.
Over the years, there has been considerable curiosity about her personal life, particularly her sexuality.
Lyonne, who has been open about various aspects of her life, including her struggles and triumphs, continues to captivate audiences not only with her performances but also with her candidness off-screen.
In this article, we delve into Natasha Lyonne’s sexuality, exploring her own words and the broader conversations she has sparked in the entertainment industry.
Natasha Lyonne Sexuality: Is She Lesbian?
Natasha Lyonne identifies as straight, but she has an interesting view of her sexuality. She says, “I see sex as… ‘hmm, what kind of fun can I have?’ I’m in this third category. My sexuality and gender are more like… a playful trickster.” She is a “lesbian icon”.
During interviews for the film, she wasn’t publicly out yet. Lyonne, on the other hand, was often asked if she felt “brave” for playing a lesbian.
“It was the most offensive thing ever,” she says. “Like when people said the same to Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, calling it ‘brave.’
How dare you say that? Or they would ask, ‘Why are you on the cover of Out Magazine with Clea DuVall if you’re not saying you’re gay?’ How dare you! It’s the cover of Out Magazine and Clea and I love each other a lot.
So we did our sexy photoshoot. Nipples out, let’s go! That’s why!”
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Natasha Lyonne on Being a Lesbian Icon
Natasha Lyonne became famous for playing a queer character in the 1999 cult film But I’m a Cheerleader alongside Clea Duvall. In an interview with The New York Times, the Orange is the New Black star talked about being seen as a lesbian icon even though she is straight.
“I never want to act like I’m experiencing something that’s not my own,” Lyonne said. “When I play a lesbian character, she’s on her journey. I love men and want to sleep with as many as possible.”
Lyonne also mentioned she doesn’t want to be only known as “the girl.” “I don’t want my whole life and creative work to be about just being ‘the girl.’ Who needs that?” she told the paper.
Related: Benedict Bridgerton Sexuality: Gay Rumors and What We Know?
Aubrey Plaza, an actress and comedian, who starred with Lyonne in Addicted to Fresno, came out as bisexual in an interview with The Advocate.
She joked that playing a lesbian Krav Maga instructor was easy because it was more about showing a person with a huge crush on Lyonne’s character.
Plaza, who is friends with Lyonne, said she had no hesitation in accepting the role. “Natasha is a friend, and she called me up, like, ‘Do you want to do a movie and make out with me?’ I have a major crush on her in real life, so it was fun,” Plaza told The Advocate.
Duvall and Lyonne worked together again in the 2016 movie The Intervention. “I’ve played many gay characters, but I haven’t played one that feels like the kind of gay I am,” said Duvall, who directed the film. The Intervention opened in theaters on Friday.
