Annette Bening is still speaking out in favor of trans individuals.
The “Nyad” actress was questioned by co-panelist Sara Haines on Friday’s episode of “The View” about her decision to “enter that ring of speaking out” in support of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Bening, 65, said of her son Stephen, 32, who is trans and the oldest of the performer’s four children, whom she shares with her husband of more than 30 years, Warren Beatty, “I felt very protective of his privacy at the beginning, because he is the son of these two famous people.”
“I therefore felt very cautious and believed that he had the right to speak in public or not. And as time has passed—especially in light of what is, unfortunately, taking place in the social process—fear and ignorance are being used in a terrifying manner against transgender people. It’s really harsh,” Bening said.
She continued, “And I feel about it very, very strongly. I identify as a Democrat. A strong Democratic party is needed. We need a strong opposition. However, we do not need individuals to incite fear.”
The “American Beauty” actress continued by telling the panelists that she has a friend who moved her “entire family” from Texas to Los Angeles because she was concerned about what would happen to her trans daughter if they stayed there.
“As you know, some Texas laws have become very harsh, allowing them to visit schools without the parents present and speak with the students. So, my friend was very scared,” Bening said.
The two-time Golden Globe winner expressed her hope that people might discover a transgender person in their lives who is just like them, but who also happens to be trans.
“We need the Republicans to stand up and say that this is wrong,” Bening continued, adding later, “And if you’re even luckier, you have someone in your family, because then you really do understand that we don’t have to judge — we must love and understand. This is heartbreaking, too.”
Annette Bening with her son Stephen Beatty. (Photo credits: Griffin, Bauer, GC Images, Instagram, and Stephen Beatty)
Bening has previously spoken about her pride in her son, telling AARP in an interview that was published in November 2019 that “He’s managed something very challenging with great style and wonderful intelligence.”
“He’s a thoughtful, expressive guy, and I’m incredibly proud of him,” she remarked.
Additionally, Beatty, 86, shares Bening’s view of Stephen. The “Bonnie and Clyde” actor told Vanity Fair in 2016 that he was a revolutionary, brilliant, and my hero, just like all of my children.
Bening and Beatty also have son Benjamin, 29, as well as daughters Isabel, 27, and Ella, 23.
