Jameela Jamil comes out as queer on Twitter

By Brittney McNamara6 February 2020

The actress said this wasn't how she wanted to do it

In a note posted on Twitter, Jameela Jamil has come out as queer.

The actress posted a long note to her Twitter saying she's queer, but didn't want to come out in the way she has. The announcement comes amid social media controversy about Jameela's involvement in a vogueing competition show.

View on Twitter

“Twitter is brutal. This is why I never officially came out as queer,” Jameela wrote. “I added a rainbow to my name when I felt ready a few years ago, as it’s not easy within the south Asian community to be accepted, and I always answered honestly if ever straight-up asked about it on Twitter. But I kept it low because I was scared of the pain of being accused of performative bandwagon jumping, over something that caused me a lot of confusion, fear and turmoil when I was a kid.”

“It’s also scary as an actor to openly admit your sexuality, especially when you’re already a brown female in your thirties,” she continued. “This is absolutely not how I wanted it to come out.”

Earlier this week, HBO Max announced Jameela would appear on the forthcoming vogueing competition show Legendary. The show will feature well known ballroom competitors, highlighting the underground, queer subculture. Many objected to Jameela's inclusion in the show, since she seemingly has no history with or connection to the culture. On social media, many said it would have been better for someone in the LGBTQ community who is familiar with the art form appear on the show.

The intense backlash apparently made Jameela feel the need to come out, which should never be the case. Each person should feel comfortable coming out on their own time, if they feel safe doing so. In her announcement, Jameela also clarified that she knows simply identifying as queer doesn't make her more qualified to participate in the show, but felt her platform could bring new eyes and appreciation to ballroom.

“I know that my being queer doesn’t qualify me as ballroom,” she said. “But I have privilege and power and a large following to bring this show… Sometimes it takes those with more power to help a show get off the ground so we can elevate marginalized stars that deserve the limelight and give them a chance.”

In the note, Jameela also said she's leaving Twitter for a bit after posting her coming out announcement.

This article originally appeared on Teenvogue.com