A group of actors in Germany have come out as LGBT+ en-masse, revealing that they have been warned to keep their identities a secret so their careers could thrive. Some 185 actors publicly came out as gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, non-binary or trans in an article published in Süddeutsche Zeitung magazine on Friday (5 February).

They published a joint manifesto calling for more LGBT+ characters on screen, as well as demanding a change in attitudes towards LGBT+ actors in the industry.

“Until now, we have not been able to talk openly about our private lives without fearing professional consequences,” the actors said in the manifesto.

“All too often, many of us have been cautioned – be it by managers, casting agents, colleagues, producers, editors, directors, etc – to keep quiet about our sexual orientations and gender identities to avoid jeopardising our careers.”

The actors said they decided to “come together” to put an end to such discriminatory attitudes. Six of the actors spoke separately to Süddeutsche Zeitung about their experiences navigating the film, television and theatre worlds while also trying to keep their queer identities a secret.

“Reality should be as diverse on screen as it is in real life,” said Eva Meckbach, a well-known German actor who starred in the cult series Tatort. Read more via Pink News