Morgan Freeman had a very memorable night in a Sydney gay bar
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 18: Actor Morgan Freeman speaks onstage during A+E Networks “Shining A Light” concert at The Shrine Auditorium on November 18, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for A+E Networks)
Morgan Freeman has opened up about a memorable night in an Australian gay bar.
The Bruce Almighty acting legend has filmed six-part National Geographic series The Story of Us, in which he travels the world and searches for the common ties that bind humanity.
Speaking to News.com.au, the actor spoke about progress on LGBT rights – and a visit to an Australian gay bar.
Morgan Freeman (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images For Laureus)He said: “I think one of the catalysts people have experienced here in America is the realisation that some of their relatives are gay.
“What are you going to say if your 14 or 15-year-old son comes and says, ‘Dad, I’m gay’. Some are excommunicated immediately but most aren’t.
“There is a new mindset and an understanding that it isn’t some choice you are making.”
Freeman said one of his best memories was visiting a gay bar in Sydney. listening to Sister Sledge’s We Are Family.
He said: “It was so much fun and I thought there was this feeling of freedom… I am surprised Australia doesn’t have marriage equality.”
Ever the PR man, he added that “the freedom to be able to express yourself” was central to his upcoming series.
The actor has long supported equality.
He narrated a 2012 ad for the Human Rights Campaign,in which he says the journey towards equality “has just begun”.
The ad linked civil rights battles to LGBT rights, contrasting powerful images from Martin Luther King Jr to same-sex couples.
Freeman said: “America stands at the dawn of a new day.
“Freedom, justice and human dignity have always guided our journey towards a more perfect union.
“Now across our country we are standing together for the right of gay and lesbian Americans to marry the person they love. And with historic victories for marriage, we have delivered a mandate for full equality.
“The wind is at our back, but our journey has just begun. Join us.”
Related: Australian radio stations censored Macklemore’s gay anthem Same Love
