BERLIN, GERMANY – “Twilight” actress Kristen Stewart faced criticism for her recent Rolling Stone cover, in which she posed in a leather vest and a jockstrap, aiming to depict the “gayest” image possible. Despite the backlash, Stewart defended her cover, stating that she was pleased with it and unbothered by the negative reactions. This controversial cover quickly went viral, sparking a conversation about androgynous imagery in the media.
During an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Stewart expressed her satisfaction with the cover, emphasizing the importance of challenging traditional representations of sexuality, particularly those catered to straight males. She asserted that the existence of a female body portraying non-heteronormative sexuality is discomforting for many, highlighting the need for more diverse and unconventional imagery in the media.
Additionally, Stewart, who publicly came out as gay during a “Saturday Night Live” monologue in 2017, called for queer films to move beyond the limitations of solely addressing marginalized voices. While promoting her new queer thriller film “Love Lies Bleeding” at the Berlin Film Festival, she emphasized the importance of these films reaching mainstream audiences and portraying diverse experiences and desires, without solely focusing on the struggles of marginalized communities.
Stewart’s comments reflect a broader shift towards more inclusive and expansive representations of sexuality and gender identity in media and entertainment. She advocates for a move away from tokenistic representations of marginalized experiences and towards a more nuanced and authentic portrayal of diverse voices and desires in film and media.
Overall, Stewart’s outspoken stance on the Rolling Stone cover and her vision for queer films signals a growing movement towards more inclusive and multifaceted storytelling in the entertainment industry. Her willingness to challenge traditional norms and advocate for diverse and genuine representations in media showcases a significant shift in the way marginalized voices are depicted and celebrated in the public sphere.