Fonda encourages perserverance among LGBT youth
by Austin Stallings
Journalism Intern
Jane Fonda has a message of hope and support for the younger LGBT community.
"Just know that you are not alone, that all around this country, there are places that you can go to find support and help and advice and love. You are not alone," Fonda said, in an interview with The Advocate at the season 2 premiere of Grace and Frankie.
The actress told youth that they should persevere as they come out to their parents no matter what their reaction to the news might be.
"Do not despair, no matter what your parents say," she continued. "You’ve got to understand it can be very hard for parents to hear that their son or daughter is gay. But it’s their problem. It’s not your problem. Don’t despair."
According to The Advocate, Fonda recently said she would not go to North Carolina due to its recent passage of anti-LGBT legislation, which, among other grievances, forbids transgender people from using the bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity.
The Netflix show, which resumes on May 6, is entirely different in its portrayal of gay and straight people discovering love and companionship in their golden years.
On Grace and Frankie, Fonda portrays Grace, a woman whose husband (Martin Sheen) comes out as gay and leaves her for another man (Sam Waterson). Afterward, she begins an unlikely friendship with Frankie (Lily Tomlin), who plays Waterston's now ex-wife.
LGBT young people who are looking for support, advice, or help can reach out to The Trevor Project's lifeline at 866-488-7386.
The Gayly- 5/2/2016 @ 3:23 p.m. CDT