Arts & Entertainment
British actor rejected from talent agency because they ‘already have a gay actor’
the email went viral and caught the attention of other actors
Joseph Segal (Screenshot courtesy of YouTube)
British actor Joseph Segal’s rejection letter from a talent agency has gone viral for rejecting him because of his sexuality.
“Moreover, we already have a gay actor on our books and also a musician/actor of the same age, so we feel there would be a clash,” the email read.
Segal tweeted the letter captioned, “Today I received this email from an #agent I am hurt and frustrated. Are all #gayactors the same? Do we not get cast? Are there not enough roles for us? If you can take the time to #RETWEEET please do and spread awareness! #LGBT #actor #ActorsLife #TimesUp #casting @EquityUK”
Today I received this email from an #agent I am hurt and frustrated. Are all #gayactors the same? Do we not get cast? Are there not enough roles for us? If you can take the time to #RETWEEET please do and spread awareness! #LGBT #actor #ActorsLife #TimesUp #casting @EquityUK pic.twitter.com/fvMWtEeQkD
— Joseph Segal (@JosephPCSegal) March 10, 2018
Segal’s letter went viral and he received support from out actor Mark Gatiss and “Game of Thrones” star Tom Hopper.
Christ. This is scary. Reprehensible!
— Mark Gatiss (@Markgatiss) March 10, 2018
Joseph, it is a disgrace that this agent has brought your sexuality in to the equation as a reason not to take you on. I’ve worked with many gay actors and they very often are playing a straight character and vice versa. So your sexuality is irrelevant to your casting eligibility
— Tom Hopper (@Tomhopperhops) March 10, 2018
After the letter went viral, the agency issued an apology.
“We offer our sincerest of apologies to you and anyone else who may have taken offense,” the letter reads. “We feel ashamed about it, so ashamed we feel unable to defend it.When choosing clients we look at all aspects the artist brings to the table and at no point should we have commented on your sexuality.”
I have just received this statement from the agency which they wish me to share: pic.twitter.com/8VPTVZuyyU
— Joseph Segal (@JosephPCSegal) March 10, 2018
Segal also reported that the agency has now shut down.
“Thank you for your support and response. The agency will close after a number of it’s clients leaving. This was an inexperienced agency, who I now know, was not a member of the necessary associations. Donations will be made to @LGBTfdn and @MindCharity. I have no further comment,” Segal tweeted.
Thank you for your support and response. The agency will close after a number of it’s clients leaving. This was an inexperienced agency, who I now know, was not a member of the necessary associations. Donations will be made to @LGBTfdn and @MindCharity. I have no further comment
— Joseph Segal (@JosephPCSegal) March 12, 2018
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.
The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.
The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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