Exploring Kristen Stewart's Journey of Embracing Her Sexuality and Coming Out as Queer

Kristen Stewart made headlines when she publicly revealed her queer identity during her first time hosting Saturday Night Live.

During her monologue in February 2017, Stewart humorously mentioned feeling nervous about hosting because she believed then-President Donald Trump was likely watching and not a fan of hers. She joked about Trump disapproving of her past relationship with Robert Pattinson. Stewart then boldly declared, "I’m, like, so gay, dude," indicating her pride in her sexual orientation.

Stewart, who had previously dated Speak costar Michael Angarano and Twilight love interest Pattinson during her early years in the spotlight, had never publicly disclosed her sexuality.

“I think it was just funny,” she told E! News one month later. “Not to diminish the point, because I think that saying things so bluntly is absolutely important, but at the same time, the only reason I haven’t ever done that is because there is an ambiguity to that and I wanted things to be really real for me.”

She continued, "I'm really proud that many people have thanked me, and I always say, 'No, thank you.' It's like a mutual appreciation, coming back around."

Since coming out, Stewart has dated Alicia Cargile, St. Vincent, Soko, Stella Maxwell, and Dylan Meyer. Stewart and Meyer got engaged in 2021.

Keep scrolling for more of Stewart’s candid thoughts about sexuality and coming out as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community:

August 2015

May 2016

When asked about her dating life with Cargile, she jokingly responded to Nylon, "Google me, I'm not hiding." She expressed her belief that in the next three to four years, more people will no longer feel the need to define their sexual orientation as gay or straight. She emphasized the importance of simply being true to oneself and living authentically.

Stewart, a former child actor, used to feel pressured to define herself publicly before deciding to stop.

In an interview with Variety, the Spencer actress shared, "I felt the need to have a clear identity. I felt this strange obligation because I didn't want to come across as scared. But no label felt right. So I thought, 'How can I even begin to define myself?' I realized I didn't have to."

Stewart added that “not defining” her sexuality is the epitome of “what [she’s] about,” adding, “If you don’t get it, I don’t have time for you.”

Kristen Stewart's Candid Quotes About Her Sexuality and Coming Out as Queer Through the Years

Desiree Navarro/WireImage

October 2016

Stewart had previously acknowledged her relationship with Cargile, expressing her lack of shame in dating a woman.

She clarified, "I'm not confused. Things have evolved. And it's not just me - we can all embrace this new acceptance and be amazing."

March 2017

She told the Sunday Times that she came out on SNL because “it just seemed important and topical,” denying that she dated Pattinson out of confusion.

Stewart's Thoughts on Privacy and Public Relationships

Stewart explained that she chose to keep her first public relationships private because she wanted to maintain a sense of ownership over her personal life. She expressed her discomfort with the idea of her personal experiences being exploited for public consumption. However, as a public figure, she came to realize that her actions and relationships could have a broader impact on others. She saw it as an opportunity to share a part of herself in order to inspire and uplift others.

September 2018

Ambiguity is something I absolutely love. Whether it's in sexuality or in making films, I believe that leaving room for interpretation allows people to have their own unique experiences and thoughts. Just like in relationships, not knowing everything all the time can keep things exciting and mysterious.

Kristen Stewart's Candid Quotes About Her Sexuality and Coming Out as Queer Through the Years

Dylan Meyer and Kristen Stewart. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

January 2024

Since coming out, Stewart now sees Twilight in a new light. Despite the focus on a heterosexual, teen love triangle involving a human girl, a vampire boy, and a werewolf guy.

“I don’t think it necessarily started off that way," Stewart shared with Variety. "But I also think that the fact that I was there at all, it was percolating. It’s such a gay movie. I mean, Jesus Christ, Taylor [Lautner] and Rob and me, and it’s so hidden and not OK. I mean, a Mormon woman [Stephenie Meyer] wrote this book. It’s all about oppression, about wanting what’s going to destroy you. That’s a very Gothic, gay inclination that I love.”

March 2024

Stewart made headlines last month for her controversial Rolling Stone cover. In the photo, she was seen wearing a jockstrap and provocatively placing one hand inside it. The image caused a stir, but Stewart dismissed the criticism as "ironic."

"I've noticed a lot of male pubic hair on magazine covers. It seems like there are a lot of hands in pants," she shared during an appearance on the Late Show With Stephen Colbert. "I believe there's a clear recognition of female sexuality that is independent and that can be frustrating for those who are sexist and homophobic. Female sexuality is often expected to just exist for others' pleasure. The cover feels like it's pushing boundaries in a way that might be irritating. But, to those who have a problem with it, well, tough luck."

Editor's P/S:

Kristen Stewart's public revelation of her queer identity during her SNL hosting debut marked a significant moment for LGBTQIA+ representation in the entertainment industry. Her bold declaration, "I'm, like, so gay, dude," shattered the ambiguity surrounding her sexuality and inspired countless individuals to embrace their own identities. Stewart's journey towards self-acceptance demonstrates the importance of authenticity and living in accordance with one's true self, regardless of societal expectations or the potential for backlash.

Stewart's nuanced perspective on sexuality, which rejects rigid labels and celebrates fluidity, challenges conventional notions of identity. She believes that embracing ambiguity and leaving room for interpretation allows individuals to have unique and meaningful experiences. Her willingness to share her personal experiences, including her relationships with both men and women, has fostered a sense of community and visibility for members of the LGBTQIA+ community who may have struggled with their own self-discovery. Stewart's advocacy for inclusivity and her refusal to conform to societal norms serve as a powerful reminder that love and self-expression take many forms.