Kristen Stewart has openly discussed her decision to come out publicly about her relationships with women, explaining that she refused to live a “partial life” by hiding her true self. The 35-year-old actress, known for her candidness, shared these insights during an interview on ABC News Live Prime Time with Linsey Davis, emphasizing the importance of honesty about her identity.
Stewart, who is married to screenwriter Dylan Meyer, spoke about the challenges she faced in an industry and society that often urged her to conceal her romantic life for the sake of her career.
Facing Advice to Conceal Relationships and Choosing Openness
Over the years, Kristen Stewart was advised by people she trusted that being discreet about her relationships with women might benefit her professional standing. However, she rejected this notion firmly. In her words, some told her that her career
“would go better if you didn’t go outside holding your girlfriend’s hand.”
She responded sharply, saying,
“So you want me to live a partial life? And you want me to uphold, perpetuate and sustain a system that excludes people?”
Kristen Stewart
This sentiment reflects her refusal to support an exclusionary system by hiding her relationships, signaling her commitment to authenticity despite potential risks.
Media Scrutiny and the Desire to Break Barriers
Before publicly acknowledging her relationships, Stewart experienced intense media attention focused on her personal life. She described that period as feeling like a “comic book,” an exaggerated narrative she did not want to be a part of. Choosing instead to be open about her relationships, Kristen aimed to contribute to a more accepting environment.
She stated,
“I want to define it, I want to make it a more open and accepting place,”
acknowledging that her visibility could encourage others to feel less isolated.
From Past Relationships to Marriage with Dylan Meyer
Kristen Stewart’s romantic history includes relationships with French singer Soko in 2016 and model Stella Maxwell from late 2016 to 2018. In 2019, she began dating Dylan Meyer, who would later become her wife following their wedding in April 2025.
Celebrating their marriage on Instagram, Stewart wrote,
“’I do. I really really really really really do,’”
marking a significant milestone in her personal life and public journey of coming out.
Directorial Debut and Reflections on Hollywood’s Treatment of Women
Aside from sharing her personal truths, Kristen has also expanded her career by making her directorial debut with The Chronology of Water. In an interview with The Sunday Times, she contrasted the treatment she received as an actress with the respect she now experiences as a director.
She revealed her frustration with Hollywood’s attitude toward actresses, saying,
“Actresses get treated like s***, I’ve got to tell you.”
Regarding her new role, she added,
“Wow, this is a different experience, they are talking to me like I’m somebody with a brain,”
reflecting her desire to be valued beyond preconceived limits.
The Importance of Visibility and Impact on Others
Stewart’s decision to come out openly challenges the entertainment industry’s historical tendency to marginalize LGBTQ+ identities. By refusing to hide and by sharing her story publicly, she hopes to inspire others who feel pressured to conceal who they are.
She explained that making a statement about her personal life might “unlock other people’s doors,” demonstrating her belief in the power of visibility to foster acceptance and change.
