Kelly Marie Tran is stepping into her truth and sharing it with the world. The 35-year-old actress, best known for her portrayal of Rose Tico in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, has publicly come out as queer in a heartfelt interview while promoting her latest project, a reimagining of Ang Lee’s The Wedding Banquet.
“I haven’t said this publicly yet, but I’m a queer person,” Kelly revealed to Vanity Fair.
Her announcement marks a significant moment in her journey, and it ties seamlessly into her role in Andrew Ahn’s remake of the queer rom-com classic. The movie represents both a personal and professional milestone for Kelly, as it aligns deeply with her identity.
Kelly expressed her connection to her character, Angela, a woman navigating the complexities of life and love with her girlfriend Lee, portrayed by Academy Award nominee Lily Gladstone. Reflecting on her experience, Kelly shared, “The thing that really excited me about it was I got to play a person that I felt like I knew. I don’t feel like I’m acting at all in this movie.”
For Kelly, the project is more than just a role—it’s a space where she has felt truly seen and accepted. “I’m here doing this amazing movie with these amazing people,” she said. “I’ve never been in a queer space before. I’ve never truly felt this accepted before.”
The reimagining of The Wedding Banquet breathes new life into Ang Lee’s 1993 film, bringing contemporary themes to the forefront. Kelly’s character Angela is “a woman trying to have a baby through IVF with her girlfriend Lee (played by Academy Award-nominated actress Lily Gladstone). Residing in their guest home are their best pals Chris (Bowen Yang) and his partner Min (Han Gi-chan). Min, under pressure to return to his native Korea to take over the family business, hatches a plan with Angela: a fake wedding, so he could secure a green card and Angela could raise funds for IVF treatment — all while pleasing Min’s old-fashioned family back home,” EW states.
Kelly’s openness about her identity and her role in a queer-centric story is a powerful statement. In addition to representing a deeply personal milestone, it underscores the importance of visibility and inclusion in Hollywood.
By stepping into a role that resonates so closely with her own experiences, Kelly is not only breaking barriers but also amplifying the narratives of queer individuals on screen.
Her journey into this new chapter of her career and personal life is a testament to the importance of authentic storytelling—and the power of finding spaces where you can be unapologetically yourself.
