Daniel Radcliffe Talks Gay Marriage, GOP Bigotry, and Crushing on Ryan Gosling

By: Michael Matson
2.6.2012

Actor Daniel Radcliffe displays intelligence as abundant as his talent in an impressive new interview with UK gay magazine, Attitude, beginning with an astute explanation of how marriage equality benefits society.

"The ultimate reason gay marriage should be legalized everywhere is because, as a kid, you look to your mum and dad and they're married, then you look at the gay couple who've been together for the same amount of time, but because they can't get married their relationship doesn't seem the same,” said Radcliffe. “Yes, gay marriage is about symbolically blessing a relationship, but the larger issue is about transmitting a fundamental message about equality. Gay people should have equality in law everywhere. If you grow up as a young gay man knowing you don’t have the same opportunities as everyone else, you're going to feel victimized and massive prejudice towards you."

The 22-year-old also revealed he’s been “disgusted, amazed, stunned” by the anti-gay bigotry spewed by current GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum and former contenders Michele Bachmann and Rick Perry. “I think [they] pretend to be homophobic just to win votes,” he said.

Though heterosexual, Radcliffe still understands what is attractive about men—particularly Ryan Gosling.

"I can quite happily say someone is handsome, good-looking, and I can see why someone would want to f*ck them, but I've never felt that way about a man myself,” said Radcliffe. “There is that moment in your late teens when you ask yourself the question, 'Am I?' but I wasn't...Well, this year I have a talent crush on Ryan Gosling. I think he's fantastic and...(ahem) you know he'd be nice afterwards. He seems smart. If I was gay, I would go for a smart man."

Comments

Juan 3.7.2012 4:03:00 PM

I've followed Daniel since he was in some movies before Harry Potter and then his movie of Potter and he has really grown up. I wished that he wouldn't have gone on and stripped to show his goods, but I just sat and drooled.

Camelo Carlos 2.23.2012 3:03:00 PM

I think Daniel is cute and deserves to be happy and alone with the guy he chose for companion.

tom 2.20.2012 7:50:00 AM

Gosling is cute and all, but the Ryan that makes me wet all over is Ryan Reynolds! By the way Daniel...not that you will see this... I would like you to know that I find that you have become a very fine actor and even more of a man of conscious. I always enjoy reading about you.

Anonymous 2.20.2012 8:18:00 PM

Doesn't any one think hes a little bit gay.

Don 2.17.2012 12:20:00 AM

Thank you Daniel. you are a talented and intellegent person. You lend respect to the gay community with your comments which I greatly appreciate. May you continue to be as successful as you are now!

Johnny 2.14.2012 6:16:00 PM

Daniel your intelligence and compassion show just how amazing a person you are! I think and have seen celebrities who "support" the LGBT community but I don't feel that genuine support it's almost like there Publicist is telling them to support us to gain "points" for their career. However you genuinely do care and empathize on issues that the LGBT community faces and have no fear of retribution from your fans who may not share those same views or from the "Industry". You speak your mind and your courage for doing so is admirable & I can only wish and hope that more people follow your lead! Your a divine package and I for one am thankful to have you as a supporter for Equal rights! You've done amazing work with "The Trevor Project" and others. Your not afraid to be yourself, share your opinions, support those in need and many other admirable acts. I believe this is because your an extremely intelligent young man who is comfortable with your sexuality and being in your own skin! I wish you every success in all your future endeavours!! Thank you again, your brilliant and much more!

David 2.13.2012 12:41:00 AM

Daniel Radcliffe FOR PRESIDENT!!

SEAN 2.11.2012 10:59:00 AM

Canadian boy here, I am so lucky to live in a country where gay marriage is legal and health care is free! I've had a crush on Daniel forever LOL.

Daniel in St Pete FL 2.11.2012 9:20:00 AM

Daniel is great and deserves all the praise from all the comments here.
One thing I'd like to bring up here is I am not sure what arguments are being used to try to win us our equal rights but here is a argument I think that should be being used.
The Constitution says "all men are created equal and have the same rights to pursue happiness" when a straight man goes home from work he presumably has the right too be happy with his family a loving wife (partner) and children.
A gay man is denied that happiness and that right along with many other per suites of happiness.

sorry for posting this here but I am trying to get this message to our community and this is one of the few ways to do it.

Daniel in Florida

William T. Rogers 2.11.2012 7:59:00 AM

It's so nice to have a younger straight male (and also very talented and out there) who is obviously at ease with his own sexuality and identity in our corner. My partner and I have been together 25 years and the 'marriage issue' really hasn't come up between us. Most of my dad's family is dead (Thank God - Such Bigots, Racists and Homophobes) and my sister on my mother's side is very accepting. My partner's family 'took me in like family'. We both do pray however, that gay marriage will become nation wide event and that it's time has come. I just want to say thank you though to Daniel for a most insightful and acceptance-oriented interview. We need more like him every day in our world. God Bless You, Daniel.

Frickeepoo 2.11.2012 7:34:00 AM

Ryan Gosling and Daniel Radcliffe?! I'd like to be a fly on that wall!

Wes 2.11.2012 7:12:00 AM

I am almost 3x as old as Daniel & have been in a firm relationshiip for
35 yrs...He nailed the marriage argument perfectly. We have to spend
thousands to get Legal documents to insure we have the same rights
heteros due by a simple marriage. Unjust, Unfair & strictly mans prejudice.

Anonymous 2.10.2012 11:38:00 PM

yes and i was right there in " The Notebook " with Ryan...dont let that movie fool you...it was cold and rainy and snowy for most of it...I remember Ryan and the girl laying on that street at midnight, they, in short sleeves, around 22 degress and light snow coming down...what a rush and we all changed clothes in the gay bar around the corner where they were filming.....

Anonymous 2.10.2012 8:46:00 PM

I think what daniel radcliff say about Ryan gossling that he like Ryan Gossling because of his talent and as a good actor it doesnt mean that he is inlove with him but if happened Daniel was gay he would rather go for someone who is smart and talented

Dant2590 2.10.2012 8:00:00 PM

WOW...what a great interview. I'm with you on Ryan!! But you're sure a cutie too! Just as cute as Ryan!! Now if you and Ryan were gay, the world WOULD be perfect, wouldn't it!??

I've seen you recently on the talk shows. You're a really great guy!

Don Rice 2.10.2012 5:50:00 PM

Daniel, you are wise beyond your years. The interview was exellent and I think you are a probably the most Open Minded, Caring, Sensitive, Intelligent, well spoken young men of your generation. I have to admire you for your statements in the interview in "Attitude", and the way you came to the young lady performers' defence during your Hosting on SNL recently. I thnk it proved that you are genuine in your beliefs in how to respect all people and stand by them. It doesnt matter if you are Gay or not, you are truly grateful and realise that it's the people, your Fans, and of course your drop dead good looks, that made you as popular as you are today. Now that you are in the spotlight, your opinion and thoughts matter more than you know. Please never change, I have enjoyed watching grow from a young boy and become a reasonable, thoughful, respectful youngman. From the 1st Harry Potter film "The Sorceror's Stone" to the last, "The Deathly Hallows", I will always be a fan.
Thank You for being YOU.

Don Rice

Fred 2.10.2012 1:12:00 PM

i love you

Fred 2.10.2012 1:11:00 PM

Daniel i think your sexy & loved you in harry potter & woman in black would love to date you.

Colin 2.10.2012 12:43:00 PM

Daniel, forget the Notebook... watch Crazy Stupid Love... Ryan Gosling is HOT :-)

Daniel 2.10.2012 12:27:00 PM

Whats with this sudden push to love Ryan Gosling as a sex idol? "The Notebook" was like a decade ago.

Anonymous 2.10.2012 10:52:00 AM

Mr Radcliffe

Thank you for sharing your smart intelligence, many talents and handsome sexy looks with us all.

I wish you great happiness - RJ

Charls 2.10.2012 10:50:00 AM

Thanks Daniel, people like you should be everywhere

Chris 2.10.2012 9:09:00 AM

I'll have to say that is the smartest comment I've ever read anyone say about GLBT Marriage. Well spoken Mr. Radcliffe.

matt 2.10.2012 1:17:00 PM

Well said Chris. I totally agree and was going to say almost the exact same thing but you nailed it.

Grandpa 2.10.2012 8:38:00 AM

Thank you, Daniel, for such great understanding. You are brilliant, a fine actor and a blessing for people gay and straight.

Anonymous 2.10.2012 8:25:00 AM

Daniel, u r hot and always have been in my eyes, Taylor Lautner is as well and Ryan is as well, Twilight and Harry Potter are my all time favorites

richard in Denver 2.8.2012 10:10:00 PM

Heh Daniel - IM SMART!!!!!!!! Love your work young man - WOMAN IN BLACK scared the pants off me - and i so very much enjoyed meeting you in LONDON after EQUUS - you were stunningly brilliant! And i will always love u in HP - cant wait to see what you do next! BEST WISHES and amazing success! :~)

Anonymous 2.8.2012 2:11:00 AM

Ryan gostling is hell's fine :) I agree with Daniel

Anonymous 2.6.2012 2:12:00 PM

he is gay

Grandpa Ron 2.10.2012 8:46:00 AM

How can anyone be as pathetic as this individual who posted judging Mr.
Radcliffe? Easy to make accusations behind the title of "Anonymous," isn't it?
Must be awful to be him.
Grandpa Ron Wrinkle

Mik 2.10.2012 8:56:00 PM

No its very hard and having mister Ron wrinkle doesnt help! Does it. It would be very interesting to see how many gay actors are out and in the closet to this DAY! I guess you love the closet cases its a challenge to get them to come out and have sex with right!

Dan Shill 2.6.2012 1:57:00 PM

Nice to see Daniel has a good head on his shoulders, as well as talent and good looks! I don't care if he is straight, I STILL have a huge crush on him!

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