Actress reflects on the impact of the iconic couple Calzona during a recent podcast appearance
Beanie Feldstein recently revealed that her “gay awakening” was influenced by characters from the beloved series Grey’s Anatomy. The 31-year-old actress shared her experience during a podcast episode of Call It What It Is, hosted by Grey’s Anatomy alumni Jessica Capshaw and Camilla Luddington.
In a heartfelt conversation, Feldstein disclosed that the relationship between Dr. Arizona Robbins, played by Capshaw, and Callie Torres, portrayed by Sara Ramírez, significantly impacted her. “Looking back, definitely, Calzona was my gay awakening,” she said, emphasizing that she didn’t fully recognize the significance of the couple at the time.
Fans of the show will recall that Callie Torres, who was initially married to Dr. George O’Malley, came out as bisexual before embarking on a relationship with Arizona, culminating in their marriage in Season 7.
Reflecting on her personal journey, Feldstein described her deep admiration for the couple, stating, “I was obsessed…. on a different level.” She elaborated, “Looking back, I’m like, oh, there are so many kind of signs.”
Discussing her own coming-out experience, Feldstein explained, “It wasn’t that I was keeping something inside that I was not letting out. It was like I hadn’t put the pieces that had been clicked in together in my own body.” She recalled that once she realized her identity, she came out almost immediately. “I’m incapable of keeping anything inside my brain or body. I’m an extremely external person,” she added.
Feldstein also highlighted that her experience is shared by many in the queer community, noting, “That is a much more common queer experience than I think people talk about often.” She praised Grey’s Anatomy for accurately portraying similar journeys, particularly through Callie Torres’ character arc.
“You think you’re one thing; everyone tells you one thing, and you’re not mad at that thing. It’s just something maybe doesn’t feel 100% right,” she explained.
Reflecting on her past relationships with men, she added, “I have great fondness for them. They were good, nice people, and everything was fine, but there was just something missing.”
Feldstein, who married Bonnie Chance Roberts earlier this year, continues to embrace her identity and share her experiences with authenticity.
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