Gillian Anderson reflects on secret teenage same-sex relationship

In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, actress Gillian Anderson reflected on her teenage years and her evolving understanding of her sexuality. The 58-year-old star, known for roles in ‘The X-Files’ and ‘Sex Education’, revealed that she had a secret same-sex relationship with an older girl during high school.

Anderson described the experience as feeling ‘secretive and illicit and wrong’ because the couple felt they had to hide. She noted that at the time, she lacked the ‘language’ to describe her feelings and did not identify as LGBTQ+ because she also had relationships with men. She recalled that a boyfriend eventually ended their relationship after discovering her past connection with a woman.

Reflecting on her upbringing, Anderson discussed moving from London to Grand Rapids, Michigan, at age 11. She described her teenage years as a rebellious period, noting that she often felt she did not fit in. Regarding her current views on partnership, she stated that while her life partner is male, she would feel the same connection if the person were a woman.