Maria Bello opened up this week about her feelings on Bruce Jenner’s recent interview with Diane Sawyer, saying she’s so happy that Jenner isn’t allowing anyone to label him.
Bello, who is openly gay, told HuffPost Live that the only labels we should have are the ones we give ourselves. Jenner–who revealed to Sawyer in the 20/20 interview that although he feels that he’s always been a female, he remains heterosexual–has garnered praise from around the world for his bravery in opening up about his trans status and also has the support of his family. Kim, Kourtney, Khloe, and Rob Kardashian all took to social media after the interview aired to share how proud they are of their stepdad, as well as his daughters Kylie and Kendall.
“I loved that interview so much…”I’m so glad he brought it to the forefront. For him to say ‘you can’t put a label [on me]’ is fantastic. The only labels you should have are the ones you give yourself. Life isn’t static, and we have to create better labels to embrace who we are,” Bello said.
Jenner has been praised by many–including his family–for sharing his story because of the potential it has to change a lot of lives.
“Couldn’t be a more proud daughter. With courage and bravery, let’s change the world. I am honored to stand by Bruce’s side and support him,” Kourtney shared on social media.
Jenner, a former Olympian who often shared his life on the Kardashian family’s reality shows, has been laying low for the last several months after a split from Kris Jenner, and the media was left to speculate on whether he was indeed transitioning. Within the swirl of rumors, Jenner says he just is who he is, which is one of the things Maria Bello applauds.
“There’s two different things here. Sexuality is who you personally are attracted to — who turns you on — male or female. But gender identity has to do with who you are as a person and your soul, and who you identify with inside, okay? I’m not stuck in anybody’s body. I’m just who I am as a human being,” Jenner said.