Hunger Games' Star Amandla Stenberg Admits She's Bisexual, Celebrates Achievements of Black Women
'Hunger Games' star Amandla Stenberg, better known as Rue, Jennifer Lawrence's endearing sidekick in the popular film franchise came out proud, admitting her being a bisexual in a Snapchat video for Teen Vogue to inspire other black girls to embrace their identity, CNN reported Monday.
The 17-year-old actress is the focus of the teen magazine's February cover story. The feature was written by performer Solange Knowles in which which Stenberg talks about her path towards social justice activism.
In the Snapchat video, Stenberg said outright these powerful statements: "It's a really, really hard thing to be silenced, and it's deeply bruising to fight against your identity and to mold yourself into shapes that you just shouldn't be in. As someone who identifies as a black bisexual woman, I've been through it and it hurts and it's awkward and it's uncomfortable."
Stenberg added that because of Solange Knowles, Ava DuVernay, Willow Smith and all the black girls watching the video, there is "absolutely nothing to change" and that black girls cannot be suppressed and are meant to express joy and love.
" [Let] our tears be big and bold and definitely not easy to swallow," Stenberg said.
Essence reported that Teen Vogue released three covers this week for the February issue with the hashtag "#BlackGirlMagic," the term used to celebrate the achievements of black women all over the world.
The magazine also put the spotlight on new artists that "shape our future." The list includes "Chi-raq" actress Teyonah Parris, "Black-ish" star Yara Shahidi and social justice activist Johnetta "Netta" Elzie.
Elzie made a cameo appearance in Stenberg's Teen Vogue spread.
As part of her advocaccy, Stenberg also co-produced the "#BlackGirlsMagic" video series. The series runs with three videos featuring Elzie, Cipriana Quann and actress Franchesca Ramsey, in which they discuss things black girls are tired of hearing and why being black is something to be proud of.
Stenberg also called out Victoria Secret model Kylie Jenner for sporting a braided look in an Instagram post in July last year.
Her advocacy and activism have led various media outlets to identify her as a standout and the voice of her generation.
