...
...
Next Story

Quote of the day by Anne Hathaway: ‘Love is a human experience, not a political statement’

Updated on: Aug 26, 2026, 07:19:14 IST
Anne Hathaway is an actor and equal rights activist. (REUTERS)
Anne Hathaway is an actor and equal rights activist. (REUTERS)
Advertisement

Anne Hathaway's quote reminds us that who people choose to love need not be part of courtroom debates; human decency is all it takes to give all equal rights.

Anne Hathaway has forged her path to Hollywood royalty, getting her breakthrough in 2001 with The Princess Diaries. Over the following decades, she established her stardom starring in films from a wide range of genres, from Devil Wears Prada to Rachel Getting Married, Interstellar to The Dark Knight Rises.

Also Read | Quote of the day by Vinesh Phogat: ‘I can’t predict what the future holds for me and what awaits me in this journey…'

At present, Anne Hathaway is starring in two movies running in theatres: Christopher Nolan’s magnum opus, The Odyssey, and The End of Oak Street. But she is not just one of the most successful actors in the world. She is also an activist who advocates for gender equality as a UN Women goodwill ambassador.

When Anne Hathaway received the HRC Ally Award in 2008, she shared that her being openly supportive of LGBTQ+ rights is not brave, but rather, something that is expected of a decent human being. Love is a universal experience, not a statement to be made. Her quote highlights that there cannot be a political limit on love, and everyone should have the equal right to love whom they love.

In the words of the actor, “There are people who have said that I'm being brave for being openly supportive of gay marriage, gay adoption, basically of gay rights, but with all due respect, I humbly dissent. I'm not being brave, I'm being a decent human being. And I don't think I should receive an award for that, or for merely stating what I believe to be true, that love is a human experience, not a political statement.”

“However, I acknowledged that, sadly, we live in a world where not everybody feels the same. My family and I will help the good fight continue until that long-awaited moment arrives. When our rights are equal and when the political limits on love have been smashed.”

What is the relevance of Anne Hathaway’s quote?

Anne Hathaway has been calling out for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community for decades, but that is yet to be the reality in many parts of the globe. From marriage to adoption, people from the LGBTQ+ community find their rights debated in various courts of law and become tools of political movements. The quote serves as a reminder that all it takes is love and decency for all human beings to enjoy the same rights, irrespective of whom they choose to be with.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Debapriya Bhattacharya

Debapriya Bhattacharya is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times. He started his career in 2022, working in newsrooms in beats like education, US news, trending stories, and entertainment. In his new role in the lifestyle desk, he seeks to deliver a balanced blend of research-driven reporting and creative storytelling from health and recipes to art and culture. Science, philosophy, food and pop culture are what pump his veins and help bring heart to his stories. Debapriya tries to see out subjects that will allow him and readers to explore new frontiers and improve the quality of life for all. The explorations can be both external and internal, as thoughts seek to be as chaotic as the greater universe. As a citizen of the world, Debapriya has been fascinated by the lives of people across the globe throughout time. His curiosity leads him to explore new linguistic and cultural landscapes to broaden his horizons and deepen his understanding of global narratives. Beyond the newsroom, Debapriya loves to participate in debate and theatre, spaces that he considers to be holy grounds for nuance and self-expression. A graduate from Ashutosh College, University of Calcutta, Debapriya completed his Master's degree from the same university in 2022. An ambiverted bibliophile, he loves his solitude as much as he adores stimulating conversations. And despite his reverence for tech, libraries continue to be his favourite place for research.

Explore the latest Lifestyle News on health, fashion, travel, relationships, food and festivals. Find useful tips, expert advice, trends and inspiring stories for everyday living.
Explore the latest Lifestyle News on health, fashion, travel, relationships, food and festivals. Find useful tips, expert advice, trends and inspiring stories for everyday living.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON