The Scottish star received the award in 2009 for his activism for equal rights for the gay and lesbian communities in America.
But after talks about the history of the British Empire, and its “exploitation of indigenous peoples,” Cumming decided to return the honor.
In an Instagram post marking his 58th birthday on Friday, the Hollywood actor said he began “opening my eyes” to the monarchy and the British Empire after the Queen’s death.
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I’m back an OBE, he told his 479,000 followers. Fourteen years ago, I was so grateful to receive it in the 2009 Queen’s Birthday Honors List, because it was awarded not only for my work as an actor but “for activism for equal rights for the gay and lesbian community, USA.”
At the time, the Defense of Marriage Act ensured that same-sex couples could not marry or enjoy the same basic legal rights as ordinary people, and guaranteed “don’t ask, don’t tell” that openly gay, lesbian, or bisexual people were banned from serving in the military. “.
Cumming said at the time he was honored to receive the award for his equality work, which he said made him “proud to be British”.
But (Yasser) said his views began to change after the death of the Queen last year.
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He continued: “The Queen’s death and the ensuing debates about the role of the monarchy and especially the way in which the British Empire benefited at the expense (and death) of Indigenous peoples around the world really opened my eyes.
Also, fortunately, times and laws have changed in the United States, and the good thing the award brought to the LGBTQ+ cause in 2009 is now less powerful than the suspicions that were associated with the nobility of the Empire (OBE stands for Officer of the British Empire).
So I returned my award, explained my reasons and reiterated my immense gratitude for being awarded it in the first place.
Now I’m back to being plain old Alan Cumming again. happy Birthday to me!”
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