Editor’s note: Teela LaRoux was our Playmate of the Month in the July 2019 issue. You can also find her on Playboy Plus (Link NSFW).
Teela LaRoux grew up in Seattle, where her mother and her grandmother were both her supportive, strong role models. She started modeling at the age of 13 and was soon traveling the world for her work. (Paris, she says, is a great place to grow into adulthood.) “I’ve been part of the LGBTQ community my entire adult life,” LaRoux said in her magazine profile. “When I receive messages from girls who ask about coming out, wondering if they’re gay, bi or fluid, I feel it’s my duty to tell them, ‘It’s okay whatever you are, as long as you’re happy.’” As part of our celebration of this year’s Pride, Playboy chatted again recently with LaRoux.
What’s your coming out story?
I came out as lesbian when I was around 21. My first girlfriend and I were roommates and ended up falling in love. Most of my family was really accepting of it, and I felt very supported. A decade later, I realized that I didn’t base my love on gender, but more on connection. So I came out again as pansexual. I was met with so much unexpected hostility and judgment from the LGBTQ community; especially a lot of my lesbian peers. People would tell me that I was “just confused.” And at that point I was confused, but it wasn’t by my sexuality, it was by their reaction. The whole foundation of the LGBTQ community is that we should be able to love whoever we want, so why was my own community judging me? It made me realize that a lot of education still needs to happen within the LGBTQ community, not just outside of it.
What is one of the most annoying misconceptions you face as an LGBTQ person?
A lot of people still believe that love is static, while I wholeheartedly believe it is fluid and always changing.
What advice would you give a fan struggling with their sexual identity or gender identity?
The best advice I can give is to find good people that you can trust and who you can talk to. Sometimes you just need that one person who’s going to be there and that’ll change your life. I’m so happy to be able to be there for my fans, because I know how hard it can be.
What is your favorite thing about being a part of the LGBTQ community?
I love this community. I’ve met so many inspiring people who are not afraid to be who they are. At the end of the day, we’re all fighting for equal rights. We’re proud to be who we are. Pride, like I’ve always said, stands for perseverance, resilience, inclusion, determination and expression.
Who is your favorite LGBTQ icon?
My Playmate sister, Geena Rocero, is one of my biggest inspirations. Her dedication to spreading awareness and fighting for equality is so inspiring.
When I came out as pansexual, I was really inspired by Nico Tortorella and their wife, Bethany Meyers. I look up to them. I think they’re doing great things for this community and this world.
What is the biggest roadblock for the LGBTQ community in 2020?
There’s still a lot of homophobia and transphobia in the world. A lot of people are unable to come out because if they do, they could be a target of violence. That breaks my heart. We’ve come a long way, but we need to keep going. It’s up to us, LGBTQ people who are able to live openly and safely, to help those who are struggling.
If someone wants to be an ally to the LGBTQ community, how can they do that?
Educate yourself. Stand up against homophobia and transphobia. Befriend LGBTQ people and learn from them. Be supportive and try not to stereotype. Be mindful of pronouns. Just ask, “What should I call you?” if you’re not sure.
Teela LaRoux is on The Playboy Club. Talk to her now.
