Lena Dunham on Her Sister’s Coming Out

Bennett Marcus

On Monday, Lena Dunham was honored by the Point Foundation, an organization that helps LGBTQ students overcome obstacles to complete their educations. In her acceptance speech at the New York Public Library, the Girls creator displayed her sense of humor, saying, "This is probably the most attractive room I have yet to enter. I don't want to traffic in stereotypes, but gay men clean up real good, which is probably why I have dated so many of you."

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Dunham also spoke warmly about her family and her lesbian sister. "I have always felt a strong and emotional connection to members of the LGBTQ community. It was actually a huge disappointment for me, when I came of age and realized that I was sexually attracted to men. So when my sister came out, I thought, Thank God, someone in this family can truly represent my passions and beliefs.

"My sister Grace coming out as a gay woman at age 17 was a huge turning point for me in my understanding of the issues facing LGBTQ people. We were raised in an environment-the art world of downtown Manhattan-where no one hid their sexual orientation, and a common question from four-year-old me was 'Mom, are those ladies gay together?' I was always very jealous of any child who had two dads. And because of our parents' deeply held commitment to acceptance and equality, my sister's process of coming to terms with her sexuality was as angst-free as anything involving sex can really be. She was assured by the adults in her life that she was not only accepted, but adored for who she is. I am so happy that this is the way she was able to enter the world as a woman and an LGBTQ person."

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Girls star Andrew Rannells presented the award at the gala, and Dunham mentioned her work on the series: "I love my job. I feel insanely lucky to work with talented individuals from all walks of life, who define themselves in beautiful and unusual ways. Our goal on Girls is to show you non-stereotypical examples of the range of people who inhabit this amazing city, and we are learning more about what that means every day."

It was announced that Dunham has donated $25,000 to the Point Foundation. Also at the gala were Mariska Hargitay, Judith Light, Tyne Daly, Billy Porter, Michael Urie, BD Wong, and TV producer Dr. Neal Baer, who was also honored.

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