Actor Samira Wiley's father, Reverend Dr. Dennis W. Wiley, has appeared in Congress to voice his support of LGBTIQ+ people and the Equality Act, which would outlaw discrimination based on sexuality.
The church pastor's daughter, who starred in Orange Is The New Black and recently featured on Will & Grace, last year married her wife, screenwriter Lauren Morelli.
“Our LGBTIQ+ brothers and sisters should never have to fear losing a job, being evicted from a house or apartment, being refused service at a restaurant, denied approval or a loan or rejected admission to a school because of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” Rev. Dr. Wiley said.
He continued, recalling the time his daughter first came out to him.
“A couple of years after we agreed to perform [same-sex] union services at our church, we went to New York to see our younger daughter act in a play," he said.
“After we arrived in the city, she stopped by our hotel for a visit because she said she wanted to share something with us. It was then that she came out to us as a lesbian."
He continued: “We were shocked because we did not see this coming, however I immediately got up, went over to her, gave her a hug and told her how much I loved her.
“My wife was a little slower responding, not because she was disappointed or upset, but because being a mother she was afraid of what danger our daughter might face.”
The proud dad then informed Congress that his daughter had turned out "just fine".
“I am happy to tell you today that my daughter is doing just fine, as a successful, Emmy Award-winning actress who is happily married to the love of her life, Lauren Morelli.
“Not every LGBTQ kid is as lucky as Samira, but when I told Samira that I would be giving this testimony today, she wanted me to tell you that if we, her parents, had not accepted her for who she is, she would not have the courage, confidence or self-esteem to be a successful actress and positive role model for other LGBTIQ+ persons.
“Let’s make sure the Equality Act becomes law, so that all of our beautiful, promising, gifted LGBTIQ+ citizens, just like my daughter and daughter-in-law, can live their lives free of fear, free of bigotry, and free of discrimination.”
A clearly moved Samira Wiley later shared a video her dad’s speech on Twitter, writing: “I get it from my Daddy.”
*wipes away tear*
