10/9/09 Actor brings light to minority rights

He's openly gay, and he's enthusiastic about exposing the masses to history's unheard stories about homosexuality. Within the context of Coming Out Week, he may seem like a role model for any young person struggling with an identity crisis, but Duane Boutte will tell you he wants nothing of the sort.

"I wouldn't wish [that] upon myself, because I'd have to watch every little move I make. And that's a very tall order for anybody," he said.

Regardless, the film actor and Broadway veteran is determined to make an impact upon society's perceptions of misrepresented minorities. As part of Coming Out Week at Texas A&M, Boutte was invited to lecture about the ethical representation of historical events in entertainment. Boutte, a black and gay performer, has pursued roles depicting minority rights activists. In his own words, he portrays "people in the fringes…people who've had to fight for legitimacy in their lives."