The Crown’s Emma Corrin opens up about ‘complex gender and sexuality stuff’

Emma Corrin has opened up about the “intense pressure” they feel to justify their non-binary identity.

The 26-year-old, known for their role as Princess Diana in Netflix’s The Crown, quietly came out as non-binary in 2021 by updating their pronouns on Instagram to she/they.

Now gracing the cover of Vogue‘s August issue, Corrin opened up about their gender identity – and how it’s something they’re still navigating.

“In my mind, gender just isn’t something that feels fixed,” they said, “and I don’t know if it ever will be; there might always be some fluidity there for me.”

Corrin said they feel more comfortable when people use they/them pronouns – although their close friends refer to them as she, as they know them personally.

The My Policeman actor has often used Instagram to embrace their identity, such as when they uploaded a tender photo of themselves in a binder last July.

But it can be hard to be a public face of an entire community, Corrin added. Posting about who they are can be “really scary” for them, not least the negative comments that can bring.

They said: “I’m working out all this complex gender and sexuality stuff. And yet, I’m seeing a guy? That feels very juxtaposed, even if I’m very happy.”

Nevertheless, Corrin stressed that for those in the LGBTQ+ community with a public platform, “that’s obviously so important” and can be an amazing way to connect with people.

Corrin’s life isn’t all on social media – they’ve definitely gone on a few dates in their day, some life-changing. “I like people,” they said, adding that their first date with a woman helped them a lot to grow.

“My first date with a girl, they were like, Oh! You’re a baby queer!” they said. “It was amazing. We actually didn’t end up seeing each other again, but she really gave me the lowdown.”

As they explore who they are, Corrin’s family is with them every step of the way. They said: “I started dating a girl and told my mum and then my little brother DM’d me to say: ‘Hey, I wanted to say welcome because I’ve been bi for ages’.”

When it comes to the next generation, Corrin isn’t worried a bit. They are way more “chilled” when it comes to gender identity and sexuality.

“They are finding a way to express themselves which is less binary in a very organic way. While we’re almost caught in between,” they said.

More people in America say they are LGBTQ+ than ever before. Two in 10 Generation Z adults say they are something other than heterosexual, according to a 2022 Gallop poll. The percentage has more than doubled since 2017, the pollster added.

In 2021, Corrin prompted speculation about their identity when they posted a photograph of themselves from a wedding-themed photoshoot. “Ur fave queer bride,” they wrote.

Beforehand, the Golden Globe winner had often ducked questions about their personal life from prying journalists who assumed they were straight.

The Telegraph the year before had asked them if they were living with their boyfriend in London. “I’d rather navigate this on my own,” they gracefully replied.

“It’s nicer to feel like I’m taking care of me.”