On May 6, 2025, Hollywood icon Jodie Foster and her wife, Alexandra Hedison, attended a significant LGBTQ+ panel discussion at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, an event aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the community in an increasingly polarized world. The panel, titled “Queer Voices: Advocacy and Visibility,” brought together activists, artists, and public figures to discuss the role of representation and support for vulnerable groups within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. During the event, Foster delivered a powerful statement that resonated deeply with attendees: “I want to use my fame to protect the vulnerable community.” This declaration, coming from a two-time Oscar winner who has historically guarded her privacy, marked a pivotal moment in her journey as an advocate. This article explores the panel discussion, Foster’s evolving role as a public figure, her relationship with Hedison, and the broader impact of her words on the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

The Setting: A Platform for Change

The Los Angeles LGBT Center, one of the largest organizations of its kind, hosted the panel as part of its annual advocacy series, which focuses on amplifying queer voices and addressing systemic inequalities. The event was moderated by activist Ashlee Marie Preston and featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including non-binary performance artist Alok Vaid-Menon, filmmaker Natalie Jasmine Harris, and Foster and Hedison. The panel aimed to explore how visibility in media and entertainment can drive social change, particularly for the most marginalized members of the LGBTQ+ community, such as transgender youth and queer people of color.

Foster and Hedison, who have been married since 2014, arrived at the event hand-in-hand, their presence a quiet testament to their decade-long partnership. Foster, 62, wore a tailored black suit, her piercing blue eyes reflecting a calm intensity, while Hedison, 55, opted for a sleek navy ensemble, her poised demeanor complementing her wife’s. The couple’s appearance was a rare public outing, as they have largely kept their relationship out of the spotlight, preferring private moments over media attention. Their decision to attend the panel, however, signaled a shift—a willingness to leverage their visibility for a greater cause.

Jodie Foster’s Powerful Statement

The panel discussion covered a range of topics, from the importance of authentic queer representation in film to the challenges faced by transgender individuals amid rising anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Foster, who has often been reticent about her personal life, spoke with a newfound openness about her role as a public figure. When asked how her fame has influenced her advocacy, she paused, then delivered a statement that brought the room to a hushed silence: “I want to use my fame to protect the vulnerable community. For so long, I valued my privacy above all else, but I’ve come to realize that my voice can make a difference for those who don’t have one. The kids who are scared, the families who are struggling—I want them to know they’re not alone.”

Her words were met with a wave of applause, as attendees recognized the weight of her commitment. Foster’s statement was particularly poignant given her history of privacy. As a child star who began acting at age three and later became a global icon with roles in The Silence of the Lambs and Taxi Driver, Foster has spent much of her life shielding her personal life from public scrutiny. Her 2013 Golden Globes speech, where she publicly acknowledged her then-partner Cydney Bernard and confirmed her queer identity, was a turning point, though it was met with mixed reactions from activists who felt she had been too cryptic. Now, over a decade later, Foster’s declaration at the panel reflects a more assertive stance, one that embraces her platform to advocate for those in need.

A Journey of Advocacy

Foster’s involvement in LGBTQ+ advocacy is not new, though it has often been understated. In 1994, she was a major donor to the production of the short film Trevor, which inspired the creation of The Trevor Project, a leading crisis intervention and suicide prevention service for LGBTQ+ youth. In 2007, she made a significant contribution to the organization, one of the largest in its history, helping fund call centers for at-risk youth. These acts of philanthropy, done quietly, reflect Foster’s long-standing commitment to the community, even as she maintained her privacy.

Her recent actions, however, suggest a shift toward more visible advocacy. In January 2024, Foster executive produced the short documentary Alok, directed by Hedison, which focuses on non-binary performance artist Alok Vaid-Menon and their journey of self-expression. The film, which premiered at Sundance, explores themes of personal freedom and challenges societal norms around gender. Foster’s involvement in the project, alongside Hedison, was a clear statement of support for transgender and non-binary individuals, a group facing increasing legislative attacks in the U.S.

Foster’s statement at the panel builds on this momentum. By explicitly stating her intention to “protect the vulnerable community,” she is aligning herself with a broader movement to combat anti-LGBTQ+ policies, such as those restricting transgender healthcare and banning queer events in states like Florida and Texas. Her words also resonate in the context of her own life experiences. As a queer woman who came of age in a less accepting era, Foster has navigated the challenges of living authentically while under intense public scrutiny—a journey that likely informs her empathy for those who are struggling today.

Alexandra Hedison’s Role and Their Partnership

Alexandra Hedison, a fine art photographer and former actress known for her role on The L Word, has been a steadfast partner in Foster’s journey. Hedison, whose work often explores themes of memory and identity, has also used her platform to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. In March 2024, she participated in an Armenian Film Society panel discussion about Armenian women in film, alongside other queer creatives, highlighting the importance of intersectional representation. Her directorial debut, Alok, further underscores her commitment to amplifying marginalized voices.

At the panel, Hedison spoke briefly about the power of storytelling in fostering understanding. “Art has the ability to break down barriers,” she said. “When we share our stories, we create space for others to feel seen and heard.” Her words complemented Foster’s, reflecting a shared vision of using their respective talents to advocate for change. The couple’s dynamic—supportive, private, yet increasingly visible—has become a source of inspiration for many in the LGBTQ+ community, who see in them a model of enduring love and mutual respect.

Foster and Hedison’s partnership, which began in 2013 and culminated in a private wedding in 2014, has been marked by a deep commitment to each other and their values. Foster’s public acknowledgment of Hedison during her 2024 Emmy acceptance speech for True Detective: Night Country—where she called Hedison “the love of my life”—and their joint appearance at the TCL Chinese Theatre hand-and-footprint ceremony on their 10th anniversary, highlight the strength of their bond. Their presence at the panel, sitting side by side and occasionally sharing knowing glances, was a quiet but powerful statement of solidarity.

The Broader Impact

Foster’s declaration has sparked widespread admiration and conversation, particularly on social media platforms like X, where users have praised her for using her platform responsibly. “Jodie Foster saying she wants to protect the vulnerable community is why she’s a true icon,” one user wrote. “She doesn’t have to do this, but she’s choosing to. Respect.” Another commented, “As a queer kid who grew up watching Jodie, hearing her say this means everything. We need more allies like her.”

The timing of Foster’s statement is significant. In 2025, the LGBTQ+ community faces mounting challenges, from legislative efforts to restrict transgender rights to a rise in hate crimes against queer individuals. Organizations like the Human Rights Campaign have reported a record number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in state legislatures this year, many targeting transgender youth. Foster’s commitment to protecting the vulnerable comes at a critical juncture, offering hope and visibility to those who need it most.

Her words also resonate in the context of her recent acts of kindness, such as her $5 million donation to the Foundation for Foster Children and her support for her childhood teacher, Margaret Ellis, whom she helped retire comfortably after finding her working as a hotel cleaner. These actions demonstrate Foster’s broader dedication to supporting those in need, whether they are part of the LGBTQ+ community or not. Her advocacy, rooted in empathy and a sense of responsibility, sets a powerful example for other public figures.

A Legacy of Impact

Foster’s journey as a queer woman in Hollywood has been complex. As one of the most visible lesbians in the industry during a time when coming out was fraught with risk, she faced criticism for not being more open about her sexuality earlier in her career. Her 2013 Golden Globes speech, while groundbreaking in its own way, was seen by some activists as too defensive, with calls for a more straightforward acknowledgment of her identity. However, Foster’s evolution—from a private figure to a vocal advocate—shows a willingness to grow and adapt, a trait she has also instilled in her sons, Charlie and Kit, whom she has raised to be feminist and empathetic.

At 62, Foster remains a force in Hollywood, with recent projects like Vie Privée and True Detective: Night Country earning critical acclaim. Her role in Echoes of Silence, where she mentored young actor Maya Ellis, further highlights her commitment to nurturing the next generation. But it is her off-screen actions—her philanthropy, her advocacy, and her willingness to speak out—that are cementing her legacy as more than just an actress, but a champion for those who need it most.

Conclusion

Jodie Foster and Alexandra Hedison’s participation in the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s panel discussion on May 6, 2025, was a moment of profound significance. Foster’s statement—“I want to use my fame to protect the vulnerable community”—marked a turning point in her journey as a public figure, reflecting her growing commitment to advocacy and visibility. Alongside Hedison, whose own work amplifies marginalized voices, Foster is using her platform to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who face systemic challenges within the LGBTQ+ community. As the world grapples with rising anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, their presence and words offer hope, reminding us of the power of fame when wielded with compassion and purpose. Foster’s legacy, already rich with cinematic achievements, is now being defined by her unwavering dedication to protecting the vulnerable—a mission that continues to inspire and uplift.