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LOS ANGELES TIMES - ENTERTAINMENT SECTION
December 5th, 2022
Public Shocked to Learn of Long-Term Relationship Between Bette Porter and Tina Kennard.
In a stunning revelation, it has been confirmed that actresses Bette Porter and Tina Kennard have been in a long-term relationship for the past two decades. The news has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and left fans reeling with surprise.
The news first came to light with the release of Bette Porter's tell-all memoir, "In My Own Words: The Life and Loves of Bette Porter,” written by the actress’s long-life friend and TV personality, Alice Pieszecki. In it, Porter details her tumultuous love life, including her secret relationship with Kennard and the difficulties they faced due to societal pressures and Hollywood homophobia.
Porter, 65, and Kennard, 61, first met on the set of the 1980s adaptation of "Little Women. The film earned them Oscar nominations for both Best Actress in a Leading Role and Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
Sources close to the actresses have confirmed that Porter and Kennard's relationship has been an on-again, off-again affair since they were both in their early 20s. While Porter came out publicly as a lesbian in the early 2000s, Kennard has been seen with men on and off over the years.
The revelation of their long-term relationship has come as a surprise to many in the entertainment industry, and has sparked much debate and discussion about the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Hollywood. Some have praised Porter and Kennard for their courage in coming forward, while others have criticized them for keeping their relationship a secret for so long.
In a joint statement released to the press, Porter and Kennard said, "We have always been open and honest with each other about our feelings, but we felt that we had to keep our relationship a secret in order to protect ourselves and our careers. We hope that by coming forward, we can inspire others to live their truth and be proud of who they are."
The news has been met with mixed reactions, with some fans expressing shock and disbelief while others are celebrating the couple's enduring love and commitment.
As the world reacts to this shocking revelation, one thing is clear: the love story between Bette Porter and Tina Kennard is a testament to the enduring power of love and the strength of the human spirit.
THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER - CELEBRITY SECTION
December 18th, 2022
Bette Porter Defends Partner Tina Kennard After Backlash Following Their Coming Out
In the wake of their public coming out, actress Tina Kennard has received significant backlash from those who perceived her as straight, with many questioning the authenticity of her relationship with her longtime partner, Bette Porter.
But Porter has come to Kennard's defense, declaring that her partner is and always will be the love of her life, and that she is forever grateful and proud to finally be able to share their love with the world.
In a statement to the press, Porter acknowledged the criticism and addressed the assumptions made about Kennard's sexuality.
"I understand that people may be skeptical about Tina's sexuality, but I want to make it clear that she is and always has been an integral part of the LGBTQ+ community," Porter said. "Tina has been my partner for over two decades, and I am proud to say that she is both my soulmate and the love of my life."
Porter went on to say that she hopes the public will understand that love knows no boundaries and that it's not up to others to decide who someone can love.
"It's not up to anyone else to decide who we can or cannot love," Porter said. "Tina and I have a connection that goes beyond everything I used to believe about love, and that's all that matters. I hope that our coming out can inspire others to live their truth and be proud of who they are."
The news of Porter's words in defense of her partner has been met with an outpouring of support and love from fans and the entertainment industry alike. Many have praised Porter for her courage in speaking out, and for the love and commitment she and Kennard have shown each other over the years.
As the world celebrates this powerful love story, one thing is clear: Bette Porter and Tina Kennard's love knows no boundaries, and their courage in coming out will inspire others to do the same.
THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
December 28th, 2022
Tina Kennard Addresses Backlash and Hollywood's Treatment of Bisexuality
In the wake of her and her partner Bette Porter's public coming out, actress Tina Kennard has faced significant backlash from those who question the authenticity of their relationship and label her as straight. But in an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kennard addressed the criticism and Hollywood's treatment of bisexuality.
"Hollywood has always had a problem with bisexuality," Kennard said. "It's hard for people to understand what it was like to be gay in the '80s, let alone to be a woman trying to make a career in this industry. The fear of being outed and losing everything was very real."
Kennard went on to say that despite the societal issues and scrutiny she's faced, she knows that her love for Porter is real and unwavering.
"Above it all, above sexuality and all societal issues, I am sure that Bette is the love of my life," Kennard said. "She has been my guiding light for almost 40 years, and nothing can change that."
Kennard expressed hope that their coming out could help break down barriers and inspire others to live their truth, regardless of the consequences.
"I hope that by sharing our love with the world, we can help others feel more comfortable in their own skin," Kennard said. "We need to continue to break down the stigma surrounding bisexuality and other marginalized identities, and I hope that our coming out can be a part of that change."
As the public continues to react to their coming out, Kennard remains steadfast in her love for Porter and her commitment to living her truth, no matter the challenges.
One year earlier
September 28th, 2021
“Come in,” the words were strong, and the voice resonated loudly in the room.
Inside, sitting on a long brown couch, were two women. The one on the left had a rich, dark complexion that glowed in the sun like polished mahogany. Her brown hair cascaded down her back in loose curls, framing her face like a halo. Her eyes were a deep, rich color that was almost hypnotic. Her irises were a warm, chestnut brown that shone with an inner light, and when the sun hit them just right, they seemed to shimmer with a hint of gold. They were the kind of eyes that left an impression long after you looked away. Her features were perfectly symmetrical, with high cheekbones, a straight nose, and full lips. Her beauty was breathtaking, and she carried herself with a quiet confidence that drew people to her; Bette Porter was always a sight to behold.
The woman on the right, gently grasping Bette's hand, was a vision of beauty with golden blonde hair that cascaded down her shoulders in soft waves. Her hazel eyes were large and expressive, sparkling with a warm and inviting light. Her features were delicate and sweet, with a small nose, plump lips, and high cheekbones that gave her face a soft contour. Her beauty was natural and effortless, radiating from within and shining through her dazzling smile. She had the kind of charisma that turned heads and made people stumble. Her sweet face was a reflection of the warmth and kindness that emanated from her soul. Tina Kennard perfectly embodied her title as "America's Sweetheart."
"Well, you do make quite a sight together," Alice said, boldly making her way into the room and sitting across from them.
The woman's hair was a blonde so intense that it seemed to light up the room. Her personality was as dazzling as her hair, with an extravagant and exuberant energy that was infectious. She wore colorful and extravagant clothes, a kaleidoscope of bold patterns and bright colors. As she looked at her friends, her eyes sparkled with a mischievous twinkle, "Are you sure you want to do this?"
Bette and Tina looked at each other, speaking silently in a language only they could understand. A brief understanding passed between them, and Tina looked at Alice with renewed determination. "We are sure."
TBC