Hilary Duff Gets Emotional Discussing Her 2008 ‘That’s So Gay’ PSA, Says the Topic Still Makes Her ‘So Sad’ and ‘Angry’

Hilary Duff, the actor and singer best known for her role in the beloved series ‘Lizzie McGuire’, recently spoke about her participation in a significant public service announcement (PSA) that addressed issues of anti-LGBTQ+ language and bullying in 2008. During an interview with *Gay Times*, Duff expressed her heartfelt recollections of the campaign, affirming its relevance even more than a decade later.

The PSA, produced in collaboration with the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), was aimed at discouraging the derogatory use of the phrase “that’s so gay.” The initiative sought to shed light on how often such language is employed casually, often without an understanding of its harmful implications. Duff, now 38 years old, reflected on how she felt compelled to join the campaign, stating that she strongly cared about the issues at hand.

Recalling her experience from years ago, Duff noted the overwhelming support she received from young people who resonated with the message. “I remember loads and loads of kids coming up to me, just saying, ‘Thank you’,” she shared. The emotional impact of the campaign appeared to resonate deeply with the viewer, giving a sense of representation and advocacy to individuals who may have felt invisible or targeted.

The advertising campaign presented a powerful scenario in which Duff confronted two women in a clothing store who casually described a top as “so gay.” In her response, she pointedly remarked that equating something negative with the word “gay” is inherently insulting. The video concludes with Duff’s compelling voiceover challenging viewers to reconsider their language: “When you say ‘that’s so gay,’ do you realise what you say? Knock it off.”

This impactful message not only earned the Ad Council’s prestigious Gold Bell Award for Best Public Service Advertising Campaign but also continues to resonate on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where it has been reinterpreted and referenced numerous times. Duff remarked, “It hit social media when social media became a thing and it took on these massive legs and people realised what a funny angle it was. But it still means so much to so many people and it’s still the right message.”

While discussing the ongoing importance of this topic, an emotional Duff expressed her frustration regarding the persistence of discrimination based on sexual orientation and other personal attributes. Openly moved, she admitted, “It actually makes me want to cry… It’s sad that we’re in the place that we’re in. It’s 2026, and who cares how anybody wants to be?”

Her sentiments underscore a desire for inclusivity and acceptance. “I wish more people lived their life that way and just let everyone be who they want to be and be happy and be loved,” she added. This plea reflects a longing for a world where differences are embraced rather than scorned.

In contemplating the possibility of rewriting the PSA for today’s audience, Duff acknowledged that her current emotions could complicate the message she would wish to convey. She mentioned having “too much anger” surrounding the topic, recognising that anger is not an effective means of communication. This thoughtful consideration reveals the complexity of discussing such deep-rooted societal issues.

As Hilary Duff continues to navigate her career and advocacy, her reflections on the past serve as a reminder of the enduring struggle against prejudicial language and attitudes. The impact of her early work in the ‘Think Before You Speak’ campaign may well continue to inspire further dialogue about dignity and respect for all individuals, regardless of their identities.