The new HBO documentary on Paul Reubens exposes the personal struggles of the man behind Pee-wee Herman. His sister, Abby Rubenfeld, reflects on how Reubens believed his sexuality would endanger his career, a view that caused her pain despite her understanding of the pressures he faced. The documentary includes unseen footage showcasing Reubens's early years in drag, a side of him Rubenfeld was previously unaware of. Their distinct paths—Reubens's fame and Rubenfeld's role as a pioneering LGBTQ+ rights attorney—highlight the complexities of their relationship regarding identity and acceptance.
"It was upsetting to me, to a degree, but he thought it best for his career. And I get all the issues about a kids' show and blah blah blah, but nobody should suffer like that about their sexuality."
"I didn't realize how performative and artsy he was in college. He was pretty good at it. When he would come home on vacations, he'd go to bars and stuff, but I had no idea he was doing performance art in drag."
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