Zachary Quinto voiced his support for his Michael co-star James Franco’s LGBT activism in a recent interview, calling the actor a “provocateur.”

Zachary Quinto Approves Of James Franco's Activism

Quinto, who is openly gay, was recently asked about Franco’s reputation for having a particular interest in LGBT issues and themes, which he explores on screen in films like Milk, Howl and Interior. Leather Bar. Furthermore, Quinto was asked if Franco’s position as a public figure and champion for LGBT rights is somewhat diminished by the fact that Franco is a straight male.

Quinto admitted to having discussed the issue with Franco, but said that he sees Franco as a man less interested in himself and his own beliefs, and more interested in the dialogue his position allows him to create.

“My feeling about James in particularly is that he is someone very interested in generating a dialogue, and his personal position or perspective on something is less important to him than what his position will generate in other people. He’s a provocateur in that way,” Quinto told HuffPost Live.

Moving away from Franco, Quinto added that he supports Franco’s desire to start conversations, but that the conversations themselves are what he considers most important.

“Putting it out there, and putting it out there in different ways, is something that’s interesting and something that I don’t think people should shy away from. I have respect for that. I think it’s what you do with the dialogue once it’s generated that becomes important to our culture,” Quinto said.

Michael

Quinto stars alongside Franco in the upcoming film, Michael, based on the life of former gay activist Michael Glatze, who famously renounced his homosexuality and became a Christian minister. Franco stars as Glatze and Quinto will appear as his ex-boyfriend.

“I LOVE working with ZACK Quinto!!!! My BABY!” Franco captioned this photo.

Michael is expected to be released sometime in 2015.