Tyler James Williams delivered a powerful message in honor of Pride Month.
You've seen it all over your newsfeed. People ask, "Is this celebrity secretly gay?" or "Is this person pretending to be a lesbian for attention?" It's not just innocent gossip. It's very harmful, and now Tyler is speaking up about it.
In a pair of Instagram stories, the Abbott Elementary star addressed rumors about his sexuality and warned that such speculation is "very dangerous," explaining that the "conversation is bigger than me."
“I’m not gay; but I think the culture of trying to ‘find’ some kind of hidden trait or behavior that a closeted person ‘let slip’ is very dangerous," he began. "Overanalyzing someones behavior in an attempt to 'catch' them directly contributes to the anxiety a lot of queer and queer questioning people feel when they fear living in their truth."
The 30-year-old actor suggested that "it makes the most pedestrian of conversations and interactions in spaces feel less safe for our gay brothers and sisters and those who may be questioning."
And he addressed how the rhetoric can affect not only queer and questioning people but also any men who don't conform to gender stereotypes. "It also reinforces an archetype many straight men have to live under that is often times unrealistic, less free, and limits individual expression," he wrote.
"I've been very clear about the intentionality I try to put into using my platform to push back against those archetypes every chance that I get," Tyler explained. "Being straight doesn't look one way. Being gay doesn't look one way. And what may seem like harmless fun and conversation may actually be sending a dangerous message to those struggling with real issues. I refuse to inadvertently contribute to that message."
The Everybody Hates Chris star clarified that his sexuality doesn't make him any less a part of the mission for equality. "As an ally I continue to be committed to assisting in that where I can and helping to cultivate a future where we are all accepted and given permission to be ourselves."
And, just in case anybody wasn't aware of his intentions, his message was in solidarity with everyone celebrating Pride Month. "Happy Pride to all of my queer and questioning brothers, sisters, and individuals. I pray that you feel seen in ways that makes you feel safe in the celebration that is this month."
Tyler is right. It's become a dangerous pastime to question an individual's sexuality based on their style, voice, or refusal to adhere to labels. It's a game of trying to expose celebrities or ridicule our peers into revealing parts of their identity against their will. It's harmful to anyone attempting to live their truth.
Looking for more ways to get involved? Check out all of BuzzFeed's posts celebrating Pride 2023.
