Abbott Elementary star Tyler James Williams decided to kick off Pride month with a note posted to his Instagram story that tackles speculation surrounding his sexuality. The actor, who clarified that he identifies as straight despite rumors online, took gossipers to task about the toll that this kind of speculation can have on the mental health of men both straight and LGBTQ.
"I think the culture of trying to 'find' some kind of hidden trait or behavior that closeted person 'let slip' is very dangerous," he wrote. "Overanalyzing someone's behavior in an attempt to 'catch' them directly contributes to the anxiety a lot of queer and questioning people feel when they fear living their truth. 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."
i hope everyone reads tyler james williams’ stories and takes notes pic.twitter.com/AgWIxgYTO2
— cait atreides (@timcqthe) June 4, 2023
He went on to note how trafficking in stereotypes hurts all men, regardless of their sexuality. "It also reinforces an archetype many straight men have to live under that is oftentimes unrealistic, less free, and limits individual expression," his note reads.
Williams finished off by encouraging people to let others express themselves how they want without fear of judgement or rumors.
"Being straight doesn't look one way. Being gay doesn't look one way," he wrote. "And what may seem like harmless fun and conversation may actually be sending a dangerous message to those struggling with real issues. I refused to inadvertently contribute to that message."
The note has earned thousands of shares and retweets across social media platforms.
from Men's Journal https://ift.tt/Y4KysXG
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