In honor of Pride Month, Tyler James Williams shared an necessary message concerning the risks of speculating on somebody’s sexuality. On June 4, the “Abbott Elementary” star posted two Instagram Stories about how he worries that hypothesis about his sexuality could possibly be detrimental to others.
“Usually I wouldn’t address stuff like this but I feel like it as a conversation is bigger than me,” he started. “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. 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.”
He went on to level out that consistently questioning somebody’s sexuality makes each dialog really feel much less protected for “our gay brothers and sisters and those who may be questioning.” Williams added that making an attempt to research an individual’s conduct as a way to deduce their sexuality additional feeds into gender stereotypes. Overall, it is not wholesome strategy to work together with somebody, irrespective of how they determine.
“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,” Williams wrote. “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” actor concluded his message by wishing everybody a cheerful Pride. “Happy Pride to all of my queer and questioning brothers, sisters, and individuals,” he added. “I pray that you feel seen in ways that make you feel safe in the celebration that is this month. 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.”
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