Tyler James Williams took to his Instagram to shut down rumors about him being gay.
The Abbott Elementary star, shared a lengthy message Saturday that read, “Usually I wouldn’t address stuff like this but I feel like it as a 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. Overanalyzing someones behavior in an attempt to “catch” them directly contributes to aniexty a lot of queer and queer questioning people feel when they fear living in 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. It also reinforces an archetype many straight men have to live under that is often times unrealistic, less free, and limits individual expression.” He said.
He also went on to share another message saying, “I’ve been very clear about the intentionality I try to push into using my platform to push back against those archetypes every chance I get. 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.”
Williams signed off by sharing a white heart emoji and wishing a “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.”
Back in March Williams had a interview with GQ where he opened up about finding love. During the interview he expressed how it is difficult to find love due to his fame and the preconceived notions others might have around him.
“I still get triggered by things that are part of everybody else’s childhood,” he told the magazine. “Every time someone comes up to me, regardless of what it is they recognize me for, what that says to me in the moment is that I’m seen. I have to be on, immediately, because someone’s watching. Hypervigilance was one of the things that we had to tackle, because I would be listening to everyone’s conversation in a room. I could hear my name being brought up from two, three tables down. I could see how many people clocked me when I walked in the door. And that’s not healthy.”