Abbott Elementary star Tyler James Williams responded to rumors about his sexuality over the weekend, with a powerful Pride Month message.
On his Instagram story captured by The Shade Room on Sunday, Williams emphasized the harm caused by speculating about someone’s sexual identity and the anxiety it can induce in individuals questioning their own identities.
“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,” Williams stated.
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The actor added that overanalyzing someone’s behavior to “catch” them contributes to anxiety.
The Golden Globe winner continued, “It makes the most pedestrian of conversations and interactions in spaces feel less safe in our gay brothers and sister and those who may be questioning.”
The former Everybody Hates Chris star also highlighted the negative impact of such speculations on straight men, saying it “reinforces unrealistic archetypes” that limit individual expression and freedom.
He went on to caution against engaging in conversations that may unknowingly send a harmful message to those struggling with their identities.
“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.”
Williams concluded his message by wishing a happy Pride month to his “queer and questioning brothers, sisters, and individuals,” emphasizing his dedication to assisting in their visibility and promoting a future of acceptance.
The actor rose to fame with his portrayal of a young Chris Rock in the critically acclaimed sitcom Everybody Hates Chris.
Through his role as teacher Gregory Eddie on the ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary, he has continued to captivate audiences earning him his first Golden Globe award earlier this year for best supporting actor.
