It is easy to forget that one does not actually know one’s favorite celebrities. Because it is simple to have a false sense of intimacy, some people feel they can talk about favorite stars anyway they please, even going so far as to speculate about their sex life. Actor Tyler James Williams is speaking out about the harmful nature of that kind of thinking.
Many have been discussing the Abbott Elementary star’s sexuality, which truly is none of their business. He went on the record on his Instagram Stories to state he is straight but also went on to explain why this speculation is actually harmful to the LGBTQ community and humanity at large.
Tyler typically brushes off rumors about himself, but felt like this one impacted others so he decided to speak out. He took to his Instagram Stories on June 4, 2023.
“Usually I wouldn’t address stuff like this, but I feel like it as a conversation is bigger than me,” Tyler began. “I’m not gay, but I think the culture of trying to ‘find’ some kind of hidden trait or behavior that a closed person ‘let slip’ is very dangerous.”
Tyler goes on to say these actions directly impact the LGBTQ+ community. “Overanalyzing someone’s 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. 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,” he explains.
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It is also harmful for straight men who feel like they have to fit into a certain box of what masculinity is “supposed” to look like. “It also reinforces an archetype many straight men have to live under that is oftentimes unrealistic, less free, and limits individual expressing,” Tyler goes on to explain. People should be allowed to express themselves freely without the constraints of society’s expectations.
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“Being straight doesn’t look one way. Being gay doesn’t look one way,” Tyler affirms. He is committed to using his voice to make sure this important fact is heard.
Tyler considers himself an ally and wants to squash this harmful speculation. “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,” he proclaims.
“Happy Pride to all of my queer and questioning brothers, sisters, and individuals. I pray that you feel seen in ways that make you feel safe in the celebration that is this month,” Tyler concluded. “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.”
Tyler was a child actor and has been working in the industry since the age of 4. He appeared on Sesame Street from 2000 to 2005. His big break had nothing to do with Big Bird, though. He rose to prominence playing the title character in the television series Everybody Hates Chris. He is easily recognizable these days because of his Golden Globe winning role of teacher Gregory Eddie on the hit ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary.
