Tyler James Williams Addresses Speculations About His Sexuality
We stan an amazing ally. And Tyler James Williams just never fails to come through with the right word at the right time.
After portraying a gay man in Dear White People and even following several video interviews--recent rumors have floated about the award-winning Abbott Elementary star and his sexuality. Williams took to Instagram and addressed them, albeit begrudgingly.
In his post he noted that he usually “wouldn't address stuff like this” but felt the “conversation is bigger than me.”
“I'm not gay; but the culture of trying to ‘find’ some kind of hidden trait or behavior that a closeted person ‘let slip’ is very dangerous," Williams wrote. “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.”
Williams added that trying to assign sexuality based on stereotypical characteristics, “reinforces an archetype many straight men have to live under that is often unrealistic, less free, and limits individual expression.”
He added, “Being straight doesn't look one way. Being gay doesn't look one way,” Williams continued. “And what may seem like harmless fun and conversation may actually be sending a dangerous message to those struggling with real issues.”
And also noted that he is using his platform to “push against those archetypes” often assigned to different men.
The star, who first burst onto the scene in the critically-acclaimed series Everybody Hates Chris won his first Emmy Award as Gregory on Abbott Elementary, where his deadpan look at the camera has become iconic.
Williams finished his post by wishing “Happy Pride to all my queer and questioning brothers, sisters, and individuals,” Williams also vowed to continue to help “cultivate a future where we are all accepted and given permission to be ourselves.”
