Tyler James Williams Shares Important Message About Sexuality During Pride Month

We're used to seeing Tyler James Williams keep things laconic and buttoned-up as the taciturn teacher Gregory Eddie in Abbott Elementary, but in real life he is a lot more expressive. The actor, who first rose to fame in the sitcom Everybody Hates Chris, just shared an impassioned message on his Instagram story in which he pushed back against the culture of speculating about other people's sexuality.

"Usually I wouldn't address stuff like this but I feel like it as a conversation is bigger than me," he wrote. "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 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 sage 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."

While Williams doesn't name names in the statement, or even clarify whether he himself has been subject of such speculation, he is pointing to a very real phenomenon. Pop star Shawn Mendes has been forced to confirm that he is indeed straight after years of jokes online that he is gay, while an ardent subsection of Taylor Swift's fanbase remain convinced that their "Gaylor" theories are valid.

Williams is also correct that this kind of speculation can have very real ramifications for actual members of the LGBTQ+ community. Earlier this year, Heartstopper star Kit Connor publicly came out as bisexual in response to the harassment he had received from fans who felt they had the right to discuss his private life.

"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 continued. "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."

"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. 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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