Joshua Bassett Says He's "A Part Of The LGBTQ+ Community," And I'm Crying

You know actor Joshua Bassett. He plays High School Musical: The Musical: The Series heartthrob Ricky Bowen beside Olivia Rodrigo!

He and Olivia dated for a minute, which fans think was the inspiration for her huge hit "Drivers License."

Anyway, Joshua was in the news again last month for an interview he did with Clevver News.

When asked about his appreciation for Harry Styles, Joshua replied, "He's a very classy man, and he's very well rounded. He kind of does it all — like acting, singing, fashion — and I think that he's just a nice guy who doesn't say too much, but when he talks it matters."

"He's just cool. Like, he's cool. Who doesn't think Harry Styles is cool?" he continued. "Also, he's hot. I guess this is also my coming-out video."

Fans were confused, and Joshua posted a statement to Twitter in response.

He shared the same message on Instagram. "Love who you love shamelessly," he wrote, bypassing any labels to describe his own sexuality. "It's OK to be figuring out who you are."

And now, most recently, in a profile with GQ, Joshua has opened up about his sexuality.

"I stood behind every word that I said," he said about the posts. "Even if there are consequences, I would much rather deal with consequences and live my truth than live in fear."

Joshua Bassett / WMG / Via giphy.com

He also said he "wasn't joking," about the Harry Styles video.

Joshua Bassett / WMG / Via giphy.com

"There are plenty of letters in the alphabet... Why bother rushing to a conclusion? Sometimes your letter changes, sometimes you try a different one, other times you realize you’re not what you thought you were, or maybe you always knew. All of these can be true," he continued.

Joshua Bassett / WMG / Via giphy.com

"I’m happy to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community because they embrace all. Don’t let anyone tell you love isn’t love. They’re the ones who probably need it the most," he added.

Smallzy / Via giphy.com

Isn't that the truth!

Joshua Bassett / WMG / Via giphy.com

He also said he cried after watching his HSMTMTS costars Frankie Rodriguez and Joe Serafini dance together for the first time in an episode of the show.

"I just remember full body chills, weeping," he said. "I didn’t connect the dots why until recently...the reason that made me so emotional. I’m getting so emotional now because they were speaking their truth despite the inevitable reaction that they were going to get."

Joshua says he hopes "that this generation can feel comfortable, confident, and safe talking about sexuality without needing to be a box and without needing to have it all figured out."

"It makes me emotional. I didn't necessarily have that when I was younger. I didn't have a me saying stuff like this. I'm very at peace. I'm celebrating Pride all month long," he concludes.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series / Disney+ / Via giphy.com

You can read the full interview at GQ here.

Check out all of BuzzFeed's posts celebrating Pride 2021.