Tyler James Williams has a message for those who speculate on others’ sexuality and how it hurts queer and queer-questioning people.
On Sunday, the Abbott Elementary star addressed those questioning his sexuality in an Instagram Story post, noting how doing so causes more harm than good.
Williams pointed out the dangers of speculating on someone’s sexual identity.
“Usually I wouldn’t address stuff like this, but I feel like it as a conversation is bigger than me. 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 began the post on his Instagram Story.
“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,” he explained. “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. It also reinforces an archetype many straight men have to live under that is often times unrealistic, less free, and limits individual expression.”
The actor shared he uses his platform “to push against those archetypes every chance that I get.”
“Being straight doesn’t look one way. Being gay doesn’t look one way,” the Everybody Hates Chris alum continued. “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.”
He concluded his message by writing, “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.”
Williams added, “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.”
Williams’ brother, Tyrel, applauded his allyship on Twitter.
I love seeing people realize the caliber of person my older brother is. He’s always been like this. He is genuinely one of my favorite people.
🧵because y’all need to hear this.
1/10 https://t.co/P839cmhfbC— the one named tyrel (@Tyreljwill) June 4, 2023
Tyrel even shared how supportive the Dear White People star has been of him and their younger brother since coming out.
2/10 The way he handled my and our younger brother’s coming out should be studied. He COMPLETELY deconstructed his views on masculinity and made sure to build spaces for us to be comfortable and seen until we were ready to tell our friends/family
— the one named tyrel (@Tyreljwill) June 4, 2023
3/10 He read, recommended and then discussed Bell Hooks “We Real Cool” and “The Will To Change” with us. Listened to our problems. Gave advice when he had it and was honest and empathetic when he didn’t.
— the one named tyrel (@Tyreljwill) June 4, 2023
4/10 We all rebuilt our definition of manhood together, brick-by-brick. And it was not easy work. But we weren’t doing it alone.
— the one named tyrel (@Tyreljwill) June 4, 2023
5/10 THAT is gender affirming care. Someone allowing you space to, not only express, but discover yourself. Who supports that discovery without making it about themself or the ideologies of people who never mattered in the first place
— the one named tyrel (@Tyreljwill) June 4, 2023
6/10 Helping you find and access resources, then stepping back to let you engage with them however you need to. Because your identity is your business.
— the one named tyrel (@Tyreljwill) June 4, 2023
7/10 One of the (many) joys of queerness that isn’t talked about nearly enough is the act of complete reconstruction of one’s ego. What you are is not what you’ve been conditioned to believe.
— the one named tyrel (@Tyreljwill) June 4, 2023
8/10 So you get to CREATE yourself. In your own image. Outside any arbitrary social constructs or expectations. To not just think outside the box but to discover the great deception of our patriarchal society:
There never was a box to begin with.
— the one named tyrel (@Tyreljwill) June 4, 2023
9/10 We taught each other just how big the world can be when you decide for yourself who and what you are. What is authentic to you. That is how you be a fucking ally.
— the one named tyrel (@Tyreljwill) June 4, 2023
10/10 So I want to give Ty his flowers this pride month. A true representation of healthy masculinity and effective allyship. Give him all of the awards forever.
— the one named tyrel (@Tyreljwill) June 4, 2023
