Tyler James Williams has a message for anyone speculating on his identity.
The Abbott Elementary star shared a statement to social media responding to rumors surrounding his sexuality, noting the conversation goes beyond just him as an individual.
“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,” the 30-year-old wrote on Instagram Stories June 3. “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.”
The Golden Globe winner added, “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.”
The actor also went on to note that the idea “also reinforces an archetype many straight men have to live under that is oftentimes unrealistic, less free, and limits individual expression.”