Joshua Bassett has officially confirmed that he identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
In a profile piece by GQ, the HSMTMTS star addressed the video interview where he voiced his appreciation for the singer, Harry Styles. After his declaration for Styles, he said, “This is also my coming out video, I guess.” Bassett said he wasn’t joking when he said that. He didn’t plan on mentioning his sexuality in the video, it just happened.
Once the public started questioning Bassett’s statement, he felt the need to clarify himself in an Instagram post. In the caption, he shared his appreciation for the LGBTQ+ community and preached about loving whoever you want to love. Speaking about the post, he said, “I stood behind every word that I said. Even if there are consequences, I would much rather deal with consequences and live my truth than live in fear.”
On exploring one’s identity, the “Feel Something” singer thinks that there is no rush to labeling who you are because of the ever-changing nature of it all. He said, “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. 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.”
When talking about coming out, Bassett personally doesn’t see it as a necessary act to do. He continues, “People are welcome to have boxes if they want them.” He speaks about how he would often hear comments from people wondering if he was gay when he was growing up. Regardless, he said, no one would even believe him if he talked about his sexuality.
The actor brings up a scene from season one of HSMTMTS that made him emotional. Two of the queer characters, Joe and Frankie, dance at homecoming together for the first time. Bassett said he sobbed during the filming of it “because they were speaking their truth despite the inevitable reaction that they were going to get.” He also said that he would love to be given the chance to explore his character Ricky’s queerness on the show.
To conclude, Bassett recaps his thoughts on sexuality and how this generation approaches it. He hopes that people can feel like they can discuss it freely and unabashedly. As he tears up, he says, “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.”
You can catch Bassett in season two of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series airing on Disney+ every Friday.
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