High School Musical Star Joshua Bassett Chooses ‘Love’ in Heartwarming Post After Coming Out Video #GailyNews

Actor/musician Joshua Bassett addressed speculation around his sexuality on social media Tuesday after seemingly coming out in an interview on Monday.

“My entire life people have told me my sexuality. People have shamed me for things they know nothing about,” the High School Musical: The Series star wrote in an Instagram post accompanied by a collection of rainbow hearts. “It’s 2021. We are the generation of love and growth. It’s time we start acting like it. Whether you love me, hate me or damn me to hell, I love you all the same. Love who you love shamelessly.”

Bassett’s message comes as speculation about his identity abounds following him casually mentioning coming out while answering a question about his admiration for musician Harry Styles in an interview with Clevver News on Monday. Bassett described Styles as “cool,” “charming” and “hot.”

“What I admire about Harry Styles is that he’s a very classy man,” Bassett said. “He’s just a nice guy who doesn’t say too much but when he talks it matters what he says … who doesn’t think Harry Styles is cool? Also, he’s hot. He’s very charming too. I guess this is my coming out video.”

The week’s news also gave Bassett an avenue to address his followers who may be questioning their identity or “figuring out” who they are. “It’s OK to still be figuring out who you are,” he wrote. “Life’s too short to let ignorance and hatred win. I choose love.”

“I’m changing every day in so many ways – sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse,” Bassett told People Magazine when asked about going through the self-discovery process under the public eye. “I’m just figuring it all out. Sometimes you’ve got to embrace that other people get to watch that. Sometimes it’s embarrassing, but sometimes you just have to own it.”

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A post shared by Joshua Bassett (@joshuatbassett)

Bassett’s full statement:

My entire life people have told me my sexuality. People have shamed me for things they know nothing about. I want to say thank you to those of you who stand for love and acceptance.

Toxicity, hatred, and negativity say less about the subject, but say far more about those who spew it. It’s 2021. We are the generation of love & growth, it’s time we start acting like it. Whether you love me, hate me, or damn me to hell, I love you all the same.

Love who you love shamelessly. It’s ok to still be figuring out who you are. life’s too short to let ignorance and hatred win. I choose love.