After intense speculation on social media regarding his sexuality, Joshua Bassett is opening up to his fans about loving who he loves.
On Tuesday (May 11), Bassett posted a message on Twitter, responding to questions circulating about his sexuality following a recent interview he gave. The High School Musical: The Musical: The Series actor captioned the letter with a series of rainbow heart emojis and wrote that he has long been judged for his sexuality (Bassett chose not to identify any preferred labels for his sexuality in the statement).
“My entire life, people have told me my sexuality,” he said. “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.”
Bassett continued, calling out those who would criticize him for his sexuality for their ignorance and bigotry. “Toxicity, hatred and negativity say less about the subject, but say far more about those who spew it,” he wrote. “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.”
Closing his note, Bassett thanked those who have supported him throughout his career and offered some advice to anyone reading the not struggling with their own identity. “Love who you love shamelessly,” he said. “It’s ok to still be figuring out who you are. Life’s too short to let ignorance and hatred win. I choose love.”
The statement comes a day after Clevver News posted a video interview with Bassett, where the singer spoke about his love and appreciation for Harry Styles, before revealing that he also found him attractive. “Who doesn’t think Harry Styles is cool? Also, he’s hot, you know? He’s very charming too,” he said in the clip. “This is also my coming out video, I guess.”
Check out Bassett’s statement below:
