Tyler James Williams is hitting back against gay stereotypes for Pride Month. Williams took to Instagram to speak up about the harm these stereotypes perpetuate against the LGBT+ community. Williams’ message is the result of fans speculating about his orientation. Apparently, some of the Abbott Elementary star’s mannerisms were enough for Williams’ attractions to be called into question.
Williams posted two slides explaining his view to his Instagram stories, addressing the speculation head-on while also taking a stand for gay rights.
Williams went on to warn that speculating about someone’s sexuality based on their presentation can be damaging to closeted LGBT+ people, who may be anxious about whether or not they can be clocked by the wrong person. He also pointed out that straight men are also harmed by these stereotypes because it limits their personal expression. In fact, Williams said that reinforcing these stereotypes is “oftentimes unrealistic, less free, and limits individual expressing.”
He signed off his message by wishing a Happy Pride to all of his “queer and questioning brothers, sisters, and individuals,” before reiterating his allyship, stating that his goal was to help “cultivate a future where we are all accepted and given permission to be ourselves.”
In a time when LGBT+ people are actively being legislated against, Williams’ point is unfortunately all-too-needed. Outing an LGBT+ person – even speculating about their sexuality – can be downright dangerous. That danger is also not solely limited to those within community; if a straight person does not adhere to gender norms, they might find themselves the target of homophobia or transphobia as well. Bigotry isn’t rational. Hatred is all-consuming. It’s worthwhile to remember that.
It seems that many have forgotten the struggles that LGBT+ people had to go through to gain the rights they currently have, which is silly. Gay marriage was only legalized back in 2015, even though California had banned gay marriage as recently as 2008, and, again, LGBT+ people are still being legislated against. Corporations are turning away from Pride in droves – it might not have been the most influential or positive thing a company could have done for the community, but the absence of its embrace this year is a worrying barometer for public opinions on the LGBT+ community.
Having public figures like Williams stand up and speak out against unacceptable behavior is exactly what’s needed at this moment (as if fans didn’t have more reason to love Abbott Elementary).