In an interview with GQ, Disney Star Joshua Bassett bared his soul.
He first addressed a clip that went viral in which he called Harry Styles hot. In the clip, he also added that it was his coming out video. Many people assumed that he was joking and some even got mad at Bassett, claiming he was 'queer-baiting'. Bassett cleared this up in the interview:
"I wasn't joking. 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."
When asked if young people should still be expected to 'come out of the closet' Bassett said:
"There are plenty of letters in the alphabet...Why bother rushing to a conclusion? 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."
Fans are impressed with Bassett's ability to be so aware of the complexities that come with embracing your sexuality. Many people have the same mindset that the need to 'come out of the closet' is antiquated.
Then the conversation shifted to his co-star Olivia Rodrigo's smash-hit "Driver's License" which was revealed to be about Bassett's new relationship with fellow Disney star Sabrina Carpenter. During the time when this song was at its peak of popularity, Bassett wisely chose to stay out of the drama and show Rodrigo nothing but support. Bassett added:
"Everyone is asking me about Sabrina and Olivia. Why don't we focus on these women for who they are? Let's focus on the art that they're making and how great they are instead of their relationship to a boy."
Bassett took the high road and took the opportunity to praise the two young women for what they've accomplished. Unfortunately, Bassett was unable to escape the stress and it ultimately manifested into a scary incident that led to a hospital visit:
"The doctors told me that I had a 30% chance of survival. They told me that if I had not checked into the hospital within 12 hours, I would have been found dead in my apartment. I didn't have any energy to be able to focus on anything but staying alive."
Bassett concludes the interview by addressing young people who are still figuring themselves out:
"I just hope that this generation can feel comfortable, confident, and safe talking about sexuality without needing to be a box and without needing to have it all figured out. 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 Joshua Bassett in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on Disney Plus.
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