Joshua Bassett just confirmed that he is, in fact, part of the LGBTQ+ community.
In a recent interview with GQ, the High School Musical: The Musical: The Series star opened up about making headlines after a "coming out" video he made with Clevver News gushing over Grammy-winning pop icon Harry Styles went viral last month.
"What I admire about Harry Styles is he's a very classy man, and he's also very well-rounded, and he kind of does it all," Bassett said in the May video. "Acting, singing, fashion. And I think that he's just a nice guy who doesn't say too much, but when he talks, it matters."
He even called his confession a "coming out."
"He's just cool," he continued. "Who doesn't think Harry Styles is cool? Also, he's hot. He's very charming too. Lots of things. I guess this is also my coming out video I guess."
After his wording caused a frenzy in the media, with many outlets rushing to report that he had come out of the closet, Bassett later released a public, social media statement saying that he's still "figuring out" his sexuality.
"My entire life people have told me my sexuality," he wrote. "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."
While he still hasn't specified an identity within the LGBTQ+ spectrum, Bassett now confirms to GQ in a new profile story that he is a member of the community and that people shouldn't have to rush themselves when it comes to labels.
"There are plenty of letters in the alphabet...why bother rushing to a conclusion?" Bassett said, describing himself as someone who is "anti-coming out," meaning he feels people shouldn't need to. "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 asked about the seriousness of the Clevver video where he sang praises for Harry Styles and came out, Bassett said that he wasn't joking at all.
"I stood behind every word that I said," he added. "Even if there are consequences, I would much rather deal with consequences and live my truth than live in fear."
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