Tyler James Williams, star of "Abbott Elementary", says that attempting to "catch someone" who is closeted can create "less safe" environments for gay people and limit individual expression for straight individuals who don't want to "reinforce archetypes".

Tyler James Williams, unfortunately, has been the subject of public scrutiny and speculation for many years. For the same amount of time, Tyler James Williams has ignored inappropriate and irrelevant rumors.

Now the "Abbott Elementary" star has decided weigh in on the discussion. But answering the baseless, unnecessary scrutiny is only a small part of his thoughtful, poignant response. He instead addresses the dangers associated with this type of behavior.

Elliot Page says A-List actor told him: "I'm going to f--k you to make you realize that You Aren’t Gay"

He began his long statement posted on his Instagram Stories late Saturday night with: "Normally I wouldn't deal with this, but I feel that it is a larger conversation than I am."

Williams, after announcing that he is not gay and defending those who are, continued his statement by stating that "the culture that attempts to 'find out' hidden traits or behaviors that a closed-minded person has 'let slip'" is dangerous.

Many reasons could exist for someone to choose to hide their membership in the LGBTQIA+ Community. These can range from personal preference to a sense of real danger if their truth was discovered by the wrong people (which may include their family).

It is important to protect the choices of LGBTQIA+ individuals in a society that is becoming more and more dangerous to live in, let alone to be out.

Williams wrote, "Overanalyzing someone’s behavior to try to 'catch them' directly contributes the anxiety that many queer people and those who are queer-questioning feel when they don't want to live in their truth." It makes even the most mundane conversations and interactions feel less safe to our gay brothers and sister and those who are questioning.

Williams did not stop there. He pointed out that the same type of "gotcha" scrutiny and speculation can also be harmful for straight people and men in particular. Williams wrote that this reinforces a stereotype of straight men who are often unrealistic, limited in their freedom, and unable to express themselves.

It's been too long since there were strict guidelines for "masculinity", which many straight men do not fit into. However, these same guidelines are often used to "catch someone" as gay.

Williams continued, saying, "Being gay doesn't have a single face." Being gay is not one thing.

He continued: "What might seem harmless conversation and fun may send a dangerous signal to those who are struggling with real problems." "I refuse inadvertently to contribute to this message.

The actor ended his message by expressing love and support to "all of my queer, questioning, brothers, sisters and individuals".

He wrote: "I pray you feel seen and safe during the celebrations of this month." As an ally, I will continue to assist in this where I can. I want to help cultivate a world where everyone is accepted and has permission to be themselves.

The comments by Williams come as Pride Month begins and there are currently 491 anti-LGBTQIA+ laws moving through state legislatures in the United States, according to the ACLU.

There are bills that target gender affirming care as well as attacks against drag performers who read to children in libraries and education curricula, or even people who wear clothes in public which don't match the traditional standards of their sex when they were born. This could be directed at both drag performers in public and transgenders anywhere.

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Title: Tyler James Williams on Why It's 'Very Dangerous' to Speculate About Someone's Sexuality
Sourced From: www.toofab.com/2023/06/04/tyler-james-williams-speculating-about-someones-sexuality-very-dangerous/
Published Date: Sun, 04 Jun 2023 15:57:49 +0000

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