'High School Musical' Star Joshua Bassett Comes Out As A Member Of The LGBTQ Community
It's the most causal coming out story ever.
Getty Images After a viral interview in which Joshua Bassett gushed about Harry Styles, labeling it his “coming out video,” the “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” star has confirmed: "I wasn't joking."
Bassett spoke for all of us when he praised Styles as “charming” and “hot,” before slipping in that his comments may be an indication of his sexuality.
Is Joshua Bassett gay?
In the new interview with GQ, Bassett took his indication into confirmation territory, saying he's "happy to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community."
Speculation first started regarding Bassett's sexuality after his comments about Harry Styles.
In the interview, Bassett was asked by fans what he admires most about Styles. He complimented his acting, singing, and fashion.
“He’s just cool ... who doesn’t think Harry Styles is cool?” he asked. “Also, he’s hot, you know? He’s very charming, too. Lots of things.”
“This is also my coming out video, I guess,” he concluded, leading fans to speculate on Bassett’s sexuality.
Ironically, Bassett isn't a big fan of "coming out" as a concept.
Bassett didn’t explicitly identify whether he was gay, bisexual, pansexual, or queer. Instead, he left the subject open-ended, as anyone and everyone should be free to do. After all, sexuality is a fluid spectrum.
“There are plenty of letters in the alphabet," he said. "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. Don’t let anyone tell you love isn’t love. They’re the ones who probably need it the most.”
Either way, it is important to note that Bassett does not owe anyone any further explanation of his sexuality, nor is it fair to label him.
Bassett, is a member of Gen Z, is part of the “queerest generation ever.”
One in 6 Gen Z members openly identifies as LGBTQ, higher than any previous generation.
Joshua Bassett addressed his sexuality on social media after the Harry Styles interview went viral.
As speculation began to swirl, Bassett took to Instagram to speak to his fans and critics who had responded to the interview.
"My entire life people have told me my sexuality. 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 wrote. "Toxicity, hatred and negativity say less about the subject but say far more about those who spew it."
He said that in 2021, we need to embrace more change and growth, and stated that he wouldn't let haters get to him any longer.
Again, Bassett did not explicitly label himself and sent a message to fans that they don't have to label themselves either.
"Love who you love shamelessly. It's ok to still be figuring out who you are. Life's too short to let ignorance and hatred win. I choose love," he concluded.
Bassett told GQ of the post, "I stood behind every word that I said." He continued, "Even if there are consequences, I would much rather deal with consequences and live my truth than live in fear."
Did Joshua Bassett and Sabrina Carpenter break up?
Bassett’s love life has been the source of much speculation since late 2020.
When Bassett’s “High School Musical” co-star and rumored ex Olivia Rodrigo released her track “Driver’s License,” many speculated it was about Bassett.
Bassett was rumored to be dating Sabrina Carpenter, who is believed to be “that blonde girl” that Rodrigo was singing about.
The viral track ignited a gripping trifecta of songs from Bassett, Carpenter, and Rodrigo that are all rumored to be about one another.
However, Bassett has always come to the defense of both women and fought off the speculation of a feud.
“I hope people don't forget the value that [Olivia] and Sabrina bring to the world outside of the drama," he has said. "And I hope people will look at the depth of who they are instead of just the surface-level gossip"
He echoed this in his GQ interview, saying, "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 and Rodrigo returned to filming the series together, shortly after the drama unfolded.
Bassett and Carpenter, meanwhile, do not appear to have been seen together recently, so it is unclear if the pair are still together — or if they ever were.
Regardless, Bassett is content now, tearing up during his GQ interview. "It makes me emotional. I didn't necessarily have that when I was younger. I didn't have a me saying stuff like this," he told the magazine. "I'm very at peace. I'm celebrating Pride all month long."
Alice Kelly is a writer living in Brooklyn, New York. Catch her covering all things social justice, news, and entertainment. Keep up with her on Twitter for more.