Tyler James Williams, star of “Abbott Elementary“, has been a beacon of light when it comes to Black men switching up what “masculinity” means. When he shows up to red carpets, photoshoots and interviews, he is often wearing gender-neutral or femme-leaning clothing and looks amazing every time. Lately, however, users on social media have been questioning Williams’ sexuality and the actor has finally opened up to school many people on the art of minding their business.
Tyler James Williams On Sexuality
The actor took to social media to explain his sexuality – not that it was anyone’s business.
“Usually I wouldn’t address stuff like this but I feel like it as a conversation is bigger than me,” Williams wrote. “I’m not gay; but I think the culture of trying to ‘find’ some kind of hidden trait or behavior that a closeted person ‘let slip’ is very dangerous.”
He then goes on to explain how “overanalyzing” someone’s mannerisms to see if they’re gay makes it hard for those who are gay or questioning, to feel comfortable.
“[It] contributes to the anxiety a lot of queer and queer-questioning people feel when they fear living in their truth. It makes the most pedestrian of conversations and interactions in spaces feel less safe in our gay brothers and sister and those who may be questioning.”
Continuously An Ally
This behavior is nothing new for the actor. According to new tweets from his little brother, Tyrel Jackson Williams, the actor has always created space for men to be whoever they wanted to be.
In the ten-tweet thread, Tyrel explains his journey with his brother when it came to his own coming out.
“The way he handled my and our younger brother’s coming out should be studied. He COMPLETELY deconstructed his views on masculinity and made sure to build spaces for us to be comfortable and seen until we were ready to tell our friends/family,” he explained.
Tyrel goes on to say that they all rebuilt their definition of manhood together.
“Brick-by-brick. And it was not easy work. But we weren’t doing it alone. THAT is gender affirming care. Someone allowing you space to, not only express, but discover yourself,” he wrote.
Tyrel ended the thread by simply expressing that his brother deserves all the recognition. A” true representation of healthy masculinity and effective allyship. Give him all of the awards forever.”