Belgian actor Jelle Florizoone, 20, has come out as gay, saying that he is, “Finally happy.”
Florizoone is best known in his home country for his role in the movie North Sea Texas and in the children’s TV show ROX.
He spoke with Belgian magazine Het Laatste Nieuwswith about his relationship with Egyptian boyfriend Amir, whom he met not long after breaking up with his ex after a two year relationship. He says the “spark hit” when the two met at a party and began talking.
“A breakup is never fun, but I’m still young and that’s part of life. Life is a learning process with ups-and-downs. Of course I hope that road will be smooth, but that is unfortunately not the case. I learned from my previous relationship, because I have made mistakes,” Florizoone told the magazine.
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“I’m attracted to dark-haired types because I’m blonde,” he added about his type. “But I particularly like people with a story. Sure you first look at the outward appearance, but the difference between a flirt and a relationship has to be the content.”
Florizoone tweeted out his joy following upon the article’s publication:
Pretty happy with this article. The word is out. #finallyhappy ? https://t.co/LFzmvIm5o0
— Jelle Florizoone (@JelleFlorizoone) August 9, 2016
He has also been posting plenty of happy couple photos on Instagram.
In North Sea Texas he played the part of a boy who falls in love with another boy. During press for the movie, which came out in 2011, Florizoone was asked about playing a gay character.
“When I read the scenario for the first time, I had the feeling, ‘Help!'” a young and still closeted Florizoone said. He also expressed nerves at going to the premiere with family.
“I think it’s going to be really weird tonight,” he said. “They will be looking at the screen in front of me. And they will see me fooling around with another boy. It’s a little bit embarrassing.
He said the response from his family was positive. Hopefully they are just as supportive now that they know he didn’t just play gay, but is the real article. Based on his “finally happy” remark, we are guessing they responded well to the news.
h/t Attitude
barkomatic
They are a handsome couple and I wish them the best. I saw North Sea Texas and liked it — though how odd it must have been to be playing a gay character just coming out and yet not yet be out yourself. Perhaps the casting director recognized this when he got the part!
crowebobby
Sweet boys; good film. I lived in three different foreign countries over 30 years and spoke the languages, but still love to hear kids speaking a foreign language . . . makes them sound smarter and, in this case, more sophisticate and sensitive to me though I know that’s ridiculous — the dumbest kid in Japan speaks Japanese. Anyway, enjoyed seeing this clip again.
crowebobby
This boy’s name reminded me of the author of one of the best gay novels I’ve ever read. It is placed in the young adult category, but it is definitely for adults; in fact English publishers have refused to publish it unless she tones down the sex scenes which she refuses to do. I read it in German, but have been trying to find the English translation for years. Here’s the link to an article on it. It’s in German but the translate button will put into English if you’re interested.
http://www.faz.net/aktuell/feuilleton/buecher/rezensionen/kinderbuch/floortje-zwigtmans-jugendroman-ich-adrian-mayfield-die-halbwelt-betruegen-1831957.html
Hussain-TheCanadian
I’m sure the “stop the Islamization of Europe” crowd will see this and lose their minds – They will consider this another attempt by the Muslims in “raiding” and “penetrating” Europe – Someone pass me the Ice tea.
dean089
@Hussain-TheCanadian: If a guy looks like Amir he can penetrate my ‘defenses’ any time, 24/7. 😉
Hussain-TheCanadian
@dean089: LMAO!!!
Kangol
Amir’s hot. Best wishes to this actor.
n900mixalot
Awesome! Cute couple. =]
martinbakman
Yup, the BF is so handsome.
North Sea Texas is a good watch. Well done movie.