Closet door bustdown

Former Disney star Garrett Clayton comes out, introduces fans to his boyfriend

Garrett Clayton, the star of Disney Channel’s Teen Beach Movie and NBC’s Hairspray Live, has come out as gay.

The actor, who portrayed real-life gay adult film star Brent Corrigan in the 2016 James Franco-produced King Cobra, also introduced the world to his longtime boyfriend, Blake Knight.

Related: PHOTOS: Disney Star Garrett Clayton As Brent Corrigan In James Franco’s Gay Biopic

In an emotional Instagram post, Clayton, 27, opened up about how his latest film project, Reach, informed his decision.

“REACH deals with some very serious and timely topics that have affected me personally, and have likely influenced many of your lives as well,” wrote Clayton. “(I also prefer to share things that are particularly important for me here on my IG) instead of in some random magazine or online article – because you are the ones that have been rooting for me and following me on my professional and personal journey in life.”

Related: King Cobra’s Garrett Clayton on Pride, gay roles, & sexual ambiguity

“When I read the script for REACH, I immediately knew it was a film I had to be a part of. I have personally dealt with suicide within my own family, intense bullying in high school, and – on top of it all – myself and the man I’ve been in a relationship with for a long time (@hrhblakeknight) have both experienced shootings within our hometown school systems, and have witnessed the heartache that takes place in affected communities after such tragic events,” he continued. “These topics – not always easy to discuss- are all close to my heart, and, knowing how serious they are, I wanted to share this with you all. This film has come from the perspectives of people who care deeply about these issues, and if watching it helps even one person… then it was all worth it.”

With the release of my new movie REACH coming up, I thought it was important to explain why I took on this project in the first place. REACH deals with some very serious and timely topics that have affected me personally, and have likely influenced many of your lives as well. (I also prefer to share things that are particularly important for me here on my IG) instead of in some random magazine or online article – because you are the ones that have been rooting for me and following me on my professional and personal journey in life. When I read the script for REACH, I immediately knew it was a film I had to be a part of. I have personally dealt with suicide within my own family, intense bullying in high school, and – on top of it all – myself and the man I’ve been in a relationship with for a long time (@hrhblakeknight) have both experienced shootings within our hometown school systems, and have witnessed the heartache that takes place in affected communities after such tragic events. These topics – not always easy to discuss- are all close to my heart, and, knowing how serious they are, I wanted to share this with you all. This film has come from the perspectives of people who care deeply about these issues, and if watching it helps even one person… then it was all worth it. ??

A post shared by Garrett Clayton (@garrettclayton1) on

Congrats, Garrett!

Somewhere behind me it says “No puking in the pool”

A post shared by Garrett Clayton (@garrettclayton1) on

Happy your pool floaty makes you look nude day that doesn’t actually exist. ?

A post shared by Garrett Clayton (@garrettclayton1) on

Oldie but goodie. ????

A post shared by Blake Knight (@hrhblakeknight) on

My #MCM, always… even when dressed up like an apprehensive cow.

A post shared by Blake Knight (@hrhblakeknight) on

 

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