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This profile is part of Queerty’s 2021 Out For Good series, recognizing public figures who’ve had the courage to come out and make a difference in the past year, in celebration of National Coming Out Day on October 11.
Name: Joshua Bassett, 20
Bio: Actor, singer, and songwriter Joshua Bassett has been a star since his recurring role as a mouthy lacrosse player in the Disney series “Stuck in the Middle.” In 2019, however, America was introduced to its new favorite teen heartthrob in the form of Ricky Bowen, Bassett’s character in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. As Ricky, Bassett flirted with (and dated) Olivia Rodrigo’s Nini, causing sparks to fly between Bassett and Rodrigo IRL. In 2020, he found himself at the center of a huge controversy: who had broken Rodrigo’s heart, the world demanded to know after “Sour” skyrocketed to the top of the charts. All signs pointed to heartthrob Bassett. But he had another confession up his sleeve.
He could have gone down in history as the world’s most hated dude. It was all set up so perfectly: when Olivia Rodrigo released “Sour,” the world was instantly obsessed with the High School Musical: The Musical: The Series star’s tales of heartache and anger. And who but her co-star and ex Joshua Bassett was to blame?
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https://www.instagram.com/p/COvl11QJSXK/
Coming Out: No wonder folks weren’t certain whether the star’s casual coming out, via a video interview wherein Bassett gushed about the singer Harry Styles, was in earnest or part of a gigantic publicity push. Calling the One Direction performer “cute” and “hot,” Bassett bashfully admitted in a video for Clevver News that “this is also my coming out video, I guess.“
Shortly after that, he released a statement via notes app that didn’t clear anything up at all. “It’s ok to still be figuring out who you are,” he wrote. “Life’s too short to let ignorance and hatred win. i choose love.”
This left everyone scratching their heads for days. Was Bassett for real? Was it a joke? Was it a way to detract from the “Sour” publicity?
https://www.instagram.com/p/COdrRMypWlE/
Chosen Family: But then, sure enough, Bassett embraced his own bisexuality for real, and for all the world to see. In a GQ profile released just at the end of Pride Month, Bassett explained, in true Gen Z fashion, that he was more than any label. “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.”
The little boy who grew up running around the house with his sisters in a Snow White dress has always dealt with queer speculation. Now, he’s fully owning his queerness, without feeling the need to label it. And that’s nothing to be sour about.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNs0aqqJWQ7/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CPyuYuYJ5mK/
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Jim
I know this is kinda outa no where, but I’m glad guys no longer try to hide their arm pit hair.
Yep I’m that old.
50’s tv was strange.
Donston
People do need to realize that gay, bi, pan, straight, male, female, non-binary, queer, etc- these are all identities. So, if you’re gonna embrace any of them you’re still indulging “label” peddling. “Bi” still has its own set of agendas, assumptions, politics and sociological and ego stakes. It seems as if some folks think that as long as they don’t say that they’re “gay” or “straight” then they’re removing themselves from “labels” and identity politics, and that’s just not the case.
I will say that his interview was for the most part non-problematic and empathetic. Considering how messy and insecure a lot of public figures (especially male public figures) come off when they’re trying to be “out”, it is refreshing for someone who mostly “gets it”. While of course, it is more important to preach about acceptance and the individuality and dimensions of self-care, sexuality, fluidity, contradictions, the gender, sexual, affection, emotion, commitment spectrum, rather than to just push identities. I do appreciate that more folks are starting to more wholly understand that.
barryaksarben
HE is a child and so I give young ones a ton of latitude when it comes to labels.
quantum
Remember when we used to call people like this “queerbaiting”, not “heroes”?
Donston
I do think calling people’s “heroes” for publicly attaching to queerness is becoming very passé and even problematic. I believe the “queer media” feels like they have to do it in order to encourage people to “come out” and also to potentially get future interviews and stuff. But if we want to get to a place where people can just casually be themselves and do as they wish then referring to every C-list actor who attaches to “queerness” in whatever ways is rather counterproductive.
As far as if he’s “baiting” or not, I don’t know. I kinda doubt it. The whole “I want to be considered a part of the ‘queer community’ because they accept everyone” thing is kinda cringe-y and, if he’s not all that “queer”, it’s also kinda misappropriating. Also, what he said is not in the least bit true. The opinions of “queers” are as varied as any other supposed demo. But we also don’t really know what his (or anyone else’s) sexual dimensions are or where he is in the gender, sexual, romantic, affection, emotional investment, commitment spectrum. And we don’t know his motivations.
He’s young and he at least tried to say something empathetic and non-messy. I give him credit for that. As generic as it was.
strap2900
I remember when people were gay or straight. Now there are about 10 different variations, I can’t keep up. Wonder what it will be next week?
ryeguypdx
Jesus, our standards for heroes are low.
barryaksarben
You do not have to think of him as a hero. No reason to freak out. This is a celeb story, light and fluffy. HE isnt my hero but I am glad he has come out. Good for him. No reason for you to give it any power over you
Prinny
Wow it’s that straight kid again
Donston
He could indeed be a fairly “straight” guy who wants to attach to “queerness” because he “feels different” and thinks he’s “progressive” and “open-minded”. But you shouldn’t make those types of blanketed statements. We don’t really know his dimensions and motivations. Just let the kid continue down whatever journey he’s going. If he becomes messy and becomes one of those dudes constantly using “queerness” for cool points and attention despite only indulging hetero commitments- that’s when I can see him being problematic/annoying.
Jer
He’s not hurting me, and I certainly have no reason to want to hurt him.
barryaksarben
MOre people need to feel the way you do
skeldare
What about all the other queer actors from High School Musical: The Musical: The Series?