Australian actor went public came out as… human.
He told Stellar Magazine why he took so long:
I’ve never felt I really knew who I was and I didn’t like the sounds of the labels that people were giving me, so I decided to say nothing.
The Packed to the Rafter’s star also talked about the pressure to keep his relationships with men a secret to make him seem ‘available’ to women viewers. This angered him.
When asked about his sexual orientation, The Packed to the Rafter’s star simply came out as “a human being”.
Love life and being outed by the media
Sheridan opened up about his attractions. As a child, Sheridan opened up about being bullied for being gay. Ironically, at the time, he claimed that he was in love with girls.
It wasn’t until he started he started his acting career that he first fell for a man. Unfortunately, the media caught on and rumours were spreading about his relationship. Sheridan said he felt outed. “It hurt a lot”, he explained.
He also exposed the catch 22 he and a lot of other LGBTQ+ celebrities risk: having to come out or thinking you’re ashamed of who you are.
Sheridan started the Renaissance Project, where people are invited to discuss issues of labels and identity.
On the issue of identity, Sheridan simply stated:
I believe labels are for clothes, not for people.
Sheridan’s coming out is met with support
There has been an outpouring of support for Sheridan. Many have written to him and thanked him. He’s also got love and support from other Packed to the Rafters co – stars.
Rebecca Gibney, who played his mother, Julie Rafter, penned an emotional note of support on Instagram.
I’ve loved this boy the moment I met him 13 years ago. He is one of the most joyful, open hearted, empathetic souls I have ever met and I couldn’t be more proud of his wonderful essay in the latest Stellar magazine where he talks about society’s need to label and how he has never fitted the labels that were given to him.
She concluded:
I’m so blessed to call you my friend. Well done for speaking your truth. Love you to the moon sweetheart.
Sexual fluidity: when coming out isn’t that simple
For a while, fluid sexuality has been researched and become public knowledge. University of Utah’s psychology professor, Lisa M Diamond PhD did a study on women and sexuality. She discovered that women can go through numerous sexual experiences through different stages of their lives.
However it’s often assumed that men’s sexuality is largely static; either gay or straight. Male bisexuality is often erased and those who come out are often not believed.
And men without the need for a label? Well, you don’t really hear about it… until now. It turns out that complexity with sexual identity can affect people of all genders, including men.
I think Hugh Sheridan’s coming out is oositive. Not only are more LGBTQ+ people coming out in public, but it also shows that being unsure or without a label is also OK.
