For many LGBT celebrities, the coming out process is much different than it was just 10 years ago. For instance, most stars don't reveal their sexual orientations on magazine covers anymore like in the '90s and early '00s; rather, they simply confirm them in interviews or, as one big star just did, talk about them on social media. On Saturday, Arrow and Teen Wolf actor Colton Haynes opened up about his sexuality in a Tumblr post, but it wasn't a big, glossy declaration. Instead, it was a simple acknowledgment of a fact of his life, and it was very, very cool to see.
Haynes' discussion of his sexuality came as a response to a fan named "pornandmariah," who wrote in a Tumblr post,
"When I found out Colton Haynes had a secret gay past I got so excited even though I know it makes absolutely no difference in my life."
The 27-year-old actor reblogged the post on his official Tumblr and responded in the coolest way, saying,
"Was it a secret? Let’s all just enjoy life & have no regrets."
No big speech, no magazine cover, no secrets, no big deal — just a simple message, followed by a bunch of emojis. It's so great that Haynes is not ashamed to share this part of his life with his fan base — and is comfortable enough to address them directly, too. His post has the feel of a "So what? That's who I am" kind of acknowledgment, and it's the best way to start 2016 on a accepting, positive note.
In addition to being known for his smoldering roles on Arrow and Teen Wolf, Haynes is an active supporter of LGBT rights, and his brother Joshua is openly gay. Haynes has long kept his personal life private, but it's so great that he chose to be open about this, especially when so many actors are hesitant to discuss their personal lives and face potential backlash. Even cooler? That his fans are showing such support.
It's good to see that Haynes' fans are behind him, and that the Tumblr post might provide hope and inspiration to countless people.
