Garrett Clayton took to Instagram on Monday to come out as gay.
The Teen Beach Movie and King Cobra actor opened up about his sexuality while discussing his upcoming movie Reach.
“I thought it was important to explain why I took on this project in the first place,” he wrote. “Reach deals with some very serious and timely topics that have affected me personally, and have likely influenced many of your lives as well.”
Clayton, 27, said he chose to take on the role because of the personal connections he and the “man I’ve been in a relationship with for a long time” have to the film. Clayton tagged boyfriend Blake Knight in the post.
“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.
Clayton said his goal in starring in the Reach was to help others who might be struggling, too. Reach follows teenager Steven Turano (Clayton) as he struggles with thoughts of suicide.
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“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,” he concluded. “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.”
Following Clayton’s post, his boyfriend Knight showed his support on Instagram.
“So proud of @garrettclayton1 today! He’s overcome a lot, and still has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I’ve ever met. Handsome, talented, hilarious, kind … what’s not to love?!” wrote Knight. “It’s been an awesome journey all over the world together so far, and I’m looking forward to many more years and trips and puppies and movies and naps and dinners and friends! I love you, Gary!”
