Joshua Bassett of 'High School Musical' Opens Up about Dealing with Homophobia after Coming Out

Actor Joshua Bassett, one of Disney's lead stars on "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series," recently opened up about how he handled judgment from others after coming out as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Check out his statement below.

Joshua Bassett became an overnight sensation because of his exceptional acting on Disney's "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series." The actor is best known for playing Ricky Bowen in the TV series.

Besides his popularity, Bassett also surprised thousands of fans when he revealed he is queer, considering he has been romantically linked with co-star and pop star Olivia Rodrigo.

The 20-year-old actor's revelation came as a shock for fans, some of whom were not very supportive. In a recent interview with Attitude, Basset opened up about how he dealt with homophobia. He said:

"You know, I seem 'straight' to everyone I meet, pretty much, and I have had to see that [homophobia] first-hand."

In May, Bassett came out while doing a video chat with Clever News, ending public speculations about his sexuality. His coming-out clip came after making glowing remarks about pop star Harry Styles.

Bassett seems relieved to have finally revealed his sexual identity. He shared that his team already reminded him about mixed reactions from fans once he reveals he is not straight.

Following his viral video, the Oceanside, California native quickly addressed his side of the story, saying it is okay to figure out one's sexuality and that he is happy to be part of the LGBT+ community.

As expected, fans were confused, but he said he was not worried or anxious about their comments. "It was liberating, it was freeing; it was nothing like I expected it to be," he added.

While some were less enthusiastic about his news, many fans expressed happiness for Bassett and thanked him for helping the LGBTQ+ individuals to be seen and feel safe.

Adding to their alleged relationship drama was Bassett's new single "Lie, Lie, Lie."

He said people could hate him for as long as they want since he can't control or change their emotions. But he expressed commitment to continue standing up for people who don't have a voice.

Meanwhile, Rodrigo, Bassett's co-star and former love interest, seems unbothered by the news. The 18-year-old pop singer previously shared to GQ that she did not even know that he came out.

The "Sour" hitmaker added it was not her business to speak about it. Fans previously believed Rodrigo and her "HSMTMTS" co-star had been dating until she released her song, "Driver's License."

Rodrigo's hit song, which became Billboard's top track and earned a billion streams, was about a recent break-up. This led fans to speculate that it was about his break-up with Bassett.

Adding to their alleged relationship drama was Bassett's new single "Lie, Lie, Lie." Meanwhile, since he came out, the singer and actor said he is open to the idea of Disney creating an LGBT+ -inspired storyline for Ricky.