Disney Channel star Gary Clayton comes out as gay in heartfelt post on social media
Gary Clayton, best known for portraying Tanner in the 2013 Disney Channel Original Movie 'Teen Beach Movie' and its sequel 'Teen Beach 2,' has officially come out as gay in a heartfelt Instagram post. The 27-year-old will be featuring in 'Reach' next and explained in the post why he had taken up the role, subtly sneaking in how he had been in a relationship with a man.
Gary tagged his boyfriend, one Blake Knight, in the emotional revelation, also addressing topics such as bullying, suicide, and school shootings. "With the release of my new movie REACH coming up, 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. (I also prefer to share things that are particularly important for me here on my IG) instead of in some random magazine or online article - because you are the ones that have been rooting for me and following me on my professional and personal journey in life."
He went on to explain why he was so keen on featuring in the film. "When I read the script for REACH, I immediately knew it was a film I had to be a part of. 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."
"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. 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," he ended.
'Reach' is set to premiere in theatres on October 19.