Alyson Stoner, former Disney star, comes out as queer in Teen Vogue essay
Stoner said she is attracted to "men, women, and people who identify in other ways"
“I’m asking for you to feel what I feel on a human level, to appreciate the beauty of someone diving into the unknown in pursuit of love and truth. I’m asking you to accept me as I accept myself.”
–Former Disney star Alyson Stoner (Cheaper by the Dozen, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Step Up) coming out as queer in an essay for Teen Vogue.
Stoner revealed that she is “attracted to men, women, and people who identify in other ways” in the essay, which was published alongside the release of her new single, “When It’s Right.” Stoner said that the song describes what it was like to fall in love with a woman.
“My lyrics and melodies before I met her feel light-years away because of her profound effect on me,” she said, going on to call it “the first painting of a vivid new world I now call home.”
Stoner said that accepting her sexuality was not easy, and described years of therapy to try and understand her attractions as well as remove harmful beliefs about her desires. She said she was also told by people in Hollywood that coming out would damage her career as a dancer and singer.
“Some people in the industry warned me that I’d ruin my career, miss out on possible jobs, and potentially put my life in danger if I ever came out,” she wrote. “My dream and all I’d worked tirelessly for since the age of 6 was suddenly at risk by my being…true to myself.”
Stoner said that she has won the battle internally and has learned to love herself for who she is, writing that when the world questions who you are, “Dare to be yourself anyway.”
“If you’re questioning or struggling with your sexuality, gender identity, or anything else, know that I and so many who’ve gone before us are with you. Whatever your identity, you are lovable and wonderful and enough.”
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