Hollyoaks’ Gabriel Clark says he’s ‘proud’ to be part of show’s growing LGBTQ community
Good for him!
Words: Jamie Tabberer; pictures: Channel 4
New Hollyoaks star Gabriel Clark has taken to social media to say he’s “proud” to be part of a growing LGBTQ community on the Channel 4 soap.
Good for him!
Gabriel, who took over the role of Luke Morgan’s (Gary Lucy) son Oliver Morgan on the show in November, made the comments during a recent Instagram Q&A.
“Growing LGBT+ community”
When when asked by a fan if he was LGBTQ, the 22-year-old replied: “I am. I am really proud to be.”
View this post on Instagram
The rising star, who is gay, also discussed his sexuality on Twitter earlier this month, saying: “I love my job SO much, thank you to everyone who’ve sent such lovely messages over this last month!
I love my job SO much, thank you to everyone who’ve sent such lovely messages over this last month! There’s so much drama to come and I’m so excited to bring it to screen and proud to be part of such an amazing cast! (And a part of the growing LGBT+ community on the show! 🏳️🌈❤) pic.twitter.com/JNHhYHrrAI
— Gabriel Clark (@gabrielwclark) December 12, 2020
“There’s so much drama to come and I’m so excited to bring it to screen and proud to be part of such an amazing cast! (And a part of the growing LGBT+ community on the show!).”
“I don’t really like that we have to ‘come out'”
Speaking to Attitude today about the reaction to his social posts, Gabriel said: “I was asked about my sexuality for an Instagram Q&A – I didn’t really think about my answer until after I’d said it but that was the first time I’d said it publicly on social media.
“I don’t really like that we have to ‘come out’, and straight people don’t, so I never had!”
View this post on Instagram
He added: “People have been so lovely, there were a load of messages congratulating me but within them were some really moving messages saying thank you. I won’t name anyone but there have been a some fans who have reached out to talk about their sexuality and how much it means to them to have an openly gay young actor on the show.
“I think for me it would have meant the world, and my coming out a lot quicker, if I knew there were more gay actors playing lead roles on shows I watched. Outside of anything Russell T. Davies wrote I don’t think I saw LGBT+ actors or characters on TV!”
Gabriel then explained: “So many people I’ve spoken to have reflected the importance of representation and I know how much it matters, that importance is getting harder and harder to ignore. I’m trying to make active choices to watch shows that champion diversity. I think FX’s ‘POSE’ is currently doing it best.”
Gabriel’s casting follows that of non-binary actor Ki Griffin in August.
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