There’s been a bit of speculation about the sexuality of Garrett Clayton, the young actor who first got noticed in Disney Channel’s Teen Beach Party. Clayton has played several queer roles, most notably playing gay porn star Brent Corrigan in King Cobra, and on several occasions has suggested he’s gay, while refusing to actually say it – leading some to suggest he was the latest inhabitant of the glass closet.
Indeed, in 2016 he defended not coming out, saying, “I just don’t think it’s pertinent to talk about my personal life. I don’t think it adds to the work; it just distracts from it.”
However, he has now decided to come out publicly and reveal that he’s also in a long-term relationship. Writing on Instagram he says, “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. 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.
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. ♥️”
Welcome to the club, Garrett!