Lucas Cruikshank, known to many as “Fred,” the hyper and chirpy Internet sensation-turned-Nickelodeon star, nonchalantly announced he is gay in a (what else) YouTube clip. The 19-year-old, who regulary collaborates on videos with friend and Disney channel star Jennifer Veal, took a moment to answer some questions with his bestie and affirmed that yes, he is gay.
The actor goes on to say that while his friends and family have known for a few years, he had not felt the need to discuss his sexuality “on the Internet” until now. Cruikshank is one of the first Nickolodeon stars to come out in an industry that is commonly protective of its young stars, sending a message that not only is a teen audience prepared to accept a gay star post-Chris Colfer, but also could serve as positive encouragement for queer or questioning teens in the vein of “It Gets Better.” The actor recieved some positive encouragement himself from Cher; Cruikshank tweeted a message he received from the singer and gay icon about how proud she was of him. Honestly, that would make coming out more than worth it.
Watch here:
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