“Abbott Elementary” actor Tyler James Williams marked the start of Pride Month by speaking out against speculation of his sexuality, saying the “conversation is bigger than me.”

“I’m not gay; but I think the culture of trying to ‘find’ some kind of hidden trait or behavior that a closeted person ‘let slip’ is very dangerous,” he wrote in a June 4 Instagram story. “Overanalyzing someones behavior in an attempt to ‘catch’ them directly contributes to the anxiety a lot of queer and queer questioning people feel when they fear living in their truth.”

The “Everybody Hates Chris” actor noted that this speculation can make everyday conversations “feel less safe” for members of the LGBTQ community and those who are still figuring out their sexualities.

He added that it also “reinforces an archetype” that can limit individual expression. The 30-year-old said that he aims to use his platform to “push back against those archetypes.”

“Being straight doesn’t look one way. Being gay doesn’t look one way,” he wrote. “And what may seem like harmless fun and conversation may actually be sending a dangerous message to those struggle with real issues. I refuse to inadvertently contribute to that message.”

He then addressed his “queer and questioning brothers, sisters, and individuals” and shared a message of support, writing, “I pray that you feel seen in ways that make you feel safe in the celebration that is this month.”

“As an ally I continue to be committed to assisting in that where I can and helping to cultivate a future where we are all accepted and given permission to be ourselves,” he concluded the statement.

Tyler’s message was met with support from his younger brothers, Tyrel Jackson Williams, 26, and Tylen Jacob Williams, 21.

In a lengthy Twitter thread, Tyrel, known for starring in “Lab Rats” and “Brockmire,” celebrated how his older brother…

Read the full article here

The post ‘Abbott Elementary’ star calls out ‘very dangerous’ culture of sexuality speculation appeared first on Urban News Now.

The NAACP’s travel advisory for Black people considering a visit or move to Florida has less to do with potential travelers and more to do with rallying the Black residents of the state to counter Republican-led policies, members of the civil rights organization told NBC News. 

Leon W. Russell, the chairman of the NAACP national board of directors, who lives in Tampa, said the travel advisory was an informational and strategic tactic to galvanize Black voters, especially Black men, against Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.

 “Let me be clear: We’re not calling for a boycott or a travel ban,” Russell said. “We’re saying to Black people who come to the state or who are thinking about coming to the state that you need to be aware of what’s going on here and you need to think about how you are going to be impacted by this hate and cruelty that is being generated. You need to consider whether or not you’re going to be safe.”

The advisory reads, “Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color.”

Marsha Ellison, president of the NAACP’s Fort Lauderdale/Broward Branch, said the advisory has already generated interest. 

“Since the travel advisory, our phones have been blowing up with people on the ground wanting to know more details about why the travel advisory and the policies that impact them,” she said. “So, this is going to be quite effective.”

Ellison said many Black Floridians have a strong sense of DeSantis’ policies related to race, identity and inclusion, and “many aren’t in tune with his racist and draconian policies.”

DeSantis has said Florida is where “woke goes to die.” He doubled down on his comment in January when his administration said it would block a new Advanced Placement African…

Read the full article here

The post The NAACP’s Florida travel advisory is less about traveling and more about Black voters appeared first on Urban News Now.