Actor Thomas Dekker Comes Out As Gay, Reveals Secret Marriage

In a tweet on July 13, 2017, Thomas Dekker, an actor best known for his roles in Heroes, The Secret Circle, and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, came out to the public as gay, after being somewhat outed at a recent award show.

In a post on Twitter, Dekker explained, "My sexual orientation once again came into question this week when a prominent gay man used an awards acceptance speech to 'out' me. While he did not mention me by name, the explicit details of his reference made it easy for the public and media to connect the dots."

According to E! News, Dekker is likely referring to Heroes writer Bryan Fuller, who was celebrated at an Outfest event. Fuller reportedly made a comment about a Heroes actor whose management encouraged him to keep his sexuality a secret so that he may have more career opportunities.

In his short essay, Dekker doesn't seem to harbor any ill-will toward the writer. Instead, he thanked him, and, in the process, revealed some huge news. "While it is an odd situation, I thank him because it presents a prime opportunity for me to publicly say that I am indeed a man who proudly loves other men," Dekker wrote. "In fact, this April, I married my husband and I could not be happier."

The Backstrom actor continued, "I have never lied to the press about the fluidity of my sexuality but this man claiming that I came out is not true. Because I have not 'officially' until this moment. I simply refuse to be robbed of the glorious joy that belongs to me. To say the words myself. 'I'm gay'. Those words are a badge of honor that no one can steal."

He went on, "Sexuality and who you love is a deeply personal and complicated thing. For some of us, it takes to cultivate, discover and conclude. It is not something anyone should ever be ashamed of and certainly not something anyone should be rushed into."

Dekker also shared why he waited so long to tell fans about his sexuality, noting its significance and implying that he simply wasn't ready in the past. "I agree with many who believe it is an important responsibility for LGBTQ persons with a platform to come out. It has the power to change minds, challenge beliefs and make others feel understood and supported. It can strengthen the progression of our community and help disarm those who discriminate against us," he said. "It is a brave, powerful and important thing to do but it is also a deeply personal decision. One that should only be made when you are ready."

"If we are to stand strong in the gay community, our mission should be support, not exclusion; love, not shame. I choose not to look back on the past with a regretful heart but rather focus on the future with a hopeful one. A future where myself and all others can feel free to express their true selves with honor and dignity," Dekker stated. "I embrace you, any of you, with open arms, kindness, faith and patience. For all of you who have supported me, before and now, I thank you from the bottom of my fledgling heart."

"Be proud of who you are," he concluded. "No matter how long it takes."

Wise words, Dekker.