Stranger Things actress opens up about ‘really scary’ struggle with her sexuality
Shannon Purser, who became an internet favourite after playing Barb on Stranger Things, has opened up about her sexuality.
The 19-year-old actor tweeted a series of messages revealing the struggle she is still going through in reconciling her faith and sexuality.
Purser, who now plays Ethel Muggs on another Netflix show – young adult drama Riverdale – also dispensed advice to fans who might be going through a similar journey.
She wrote that it can be “really scary” but encouraged her followers to “take it slow.
“It can define you as much as you want it to,” she added.
“All that to say, you’re not alone.”
Today, she tweeted, simply: “Growing up is hard.”
She has spoken out about her religion before, telling fans that “being a Christian means knowing Who to thank when things go well for us and Who to ask for help when things get tough.”
Stranger Things, the huge summer hit which has attracted four nominations from the rebranded and gender-neutral MTV Movie & TV Awards, is replete with fans who discuss the sexuality of its characters.
But Noah Schnapp, who plays the target of most of this speculation, 12-year-old Will Byers, said last year that “Will being gay or not is besides the point.”
Charlie Heaton and Joe Keery, who play Jonathan and Steve on the show, did share a kiss inside InStyle Magazine’s after party Photo Booth earlier this year, though.
Getting comfortable with your sexuality is a process. It's going to be ok. I wish I'd known that sooner.
— Shannon Purser (@shannonpurser) April 11, 2017
Another thing I wish I'd known about sexuality is to take it slow. It can define you as much as you want it to.— Shannon Purser (@shannonpurser) April 11, 2017
Either way, I know what it's like to have anxiety about it. Especially trying to come to terms with it and my faith. It can be really scary.— Shannon Purser (@shannonpurser) April 11, 2017
But it's gonna be ok. You're going to be ok. No, you're going to be great.— Shannon Purser (@shannonpurser) April 11, 2017
All that to say, you're not alone. You're in my prayers and, if you're the praying kind, please keep me in yours. ?
— Shannon Purser (@shannonpurser) April 11, 2017
