Who is Zander Hodgson? British model comes out as gay in YouTube video
Hodgson came out in April (zander hodgson/YouTube)
British model, actor and Instagram star Zander Hodgson has come out as gay in a heartfelt YouTube video.
The actor, who lives in Los Angeles and has had small roles in Hollyoaks, Coronation Street and Shameless, decided to share his sexuality to inspire others who might be struggling to come to terms with their LGBT+ status.
In the video, Hodgson said that he hoped to “connect to others” and “to connect to you more.”
“I brought you guys here to talk about something really important to me,” said the actor.
“It’s been something that I’ve wanted to share with everyone for a while now, but it’s been one thing after the other that has got in the way of me being able to speak up about it.
“This is something that I thought was important to do for my own growth, for myself, to be unashamed, to connect to others, to connect to you more. I wanted to tell everyone that I am gay, and although that doesn’t change anything for me, and hopefully not for you, I just thought it was a really important thing to share with everyone.”
Hodgson continued: “Although sexuality is a small part of someone, if you shut it off, then you don’t allow yourself to be fully known. If you shut off one thing of yourself, then you shut off so many other things.
“I wanted to do this video as well, because when I think about all the kids out there that are being bullied, or are really struggling with their sexuality, even teenage or adults, I just want you to know that you are not alone.”
Hodgson also said that he had felt compelled to stay in the closet.
The actor said that he thought being openly gay had the potential to damage his career.
“There aren’t many gay actors out there in my age range that I feel I can relate to. I don’t think there are many opportunities out there for gay men to play straight roles,” the British star explained.
“While I love watching gay films about gay relationships, where straight actors have taken on the role, I’m also questioning more and more why is a straight actor in that role when there are so many gay actors out there?” he asked.
