Clark Moore, best known for his role as Ethan in the teen rom-com film ‘Love Simon,’ came out to his family as gay when he was in high school. Clark has frequently tied his journey to what he saw on television and how LGBT portrayal on television shaped him.
Moore has always realized that being out about his sexuality did not expose him to as much personal hostility; yet, it has not been an easy road.
Coming Out Story of Openly Gay Actor Clark Moore
Moore came out in high school and was surrounded by people who loved and supported him, according to Out. In an interview with Out, he stated,
It’s still undoubtedly one of the most difficult things we have to do as homosexual or LGBT individuals who are marginalized or otherized in our lives. There are no words to describe the horror that fills you when you’re in the closet.
He discussed his private illness in greater detail, expressing how every LGBTQIA+ person experiences periods of uncertainty and vulnerability despite having supportive people around them, and how validation is sought through movies and television shows.
Furthermore, in an interview with Into More, actor Moore noted not seeing much representation as a child. Most characters were merely “implied to be queer,” which was all he could relate to.
He stated,
…it turns out that one of the guys we’ve known all along is also gay, but the out gay person was such a cliché, and they don’t mention him being gay openly.
He went on to say that he rewatches old movies and thinks about the characters he related with, and how they were never branded “gay” but referred to their sexual identity.
Dartmouth alumnus noted in an interview with NewNowNext,
We’ve been the punchline for a long time, but we’ve never been a meaningful, dramatic, driving force in the story until now.
“We haven’t had much representation as far as homosexual black males in roles that aren’t over-the-top clichés,” he added.
Hollywood has a habit of portraying its LGBTQIA+ members as purely comedy relief, with their experiences serving as a punchline. Clark Moore, on the other hand, believes that a shift is needed and that his film Love Simon,’ a mainstream rom-com, could be a starting point.
Moore’s character, oddly, plays right into stereotypes: “the hilarious one,” “the breezy one,” and “the flamboyant one.” Moore plays Ethan, who is nothing like the film’s title character Simon.
Simon is quiet and agitated, particularly over his sexuality. Ethan, on the other hand, is a quick-witted, amusing, openly gay, and self-assured black high schooler with a great sense of humor.
Moore sees this contrast in LGBT experiences as the final representation queers require. Max Carver’s Reaction to His Twin Brother’s Coming Out as Gay in “The Leftovers”
Moore told Attitude that to allow for better representation away from the stereotype, one must also lean towards the cliché.
He stated,
“Every stereotype contains some truth, and that’s fine.”
“I believe we avoid preconceptions in order to demonstrate that we are not monolithic and that we have diverse experiences.”“In the same interview, the actor stated, “Because of my mannerisms, my body type, and the fact that I was gifted with my mother’s face and a higher voice, people always think I’m a woman anyway!”
“I’ve never really been able to hide that side of my identity, it’s always been there,” he added, “and I’m afraid I won’t get the opportunity to break beyond gay characters.”
Moore’s approach to changing LGBT media perception is to rebel against the norm, to utilize self-identity to demonstrate how limitations in queer experiences are non-existent and that one may be equally as shameless or private in their presentation.
Clark has also played Aj in ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,’ an openly homosexual character whose gender is never revealed in the program. The fact that his character’s gender identity is uncertain may be a work for spectators to interpret in their observation, as Reddit users remark.
This raises a new issue to consider in the context of LGBTQIA+ representation.
Moore Discusses Stereotypes
Moore expresses his dissatisfaction with sexuality and gender expression in an interview with Dazed. He stated,
Within the LGBT community, there is a hierarchy of masculinity and femininity that is not only internalised homophobia, but also internalised misogyny – that we value masculine over feminine.
He goes on to say that those who receive the greatest sexual or romantic attention, those glorified within the LGBTIA+ community, represent a more traditional representation of masculinity.
Clarke Moore, who was born and raised in Atlanta, has always advocated for visibility, self-love, and self-expression. And, as a proud, out homosexual actor, he is eager to challenge the stereotypes that surround the LGBTQIA+ community.
Also Read: Jonathan Groff, Who Is Out Gay, Discusses A Relationship Gone Wrong
