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Jonathan Bailey Reflects on Unsafe School Years, Elevates LGBTQ Youth Advocacy

The first openly gay Sexiest Man Alive frames his new visibility as a tool to support queer students.

Overview

  • He told Sky News that growing up gay left him feeling scared, alone and limited during his school years.
  • He said he experienced anxiety and bullying, citing Just Like Us research that LGBTQ students ages 11–18 face roughly double the rates of anxiety, depression and bullying.
  • He serves as an ambassador for Just Like Us, a U.K. nonprofit focused on supporting LGBTQ youth in schools.
  • PEOPLE named him the 2025 Sexiest Man Alive, a recognition GLAAD described as a pop‑culture milestone for LGBTQ representation.
  • He recalled fearing his sexuality would block certain roles, including Shakespeare, as he now promotes his turn in Wicked alongside Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.