The actor, who plays hunky TK Strand in the 911 spin-off series, said that he “fully identifies” with being bisexual.
In an interview with Variety , he explains “It feels so good to talk about it”, after overcoming an initial fear of embracing how he felt. “The biggest thing for me is where I come from, it’s like people like me and people who have identified as bisexual or gay or as any part of the community, you’re just not welcomed,” he continued. “It’s as brutally honest as that.”
It comes as welcome news too. Earlier this week we reported that Kate Winslet spoke out about a culture of fear that still exists for actors when it comes to being their true selves, saying “I can think of at least four actors absolutely hiding their sexuality. it’s painful.
I cannot tell you the number of young actors I know – some well known, some starting out – who are terrified their sexuality will be revealed and that it will stand in the way of their being cast in straight roles”, she continued.
Ronen, whose Lone Star character is gay and in a relationship with fellow officer Carlos Reyes, thanked fans for embracing TK and Carlos – or ‘Tarlos’ – and for helping give him the courage to be open about his true self.
He later took to Instagram to promote the interview, saying:
“Every single day, you guys give me your all. You opened your Hearts & Souls to me. I now give you me, my full, true self.
Thank you for giving me the Courage. Thank you for always Accepting me. Thank you for Supporting me. Let us continue being our complete selves. Let us continue fighting for what is Right.
Let us continue Loving each other and Supporting each other. Thank you. I Love You.”
Looks like we’ve got another TV show to watch!! 9-1-1: Lone Star can be found on FOX in the US and on Sky in the UK.
Check out the trailer for 911 Lonestar below: