Alyson Stoner as had a fufilling career in film, TV and music. She has gone from dancing with Missy Elliot to starring in a lot of Disney projects from The Suite Life of Zack & Cody to That’s So Raven.
Now, the entertainer has opened up on her sexuality.
In an essay for Teen Vogue, Stoner reveals that she is queer and tried hard to suppress the feelings.
“My faith at that time played a large role in every aspect of my life, and my worldview neither supported nor accepted same-sex relationships. I prayed in turmoil nightly, begging to be healed from these desires. Certain pastors and community members tried to reverse and eliminate my attraction to her.” Stoner revealed in her essay. “I pursued physical relationships with men to convince myself that my love for her was just a spiritual battle attacking my character and discernment. I pored over texts, contemporary and ancient, seeking truth and answers from professors, scientists, church leaders, friends, and family. I didn’t want to get this wrong. After all, not only was I trying to be a “good and upright” person, but I’m also a public figure with responsibility and extreme pressure.”
Stoner in the essay revealed that she has accepted who she is and is encouraging others to the same. She wrote: “I, Alyson, am attracted to men, women, and people who identify in other ways. I can love people of every gender identity and expression. It is the soul that captivates me. It is the love we can build and the goodness we can contribute to the world by supporting each other’s best journeys.”
Fans, well wishers and colleagues went on Twitter to congratulate her on coming out.
This is profound. Beautiful. A raw and honest look at the journey to self-acceptance. Thank you, @AlysonStoner, for sharing your story. https://t.co/ukkVlpX8MY
— Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) March 30, 2018
Thank you @AlysonStoner for sharing your powerful story with us. Your journey to living your truth will no doubt inspire other #LGBTQ people to do the same. https://t.co/Uf4liZrA4d
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) March 30, 2018
So proud of you 💘💘💘 https://t.co/tozsrnoPWy
— Jill Gutowitz (@jillboard) March 30, 2018
i felt like she peered into my soul with this part. i went through so much deliberation with my sexuality and after a while I couldn’t handle it anymore. @AlysonStoner did that and made me cry, so thanks ig pic.twitter.com/6r867qYXoR
— 🍯honey bunch 🍯 (@OGdestineschild) April 1, 2018
Check out the full Teen Vogue essay and listen to her new single, When It’s Right.