In a candid and powerful new interview, acclaimed actor Jonathan Bailey has revealed how his personal experiences with shame have motivated him to use his celebrity status for good, channelling his success into supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.
From Shame to Empowerment
The 37-year-old star, who graces the cover of Esquire UK's 'Better Man' issue, looked dashing in a photoshoot that paid homage to his breakout role in Bridgerton. Posing in a black blazer and trousers with a white cravat, Bailey notably went shirtless beneath the blazer, offering a glimpse of his toned physique.
During his conversation with the magazine, the actor delved into the driving force behind the Shameless Fund, a charitable initiative he launched last year to raise money for LGBTQ+ causes. He admitted that feeling 'shame' as a gay man is a universal part of the human experience, particularly for those who have faced aggression or judgement.
However, Bailey, who was recently crowned the first openly gay Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine, was quick to acknowledge his considerable privilege. He expressed deep gratitude for the trailblazers who came before him, whose fight created a world where he can thrive.
Scaling Up the Shameless Fund
Detailing his ambitious plans for the Shameless Fund, Bailey explained that the goal is to scale it up significantly. He stated that success will be measured not just in funds raised, but also in the 'joy and activation' it inspires.
'When it comes to showing up in a way that supports the LGBTQIA+ global community, it's about being creative in a time when the bumpers have been put up,' he said. Bailey highlighted the current climate where people feel restricted in how they tell stories and connect with communities, emphasising the need for innovative ways to bring people back together.
Family, Career, and Future Hopes
With his career reaching new heights following starring roles in major projects like Jurassic World Rebirth and the upcoming Wicked films, the conversation also turned to his personal life and future aspirations.
Bailey spoke candidly about the possibility of starting a family, noting the many children who could benefit from love and support. He reflected on the privilege he holds as a gay man, free from the pressure of a 'biological clock,' and expressed that while he is aware of the concept of fatherhood, it is not a loud thought in his mind at present.
The actor also revisited his past struggles with his sexuality in the industry. He recalled a pivotal moment early in his career when a friend was told by casting directors that they didn't want to know if an actor was gay or an alcoholic. This sentiment created a ripple of fear, leading Bailey to believe he needed to be straight to find happiness and success.
This pressure eventually became too much, and he made the conscious decision to live openly. 'I'd much prefer to hold my boyfriend's hand in public... than getting a part,' he stated. Bailey came out to his close friends and family in his early twenties, after a two-year relationship with a woman who remains one of his best friends.
