Colton Haynes Celebrates National Coming Out Day With Inspirational Message: 'It Unlocks So Many Beautiful Opp

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Colton Haynes is in a very good place.

The Scream Queens star took to social media on Wednesday to share an emotional message on his decision to go public about his sexuality in celebration of National Coming Out Day.


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"This year … I came out of the closet publicly," he captioned a lengthy Instagram post. "It chokes me up just reading this sentence. Happy tears :) Knowing that my younger self would be so proud of the person I’ve become."

"Strong enough to overcome the cards I was dealt growing up & brave enough to finally have the guts to try & help others feel happy with who they are," he continued. "I remember when I came out for the first time when I was 14 yrs old like it was yesterday. I ran away and lived in my best friend Maurice’s closet. I felt so lost and I was insanely rebellious. I didn’t have the knowledge or tools to accept myself and know my worth until recently."

"I'm so lucky to have people in my life, who accept me for who I am and don't judge me for simply being me," he concluded. "I'm sending a hug to all of you! Coming out on your own time and when it’s safe is the most important thing. Just know that it unlocks so many beautiful opportunities :) Happy National Coming Out Day. Please share your stories with me, would love to hear them!!" 


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The 28-year-old actor made headlines earlier this year with an off-hand comment about his sexuality, which many took as an official coming out announcement.

The actor opened up to ET about the incident in February, explaining that he didn't expect the comment to take off like it did.

"I have no filter. I don't really follow the stereotypical rules," he said at the time. "I don't feel like it's anyone's business. Just try to live life."

Check out what Haynes had to say about growing up gay and keeping his sexuality a secret in Hollywood in the video below.

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