Best known for playing Ricky Bowen on High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Joshua Bassett opened up about his sexuality in 2021 and made it clear that he identified within the LGBTQ+ umbrella. However, fans have been concerned about recent posts from the actor regarding his religious beliefs.
It should be noted straightaway that it’s entirely possible for Bassett to be living his best life and still embracing his sexuality while also embracing religion on his own terms. With that said, Bassett has long talked about struggling with his religious upbringing and has openly talked about how it affected his sense of identity and sexuality as well.
Overall, there are countless stories of LGBTQ+ celebrities who felt forced to hide their true selves for religious purposes and pressures from society, family, and friends. Namely, celebs like David Archuleta have been very candid about it, as well as numerous queens on RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Bassett originally shared this new wave of religious statements during the first few days of January 2023. “Jesus Christ is the only way,” he tweeted. “His death and resurrection are historically documented. Turn away from hate, seek forgiveness and come home to Him.”
Given how unexpected that tweet was, some fans wondered if Bassett’s Twitter account had been hacked at the time. The tweet was never taken down, but Bassett never followed it up with anything else… until now.
“Tonight at church I prayed to God, ‘So I will know for certain that you are Jesus, and He is the only way, please send someone to touch my back and I will shout it from the rooftops,’” the actor wrote in a sequence of Instagram Stories. “Moments later, two people came up behind me saying that God put it on their heart to put their hands on me and pray. His love is great, and my faith is certain. praise be to God forever and ever in Jesus name.”
Instagram
Bassett then referred to his original tweet from the beginning of January, writing: “A few months ago I asked God to ‘send me a sign when I write the truth.’ I typed ‘Jesus is the way,’ nothing happened. Then I added ‘Jesus is the *only* way’ and the light turned on in my living room.
“I have also first-hand encountered Jesus twice,” he wrote in the final post. “The experiences were richer and more vivid than anything in my entire life. I look forward to speaking about it soon. For those concerned about me, be sure of this: I’m better than I have ever been. The peace I feel is far beyond what I thought possible.”
Instagram
Instagram
Bassett’s fans are both confused and concerned when looking at these new posts. As previously stated, it is entirely possible for the actor to share his religious beliefs without any negative connotation or baggage attached to them – but given the actor’s life story and coming-out journey, many fans worry that he’s going through a rough time right now.
Here’s to hoping that Bassett is doing okay!
