If you were lucky enough to witness the amazing ‘Anything Goes’ one man show of the great John Barrowman at FACTS, on Sunday September 30th 2018, then you certainly recall this highlight with tears in your eyes. In this Q&A, a cosplayer thanked the Doctor Who, Torchwood and Arrow star for giving him the strength for his coming-out to his parents. And Barrowman’s response was golden.
September 30th, 2018, Flanders Expo Ghent. Flash cosplayer Thibault is in the audience of the Actor Q&A session of John Barrowman and is gathering the mental energy to thank his hero face-to-face. He wants to thank him for being an inspiration to the LGBTQIA+ community by showing the world that being gay and being yourself is something to be celebrated, and for giving him the strength to come out to his parents six months prior.
Thibault grabs the microphone and starts thanking him. But when he says how hard it was for him to come out to his parents, Barrowman can see that he’s struggling and on the verge of crying. Then, he asks him on stage for what turns out to be one of the most heart-warming moments in FACTS history.
John Barrowman: “Thibault, look at me. Everybody in this room is supportive of you and I am too. I know it was difficult, but don’t cry, because you are now yourself. So speak, and trust me, no one here is going to judge you.”
Thibault proceeds to tell him that he saw how Barrowman supported the LGBT community and that it gave him the power to come out to his parents. “And they accepted me.”
Barrowman: “They accepted you? Great, that’s good! *hugs him* But Thibault now, let the tears go. I know it was hard for you to do, but from now on, I want you to switch it. So, when you talk about it, try now to talk about it with confidence. Because look, everybody knows now and nobody cares, right?” *crowd cheers*
"Thibault, I want you to say something here on stage, because you’ll feel a lot better. Be proud, put your chin up, and say with confidence: ‘Hi, my name is Thibault and I am gay'."
“Hi my name is Thibault and I am gay.”
A thunderous applause breaks loose. Thibault’s eyes look up to the audience and thousands of people are cheering for him. You can tell that it is giving him a massive confidence boost. It’s a beautiful moment.
By bringing this story, we hope that, in turn, other people will be inspired to come out as well. After all, there is nothing to be ashamed of.
FACTS aims to be a safe haven where everyone can be themselves and express themselves without judgement, but we also aim to support and celebrate this type freedom all year round. Everyone deserves the Magnus Bane to their Alec Lightwood, the Nicole to their Waverly or the Marceline to their Princess Bubblegum!
Want to share a heart-warming FACTS story of your own, LGBTQIA+ or other? Head to the Contact page through the button below and lets inspire!