*The following article contains discussion of suicide/self-harm.
Just a couple of weeks ago, fans of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series star Joshua Bassett voiced their concern after the actor posted several intensely religious messages on Twitter and Instagram.
Bassett's sudden turn to Christianity was alarming to many as he had previously shared his negative perspective of organized religion and had been open about the way his parents' extreme beliefs strained their relationship.
The actor—who came out as gay in 2021 via a public compliment to Harry Styles—worried fans even more when he was baptized earlier this week at a megachurch notorious for their anti-LGBTQ+ views as well as their promotion of "conversion therapy."
In a video of the moment at Bethel Church, Bassett shared:
"Long story short, I grew up Christian and I ran the other way as far as I could go in pursuit of 'truth,' and that only ended in addiction, depression, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, etc."
"And no other teacher gave me anywhere near the peace that Jesus Christ did, and I'm here to publicly declare Him as my Lord and Savior."
\u201cSo Joshua Bassett got baptized today\u2026\u201d— HARRYS WHORE (@HARRYS WHORE) 1676272804
Fans of the actor were quick to speak out, especially given the church's views and ideology.
\u201c@mcnuggetmel I usually try to stay out of stuff like this but I feel like, as part of the LGBTQIA+ community and someone who Joshua was a huge source of comfort to all of last year it is understandable to be concerned.\nI mean, him finding religion is fine but all this is a worrying..\u201d— HARRYS WHORE (@HARRYS WHORE) 1676272804
\u201c@mcnuggetmel Noooo this church supports Tr*mp and supports conversion therapy. Ugh. I\u2019m really concerned by this. Not concerned that he\u2019s religious, that\u2019s totally fine. But concerned by the sudden and intense change, and what he\u2019s aligning himself with.\u201d— HARRYS WHORE (@HARRYS WHORE) 1676272804
\u201c@mcnuggetmel I'm so concerned for him... Religion can be a good thing but this church in particular is extremely dangerous\u201d— HARRYS WHORE (@HARRYS WHORE) 1676272804
In response to all of the reactions, Bassett tweeted that he was unaware of many of the church's policies and beliefs, assuring fans that he does not endorse "all of them."
\u201ci visited this church and happened to get baptized here- i was unaware of some of their policies and beliefs, and do not endorse all of them. \nmy heart is for Christ and Christ alone!\u201d— Joshua Bassett (@Joshua Bassett) 1676315117
Several chimed in stating, yes, on occasion people get baptized at random churches, but many argued such a major commitment should have been approached with at least some research.
Even Canada's Drag Race contestant Eve 6000 weighed in.
"Drive by baptism? Lol."
"If you truly believe in the purpose of being baptized why would you not research the people doing it..."
\u201c@joshuatbassett Drive by baptism? Lol. If you truly believe in the purpose of being baptized why would you not research the people doing it\u2026\u201d— Joshua Bassett (@Joshua Bassett) 1676315117
Others echoed Eve 6000's sentiment, noting a quick online search would have enlightened him quite a bit.
\u201c@joshuatbassett the least you can do when getting baptized in a church is do a background check; especially since there are so many churches in the US and you could have easily found one that matches your values. it's really easy to find out if a church is homophobic, shoulda done your homework.\u201d— Joshua Bassett (@Joshua Bassett) 1676315117
\u201c@joshuatbassett Nahh wait\u2026 You didn\u2019t research the church before getting baptized by them?\u201d— Joshua Bassett (@Joshua Bassett) 1676315117
\u201c@joshuatbassett ok we get it but supporting the church is inadvertently supporting all of its ideas. you should find a better church that\u2019ll treat you better\u201d— Joshua Bassett (@Joshua Bassett) 1676315117
\u201c@joshuatbassett i am very confused bc i was baptized as a kid and my church made me learn and take classes before baptism which is what u did bc bethel makes u do as well so how did u not know what\u201d— Joshua Bassett (@Joshua Bassett) 1676315117
\u201c@joshuatbassett Hey so it\u2019s generally a good idea to maybe know the beliefs and policies of a church before you get baptized there\u2026 taking part in a holy sacrament before God seems like the kind of thing that deserves a little research\u201d— Joshua Bassett (@Joshua Bassett) 1676315117
\u201c@joshuatbassett i would search for a different church\u2026 there are some that support the lgbtq+ community, blm, and so much more! it\u2019s important to do research \ud83e\udd0d\ud83e\udd0d\u201d— Joshua Bassett (@Joshua Bassett) 1676315117
\u201c@joshuatbassett So you just decided to enter a random church and they baptized you? Things don\u2019t work like that. It\u2019s okay if you want your heart to belong to the one you believe but you don\u2019t need a church for that, specially that one that continues to commit crimes against queer people\u201d— Joshua Bassett (@Joshua Bassett) 1676315117
\u201c@joshuatbassett okay so... it's time to change church i guess????\n\nthey are pro-life and support conversion therapy you should not give them promo online\u201d— Joshua Bassett (@Joshua Bassett) 1676315117
Many also clarified they voiced their concern because they genuinely care and want what's best for Bassett.
\u201c@joshuatbassett I rlly just want someone as sweet and good hearted as you to not end up being taken advantage of by that church. I love the Lord as well but please if your gonna go to a church please either heavily research it or go to a more local church that is inclusive please stay safe\u2764\ufe0f\ud83d\udc9c\ud83e\udec2\u201d— Joshua Bassett (@Joshua Bassett) 1676315117
\u201c@joshuatbassett hope u know we do this out of pure love & care. u don\u2019t know how glad & relieved we are to hear this coming from u. what matters now is ur journey to heal & b happy & i hope u can find the right home to explore ur faith as long as u are safe.\u201d— Joshua Bassett (@Joshua Bassett) 1676315117
\u201c@joshuatbassett thank you so much for clarifying we all just care about you and your well-being so much and we don't want you being taken advantage of\u201d— Joshua Bassett (@Joshua Bassett) 1676315117
Bethel has added a section on their website dedicated solely to their documented actions andthe topic of sexuality which they claim is "becoming more confusing than ever before."
"For those who identify as LGBTQ, we want you to experience the love of God and our love expressed in honor, compassion, respect, and safety."
"We deeply regret that throughout history, both secular society and the Church at large have often participated in, been silent about, or purposefully ignored significant injustices against those who identify as LGBTQ."
"In any area where we, or our predecessors, have participated in such behavior, turned a blind eye, or failed to speak up on behalf of your safety, dignity, and justice, we ask for forgiveness—and seek to be a better example of God’s love."
It continues:
"Though we may disagree on what is best for individuals and society, and are often at odds over pieces of legislation, those who identify as LGBTQ can rightly expect that you are important and valuable to us."
"Wherever we can be faithful to our convictions and still find common ground, that is our desire."
The section then goes into biology lessons and "how to think and behave as sexual beings."
A little research before making a commitment goes a long way.
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LGBTQ+ Youth can get help through:
- TrevorChat — 24/7/365 at https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help-now/#services
- TrevorLifeline — phone service available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386
- TrevorText — Text “START” to 678678. Available 24/7/365.
- TrevorSpace — online international peer-to-peer community for LGBTQ young people and their friends at https://www.trevorspace.org/