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Joshua Bassett Gives 'Sermon' At Kids Choice Awards & Fans Are Worried
"Love always wins in the end.”
Ever since getting baptized by the anti-LGBTQ+ Bethel Church last month, fans have been worried about the well-being of Joshua Bassett. The High School Musical: The Musical: The Series star came out two years ago in a video of him thirsting over Harry Styles and just as he was accepted by the LGBTQ+ community, he promptly appeared at a church that has defended the discredited practice of "conversion therapy."
“My name’s Joshua, and long story short, I grew up Christian, and ran the other way as far as I could go in search of truth,” he said on stage. “And that only ended in addition, 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.”
After fans called him out for that specific church's anti-LGBTQ+ practices, Bassett cryptically shared his thoughts on Twitter. “I 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. My heart is for Christ and Christ alone!”
At the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards yesterday, Bassett won Favorite Male Star for his role as Ricky in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, and seized the moment to give what some fans are calling a sermon on stage.
“I want to say something," he began."There are a lot of people here who are burdened, broken-hearted, and have been beaten down by life. I’m here to tell you, for those of you who’ve lost hope, there’s a very real God who loves you more than you will ever possibly know.”
\u201cWHY TF IS JOSHUA BASSETT GIVING A FUCKING SERMON AT THE KID\u2019S CHOICE AWARDS HELP MEEEEEE \ud83d\ude2d time and place joshua! \u201d— sara\ud83e\ude70 YOONGI BIRTH (@sara\ud83e\ude70 YOONGI BIRTH) 1678203282
Bassett concluded his speech by saying: “His promise is peace and my testimony is my healing. Remember: forgive quickly, love freely and walk courageously. Love always wins in the end.”
Some fans grew even more worried. "Joshua Bassett is giving brainwashed vibes and it’s kind of disturbing to witness. In the span of just 2-3 months his entire personality has seemingly changed. Like he’s joined a cult. Him being a young queer man with mental health issues, it looks as if he’s being prayed upon," one person tweeted.
Hopefully Bassett is having more positive experiences than negative, and we wish him all the best.
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
