Noah Schnapp’s Take On Self-Acceptance And Being True To His Own Identity

American actor Noah Schnapp is famously known for playing Will Byers in the Netflix flagship show Stranger Things, a science fiction horror series. The 18-year-old recently shared a heart-touching announcement with his fans about coming out as gay to his family members and close friends. After months of pondering, he finally disclosed this news to the world.

Coming out to loved ones:

After he and his family dropped his twin sister Chloe at college, on his way back home Noah decided to post an eight-second video that had been saved in his drafts for months. On 5th January, Noah made a TikTok announcement to his vast following of more than 31 million. First, he came out to his friends and family who were extremely supportive and told him that they somewhat knew. Schnapp was overwhelmed by the positive response and acceptance from strangers online took him by surprise.

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Millie Bobby Brown’s Role:

Before coming out publicly, Schnapp made a list of people he wanted to come out to in person and 19-year-old British actress Millie Bobby Brown was one of them. Even though they are really close friends, Schnapp found it too hard to find the right time to tell her. Despite feeling nervous, he came out to her on a Facetime call from Party City Store. “Oh, Schnapper! You told me finally!” said Brown. Her response made him instantly feel relief and joy. This wholesome moment highlights the importance of supportive friends who make you feel comfortable and safe around them.

Will Byers and personal identity:

In July 2022 interview with Variety, Schnapp expressed how his character Will Byer’s sexuality arc made him question his own. It helped Noah in embracing personal identity and valuing self-expression. Stranger Things season 4 plotline hints at Will Byer's character journey in dealing with a one-sided crush on his best friend Mike Wheeler played by Finn Wolfhard. Hence, the connection to this on-screen representation prepared him with coming out in the entertainment industry.

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Overcoming fears and public announcement: 

In January schnapp posted a video on Tiktok with background audio “You know it never was? That serious.” with a caption that read “When I finally told my friends and family after being scared and in the closet for 18 years and all they said was we know ''. The overall response was appreciative and reassuring. His texts and DMs were filled with an overall positive response and community support. Fans online appreciated and applauded him for his courage. The LGBTQ+ youth support reached out to him, to make him feel safe and comfortable in the gay community. Schnapp was overjoyed and thankful for how encouraging, caring, and kind people were to him.

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Impact on career and advocacy:

His coming out has not only allowed him to be sincere to himself but has also added to the ongoing conversation of genuine LGBTQ+  representation in media. His courage, self-confidence, and acceptance have made him an inspiration for the younger audience that resonates with him.

Future and conclusion:

With Stranger Things season 5 around the corner, his future plans and endeavors include starting his own business TBH which provides an alternative to hazelnut spread. He also envisions a clothing and alcohol brand alongside his acting career. Whether it's Schnapp’s personal life or professional life, we predict his future looks bright with endless opportunities coming his way.

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