Hugh Sheridan Says He Has Loved Men & Women, But Rejects Labels

In an interview with Stellar Magazine, Australian actor Hugh Sheridan has opened up about his sexuality and romantic life, stating that “I am a human, just like you, trying my best to navigate, grow and live through an ever changing world.”

Sheridan revealed that he does not identify with any particular label, but has been involved with both men and women romantically.

Hugh Sheridan first rose to fame on the popular Australian show Packed To The Rafters, in which he played Ben Rafter. Packed To The Rafters initially aired in 2008 on the Seven Network.

In his recent interview with Stellar Magazine, Sheridan has been extremely candid in articulating his experiences with both men and women, and the advice given by industry professionals to keep his romantic interests and love life a secret.

Sheridan opens the essay by stating that “I love many different people, for many different reasons.”

Sheridan states that he had been in love with women before moving to Sydney to attend NIDA, where “I finally met a guy who I connected with emotionally, mentally and physically.”

 Sheridan explores how excited he was at the time to be in this relationship, but that in return he was met with people telling him “that if I was anything but straight I’d never find work, and that I needed to hide my new-found love.” Following from this, Sheridan writes that “the two mentors who told me this were openly gay themselves; they were earnestly trying to protect me and did indeed have my best interests at heart. That was just the reality.”

When Packed To The Rafters initially aired, Sheridan expressed how with newfound public interest in his love-life, he was “tormented by the recurring idea of being labelled when I wasn’t even sure myself.”

Sheridan goes on to write that, “In many ways I wish I didn’t even have to write this, but I feel a responsibility to others who might come after me.”

Sheridan does not label his sexuality in the essay, stating instead that “I believe labels are for clothes not for people” and that “’I am human, just like you, trying my best to navigate, grow and live through an ever changing world.”

After the article was published, Sheridan took to Instagram to express his appreciation for the support the article has been met with, saying “Thank you again and I hope my message helps you as yours has helped me.”