Noah Schnapp talks about how the characters in Stranger Things help him find himself.

In January of this year, Noah Schnapp shared a touching TikTok video in which he was open about being gay.

In a recent conversation with Variety, actor Noah Schnapp talked about how he came out as gay and the steps he took to do so. The 18-year-old actor who plays Will Byers on the popular Netflix show Stranger Things said that playing Will’s sexuality helped him figure out who he was.

“Once I did fully embrace that Will was gay, it was just an exponential speed towards accepting it for myself,” Schnapp said. “I would be in a completely different place if I didn’t have Will to portray, and to embrace and help me accept myself. I think if I never played that character, I probably would still be closeted.”

Schnapp told his friends and family in January 2023 that he was gay. A few weeks later, he told his fans on TikTok. Since then, he has been praised for being brave and honest, and many young people who are dealing with their own sexuality look up to him as a role model.

“I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to use my platform to come out and help other people,” Schnapp said. “It’s been really amazing to see the response from my fans. I’ve gotten so much love and support, and it’s really made me feel like I’m not alone.”

Schnapp’s story shows how important it is to be represented. When young people see themselves in the media, it can give them the courage to be themselves. Many people look up to Schnapp, and he is making the world a more accepting place.

Schnapp has also been in the movies The Peanut Butter Falcon and Waiting for Anya, in addition to his part on Stranger Things. He is busy making the fifth season of Stranger Things.