When you think of Miles Heizer, you might picture him in his standout role on 13 Reasons Why, or perhaps you’re binging Boots on Netflix, where his performance is leaving viewers wanting more. But behind the charm and raw talent lies a journey of self-discovery and a fear that many actors in Hollywood still grapple with—being openly gay in an industry that hasn’t always been welcoming.
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In a candid conversation with Tommy DiDario on the I’ve Never Said This Before podcast, Heizer opened up about his experience navigating the entertainment industry as an openly gay man. “I started acting when I was 10 and I was aware I was gay so early,” he shared. But despite his early self-awareness, the fear of being pigeonholed, or worse, being shut out of roles altogether, loomed large.
The Fear of Being “Clockable”
“I think growing up seeing the industry and seeing how the landscape of it was sort of ‘if you’re gay you need to move somewhere else, you’re never going to work again,’” Heizer said. It’s a sentiment all too familiar to queer actors who’ve spent years watching their identities either erased or exploited. But Heizer’s fear was more specific: “It’s going to get to a point where I’m very clockable as a gay person and they’re going to start being like, we can’t hire him.”
The phrase “clockable” may sound familiar to those who’ve spent time in LGBTQ+ circles—it’s that gut-wrenching feeling when you know others can tell your truth before you even speak it. For Heizer, being perceived as “too gay” was a genuine concern for his career. The idea of being boxed into playing only gay characters was equally disheartening. “There was this sort of trope of once you do it, that’s it. You’re sort of in this box where you can only play gay characters,” Heizer explained. And let’s face it, how many queer roles are there to play? Add to that the lack of funding and support for many LGBTQ+ projects, and it’s easy to see why his fears were so real.
Embracing the Change: From Fear to Opportunity
But as Heizer reflects on where the industry stands now, he can’t help but express his gratitude for the opportunities he’s had. Boots—his latest project—is a testament to how far things have come. “It’s so crazy to be in a time where there’s high-quality, good content about gay people,” he said. Boots represents a new chapter not only in his career but also in the visibility of LGBTQ+ characters on screen, and Heizer isn’t taking it for granted.
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Being an out gay actor is no longer the career-crippling obstacle it once was, though Heizer acknowledges there’s still work to be done. The industry still has miles to go in terms of diversity, representation, and equality, but the progress is undeniable. “Obviously, there’s still plenty of progress to be made,” he pointed out, underscoring how the landscape is shifting for the better. And that, perhaps, is the most exciting part.
A New Era of Representation
For Heizer, it’s not just about the opportunity to play a gay character—though let’s be clear, the chance to bring authenticity to the screen matters. It’s about being a part of something bigger, something that reflects the ever-expanding possibilities for LGBTQ+ actors and stories. To be on the cutting edge of that change feels like a dream come true for Heizer, especially when he looks back at how deeply fear shaped his early years in Hollywood.
So, as viewers, let’s make sure we’re not just celebrating Miles Heizer’s acting chops but also the bravery it took for him to step out and be unapologetically himself. For anyone who’s ever doubted their worth or feared the world would reject them for who they are, Heizer’s journey is a reminder that the best roles—and the most fulfilling lives—are the ones you’re most afraid to live.
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