Sophia Bush has been in the public eye for nearly two decades, first rising to fame as Brooke Davis on the hit teen drama “One Tree Hill.” Recently, the talented actor and activist made headlines with a deeply personal revelation – she came out publicly as queer in an emotional essay for Glamour magazine. In this article we talk about What Shocking Thing Was Suffocating Sophia Bush? The Answer Will Stun You.
In the raw and candid piece,
Sophia opened up about her journey of self-discovery and the “shocking thing” that had been suffocating her for years – hiding her true sexuality out of fear.
“I sort of hate the notion of having to ‘come out’ in 2024,” she wrote. “But I’m deeply aware that we are having this conversation in a year when we’re seeing the most aggressive attacks on the LGBTQ+ community in modern history.”
With anti-LGBTQ legislation threatening to roll back hard-won rights and protections, Sophia felt a responsibility to add her voice in support and solidarity.
“I’ve experienced so much safety, respect, and love in the queer community, as an ally all of my life, that, as I came into myself, I already felt it was my home,” she shared.
For Sophia, publicly claiming her queer identity also meant unveiling a long-hidden part of herself. Though she had quietly dated women in the past, it wasn’t until recently that she felt ready to live openly and authentically.
“I think I’ve always known that my sexuality exists on a spectrum. Right now I think the word that best defines it is queer. I can’t say it without smiling, actually. And that feels pretty great.”
In speaking her truth, Sophia lifted a tremendous weight off her shoulders.
The suffocating secret she had carried for so many years was now out in the open.
“I finally feel like I can breathe,” she wrote triumphantly. “I turned 41 last summer, amid all of this, and I heard the words I was saying to my best friend as they came out of my mouth. “I feel like this is my first birthday,” I told her. This year was my very first birthday.”
For an actor who has played so many memorable roles, this was perhaps Sophia’s most courageous performance – reintroducing herself to the world as her full, authentic self.
In the essay, she also confirmed her relationship with retired soccer star Ashlyn Harris. The two had been spotted together as early as October 2022, though neither commented publicly.
Addressing rumors that she and Harris got together before Harris split from fellow athlete Ali Krieger, Sophia wrote:
“Everyone that matters to me knows what’s true and what isn’t…But even still there’s a part of me that’s a ferocious defender, who wants to correct the record piece by piece. But my better self, with her earned patience, has to sit back and ask, What’s the f—–g point?”
With poise and wisdom gained over years under public scrutiny, Sophia chose not to react or justify. She is moving forward, focusing her energy on the people and passions most meaningful to her.
Since coming out, Sophia has been met with an outpouring of support. Still, she recognizes that others in the LGBTQ community aren’t as fortunate. She hopes her story can inspire those still struggling in the shadows.
“So much trauma happens when you don’t come out of the closet. Childhood trauma, life trauma,” she told People magazine in an interview following her essay’s publication. “So we have to protect our children.”
“We have to make it safe for people to be who they are,” she continued passionately. It’s a cause she’ll no doubt champion in her next chapter as an openly queer actor and activist.
At 41, Sophia Bush is freer and happier than ever, no longer suffocating under the strain of hiding. Though public life comes with scrutiny, she meets it with resilience, authenticity and joy.
Her coming out story delivers a simple yet profound message – the truth can sting in the moment, but the relief of releasing it is the sweetest feeling there is. Now filled with newfound hope and purpose, Sophia sets her sights on creating positive change. I sincerely hope you find this “What Shocking Thing Was Suffocating Sophia Bush? The Answer Will Stun You” article helpful.
