In recent weeks, actor Justice Smith, known for his roles in blockbuster films like Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Detective Pikachu, and the critically acclaimed I Saw the TV Glow, has sparked widespread discussion about sexual identity, labels, and personal authenticity.

Smith’s candid remarks in interviews have highlighted his evolving understanding of his queer identity, emphasizing a preference for relationships with men while firmly rejecting the “gay” label—particularly when applied by heterosexual individuals.

These statements, made in late 2025, reflect a broader conversation in the LGBTQ+ community about the limitations of traditional labels and the nuances of fluid sexuality.

Smith first publicly identified as queer in 2020 during Black Lives Matter protests, sharing photos with his then-partner, actor Nicholas L. Ashe, and advocating for the inclusion of Black queer and trans voices in social justice movements.

Since then, he has been open about his experiences, including past relationships with women.

In a recent appearance on a podcast, Smith elaborated on his current romantic preferences, stating unequivocally, “I will never date a woman again.” However, he clarified that this decision stems not from a lack of attraction to women but from a deeper self-understanding and comfort in same-sex dynamics.

“What I like about same-sex relationships is that we both can kind of switch off on what parts of ourselves we’re showing,” Smith explained in one interview. He described finding a “sweet balance” in queer relationships, free from rigid gendered expectations that he felt constrained by in heterosexual ones.

This shift represents a significant personal evolution for the 30-year-old actor, who grew up in a progressive yet homogenous environment in Orange County, California.

Smith has spoken about the challenges of navigating his identity in a performing arts high school where he was one of few Black students, facing bullying that predated his full awareness of his sexuality.

Perhaps the most provocative part of Smith’s recent comments addresses the use of labels. In a viral clip from the “Gaydar” podcast, host Manny Anania asked Smith how he identifies.

Smith’s response was direct: “I don’t allow straight people to call me gay.” He argued that heterosexual individuals often have a “limited definition” of what “gay” means, reducing it to a binary that doesn’t account for fluidity.

As an example, Smith noted that mentioning an ex-girlfriend often prompts confusion from straight people: “But I thought you were gay!” His retort? “You’re boring, and you’re basic.”

This perspective resonates with many in the queer community who view “gay” as a specific identity—typically referring to men exclusively attracted to men—while “queer” serves as an umbrella term for non-heteronormative experiences.

Smith’s bisexuality or pansexuality (terms he hasn’t explicitly adopted but which align with his descriptions) allows for attraction to multiple genders, even if his current romantic life focuses on men. He remains attracted to women, as confirmed in multiple sources, including updates to his Wikipedia page noting his 2025 statements.

Smith’s refusal to be boxed in challenges monosexual assumptions prevalent in both straight and gay circles. It echoes ongoing debates about biphobia and the erasure of bisexual experiences, where individuals in same-sex relationships are often presumed gay, and those in opposite-sex ones presumed straight.

By pushing back against the “gay” label from straight people, Smith highlights how outsiders may lack the “range” to grasp queer nuance, as one outlet phrased it. This isn’t about gatekeeping but about self-definition in a world quick to categorize.

The actor’s journey underscores the importance of personal agency in identity.

Coming out as queer in 2020 amid protests, Smith tied his revelation to broader calls for inclusion: “As a Black queer man myself, I was disappointed to see certain people eager to say Black Lives Matter, but hold their tongue when Trans/Queer was added.” His relationship with Ashe, highlighted in a 2022 Calvin Klein campaign, symbolized Black queer love and joy.

Though their status today isn’t publicly detailed, Smith’s current stance reflects continued growth.

Critics might dismiss Smith’s comments as overly sensitive or divisive, but they align with evolving LGBTQ+ discourse. Younger generations increasingly reject rigid labels, favoring “queer” for its inclusivity. Smith’s high-profile platform amplifies this, encouraging others to define themselves on their terms.

His roles often explore identity—such as the genderfluid elements in I Saw the TV Glow—mirroring his real-life fluidity.

Broader implications touch on representation in Hollywood. As an openly queer Black actor, Smith navigates an industry historically dominated by straight, white narratives. He has expressed no regrets about coming out, stating in past interviews that he wouldn’t want a career requiring him to hide his authenticity.

This authenticity shines in projects like HBO’s Genera+ion, where he played a confident queer teen.

Public reaction has been mixed but largely supportive within queer spaces. Outlets like Them.us and Attitude praised his articulation of why straight people shouldn’t impose the “gay” label, calling it “relatable” and “truer words were never spoken.” Social media discussions highlight solidarity from those tired of bisexual erasure.

In an era where sexuality is increasingly seen as spectrum rather than binary, Smith’s declarations contribute meaningfully. He embodies living “unapologetically,” as one article noted, charting a path free from societal pressures. While he dates men exclusively now, his attraction remains multifaceted, defying simple categorization.

Ultimately, Justice Smith’s story is one of empowerment through self-knowledge. By declaring his boundaries on labels and relationships, he invites reflection on how we discuss identity. In a diverse world, allowing individuals to narrate their own truths fosters understanding.

Smith’s voice adds depth to conversations about queerness, reminding us that authenticity often means rejecting imposed boxes.

As Hollywood and society grapple with inclusivity, figures like Smith pave the way for nuanced portrayals. His evolution from 2020’s coming out to 2025’s assertive stance shows growth isn’t linear—it’s personal. For fans and observers, it’s a reminder: sexuality isn’t always straightforward, and that’s okay.