Garrett Clayton Reveals He's Gay While Speaking About Importance Of His New Movie, 'Reach'

Garrett Clayton has revealed that he’s gay in a powerful new Instagram about his new movie, Reach.

The former Teen Beach Movie star, who played Tanner in the films, hasn’t commented much about his personal life at all. However, he’s opening up in his new post because it connects straight to him and his partner, Blake Knight, in more ways than one.

“I thought it was important to explain why I took on this project in the first place,” Garrett writes. “REACH deals with some very serious and timely topics that have affected me personally, and have likely influenced many of your lives as well.”

He adds, “When I read the script for REACH, I immediately knew it was a film I had to be a part of.”

“I have personally dealt with suicide within my own family, intense bullying in high school, and – on top of it all – myself and the man I’ve been in a relationship with for a long time (@hrhblakeknight) have both experienced shootings within our hometown school systems, and have witnessed the heartache that takes place in affected communities after such tragic events. These topics – not always easy to discuss- are all close to my heart, and, knowing how serious they are, I wanted to share this with you all.”

“This film has come from the perspectives of people who care deeply about these issues, and if watching it helps even one person… then it was all worth it.”

Reach, centers on Steven Turano (played by Garrett), who divulges to a pro-suicide support group that he plans to kill himself. Although his first attempt is unsuccessful, he is determined to find a way to escape his suffering.