Hollywood, CA – In a powerful and emotional video shared last week, actor Jermelle Simon, star of Netflix’s hit show The Upshaws, came out as gay in celebration of National Coming Out Day. Simon, who portrays Bernard “Bennie” Upshaw Jr., took to Instagram to share his journey of self-acceptance and love.
Simon’s character on The Upshaws came out as gay last year, but this time, the actor shared his personal truth. In the video, he addressed everyone who is on their own journey of self-discovery, saying, “Happy National Coming Out Day to everyone. To the ones who feel like now is the time, to the ones who feel like maybe later, to the ones who may never come out.”
He also took a moment to address himself, saying, “I want to say to myself, Happy National Coming Out Day. I have decided to embrace myself fully, all the parts of me. I’ve decided to love myself unconditionally.” Simon expressed that what he once considered a curse has now become the greatest blessing of his life.
Embracing His Truth
In the heartfelt video, Simon shared how he has grown to accept and love himself, revealing that he finally feels like he belongs. “I have decided that I am enough, and I want to thank everyone who has helped me to get to that place where I feel seen, where I feel like I belong, where I feel loved,” he added.
Simon concluded his message with a powerful declaration: “I am a Black gay man.” His message was met with love and support from fans, friends, and family.
Support from the LGBTQ+ Community and Family
Among the supportive comments was one from Simon’s Upshaws costar and show creator Wanda Sykes. The openly gay comedian and activist responded to Simon’s video with an outpouring of love, commenting, “Love you, Jermelle! (PROUD AUNTIE).”
Simon’s mother also shared a heartwarming comment, expressing her unwavering support: “I LOVE YOU JERMELLE SIMON‼️ I AM SO PROUD OF YOU YOUR MOMMA CAROL SIMON WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU NO MATTER WHAT!!!! I AM BESIDE YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY I GOT YOUR BACK FOREVER 100%‼️”
A Message of Self-Love and Acceptance
Simon captioned his video with an inspiring quote from iconic gay writer James Baldwin: “You have to go the way your blood beats. If you don’t live the only life you have, you won’t live some other life, you won’t live any life at all.”
As more public figures continue to share their stories, Simon’s emotional coming-out video is a reminder of the importance of self-love, acceptance, and the strength found in living authentically.
