One Direction Address Gay Fans: ‘Don’t Be Afraid to Be the Person That You Are’

As if we didn’t love One Direction enough already, the boys have publicly lent their support to gay fans by encouraging them to come out.

According to the Metro, the boys discussed numerous things with the London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard, like owning your sexuality as well as naming their own ‘man crushes,’ kind of in an attempt at solidarity.

Zayn reportedly said (quotes via the Metro), “Just be yourself. If that’s who you are, that’s who you are and don’t be afraid to be the person that you are.” Considering the struggle many gay people go through daily, we hope those encouraging words from Zayn prove to be helpful, even if only in some small way.

The boys then went on to name their own man crushes, admitting that there’s nothing wrong with appreciating the beauty of another man. Zayn said: “I wouldn’t necessarily say I have a crush on him, but I really appreciate Jake Gyllenhaal’s acting. I’ve seen him in a film called ‘Prisoners.’ He’s so sick.”

Zayn’s bandmate, Louis Tomlinson, chimed in: “David Beckham is just a cool, cool guy, but I saw Russell Brand on Jonathan Ross and he just speaks so incredibly. I look up to him, he’s cool.”

Even Niall Horan got in on the action, expressing his admiration for a Hollywood actor: “Johny Depp is pretty sick, and he’s a really nice fella too."

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