Mean Girls actor Daniel Franzese, better known as Damien, friend of Lindsay Lohan’s Cady and described as “too gay to function”, has come out in a heartwarming letter on Indiewire’s Bent , directed toward his Mean Girls character.

In the letter, Daniel addresses issues such as fears of being typecast after playing Damien:

“There were industry people who had seen me play you in Mean Girls but never seen me read in an audition but still denied me to be seen for “masculine” roles”

the unfortunate and offensive roles he was offered:

“However, I did turn down many offers to play flamboyant, feather-boa-slinging stereotypes that always seemed to be laughed at BECAUSE they were gay. How could I go from playing an inspirational, progressive gay youth to the embarrassing, cliched butt-of-a-joke?”

and what finally made him comfortable enough to accept who he really was:

“It wasn’t until years later that grown men started to coming up to me on the street — some of them in tears — and thanking me for being a role model to them. Telling me I gave them comfort not only being young and gay but also being a big dude. It was then that I realized how much of an impact YOU had made on them.”

The letter is an inspiring and eye-opening read that I’d definitely recommend. It’s always great reading about people learning to accep themselves as they are and come into their own. Not only that, but you’ll also find out which quotable Mean Girls line he HATES, so as not to embarrass yourself if you’re ever fortunate enough to cross paths.

What did you think about Daniel’s coming out letter to Damien 10 years later?

Photo Credit: Paramount / Instagram

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