Jermelle Simon has publicly come out as gay.

To coincide with National Coming Out Day, which occurred on 11 October, the American actor told his followers in a heartfelt video that he’s “decided to love” himself “unconditionally”.

“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 started the video.

“And to myself. I want to say to myself, ‘Happy National Coming Out Day’. I have decided to embrace myself fully, all the parts of me.”

Simon is best known for his role as Bernard “Bennie” Upshaw Jr on the Netflix sitcom The Upshaws, which follows a Black working class family from Indiana.

He further explained that he used to perceive his sexuality as “the biggest curse in my life” – now, he says being part of the LGBTQIA+ community is “actually the biggest blessing I could receive”.

“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 said. “Thank you for providing a space where I can come on the internet and say, ‘I am a Black gay man.’”

Simon captioned the video with the following quote from legendary 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.”

His video was met with love and support from various stars – including actress and comedian Wanda Sykes, who created The Upshaws alongside Regina Y. Hicks.

“Love you Jermelle! (PROUD AUNTIE)” she wrote, while his on-screen mother Kim Fields shared the same sentiment: “PROUD (TV MOM).”

Meanwhile, Simon’s real-life mother commented – warning, this is extremely adorable: “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%‼️‼️ NOW MOVE FORWARD AND LIVE‼️‼️‼️‼️”

Kalen Allen, actor and internet personality, joked: “Welcome! Your initiation will be next week. Don’t be late! Your supply list can be found on Grindr. See you soon!”

Simon’s character memorably came out as gay in the third season of The Upshaws. 

He subsequently reflected on Bernard’s arc with Gaye Magazine, saying the character has “helped heal so many people and helped them with their confidence – and brought light to a lot of coming out journeys.”

Simon added: “As an actor and an artist, I’m happy this role will help heal someone and help someone feel seen.”

Earlier this year, The Upshaws was renewed for a fifth and final season, which is scheduled to premiere in 2025.

You can watch Jermelle Simon’s coming out video below.