Sophia Bush Posts Inspiring Pride Month Message After Coming Out As Gay

Sophia Bush honored the start of Pride Month 2024 with an inspiring message.

THE A tree hill alum encouraged her 4.6 million Instagram followers to be proud of their identity and embrace who they are with a brief comment on her story.

On June 2, Bush, 41, took to his social media to repost a graphic created by the We The Urban Instagram account for Pride Month, a national celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.

“Pride is important because someone tonight still believes it is better to die than to be themselves,” the colorful drawing reads.

Below, Bush, who came out as queer in April, wrote: “You are perfect. No matter how long it takes, you will find your people. And they will help you find yourself more and more. It’s worth it. You’re worth it.”

On the next slide of her story, the social activist reposted a comment from @third_eye_thirst that read: “Your authenticity alone is a powerful healing force. Simply by showing up and existing, you are doing your part. People will feel inspired, in love, threatened, or triggered by your natural state – and none of it will have anything to do with you. Remember why you are here.

In April 2024 Charm On the cover, Bush confirmed his speculated romance with former professional soccer player Ashlyn Harris. Following her August 2023 divorce filing from Grant Hughes, the actress sparked dating rumors with Harris when a source said Entertainment tonight the two were more than friends two months later. Harris also separated from his wife, Ali Krieger, in September.

Neither Bush nor Harris confirmed their relationship for months until the John Tucker must die the manager spoke to Charm magazine, announcing his new romance with an update on his sexuality.

“I think I always knew my sexuality existed on a spectrum,” she told the outlet in her article titled “I Finally Feel Like I Can Breathe.”

“Right now, I think the word that best defines it is queer. In fact, I can’t say it without smiling. And it’s pretty awesome,” Bush continued. “Would I have liked to make public participation in this journey a choice for myself, and not have it taken from my lips and inflamed by gossip blogs and bottom-feeder online bots? Of course.”

Bush also spoke about her struggle in her marriage to Hughes, reflecting on her discontent and struggling with self-realization. The expectations placed on her as a wife in the public eye forced Bush to adopt a facade she never intended to put forward.

On their first anniversary as a married couple, the on-screen star was left feeling empty while her Hughes commemorated the moment with a heartfelt post on Instagram.

“In 2023, my now ex-husband posted a beautiful tribute to our first anniversary on Instagram. When I saw him, I felt the blood drain from my face. Fans and friends were telling me how exciting this stage was and how happy I looked. I didn’t feel anything,” Bush said.

“As the day progressed, I felt increasing pressure from strangers online waiting for me to post something – what a strange part of public life to have to navigate – so I sat down and I chose a photo,” she continued. “It was a black and white photo of us running away from the camera. Yes, I see the bittersweet irony now. I wrote a very beautiful story about the people in this photo. Except it was just that: a story.