'Crazy, Stupid, Love' Star Lio Tipton Is 'Proud' To Be Queer And Non-Binary

Lio Tipton, best known for appearing in 2011’s Crazy, Stupid, Love and America’s Next Top Model cycle 11, has announced they identify as queer and non-binary

For members of the LGBTQIA+ community, getting to live as their authentic selves and share their true identities with the world no doubt comes with a host of emotions, but for actor and model Lio Tipton, it’s also a “proud” moment.

In celebration of Pride Month, Tipton just announced that they identify as queer and non-binary on Instagram, sharing a cartoon image and opening up about their journey in the caption and comments section of the June 3 post.

“Hi. My name is Lio,” they wrote. “My pronouns are they/them. I am proud to announce I am queer and I identify as non binary. I hope to give as much love and support back to those who continue to show love and support for the Pride community at large. 🏳️‍🌈❤️ Lio.”

When a follower took to the comments section to ask about what it means to identify as queer and non-binary, the Crazy, Stupid, Love star responded personally, writing, “It means that I do not identify with the tradition binary gender structure. I do not and have not for a long time, felt whole fitting into one box. It allows me to understand myself outside of how people expect me to. I’ve made the choice to transition to non binary. I am pansexual which is separate from ones gender identity. Seems I’m not a box person 🙇🙆 too claustrophobic . It means something unique to everyone, and that’s the beautiful thing about it. I hope this helps some.”

Tipton’s breakout came back in 2008 when they appeared as a contestant on America’s Next Top Model, before breaking in to acting roles in movies and on TV. They have released music as well, sharing some of their work with fans on Instagram in recent months. We’re so glad Tipton is able to live openly and proudly as who they are, and give all the props for providing such a lovely and thoughtful explainer to the follower who commented with questions. It’s this sort of open dialogue that will help shift cultural understanding and awareness, which is what people of all identities deserve.