The star takes to Instagram to proudly come out following an episode of the hit medical series that holds a special meaning to him.
- Nov 2, 2018
AceShowbiz - "Grey's Anatomy" made history on Thursday's night, November 1, episode titled "Flowers Grow Out of My Grave". The hit medical drama, for the first time after running for 15 years, introduced same-sex romance storyline between two doctors.
[SPOILER ALERT!] The episode featured Dr. Levi Schmitt (Jake Borelli) and Nico Kim (Alex Landi) sharing a hallway kiss after some weeks of flirting. After the kiss, Schmitt admitted that it was actually his first time kissing a man. He then gave a metaphorical coming out speech about how his switch to orthopedic surgery marked the first time he felt like he belonged in the hospital.
Not long after the episode aired, Jake took to his Instagram account to proudly come out as gay, adding that the episode was "so special" to him. "This is exactly the kind of story I craved as a young gay kid growing up in Ohio, and it blows my mind that I'm able to bring life to Dr. Levi Schmitt as he begins to grapple with his own sexuality this season on Grey's Anatomy," he wrote on his post.
"His vulnerability and courage inspire me every day, and I hope he can do the same for you," he added. "To all of you who feel like little Levis out there, know that I do too, that you are seen, and that we're all in this together. And to everyone who has supported me over the years, I can't thank you enough, and I love you more than all the stars..."
Talking to Entertainment Tonight, Jake shared that the episode inspired him to come out. "I've been out to my friends and family for almost 10 years now, but within the last couple of months of shooting the show and really getting to know this character and seeing the response, I’ve realized that this is becoming bigger than just me," Jake told the site.
He went on saying, "Within the last year or so, I've been giving the opportunity to speak on a much larger platform. With that opportunity, I am able to come out to a much larger group of people. I want to live in a world that celebrates authenticity and honesty and openness and courage, and I feel a responsibility to come out on a much larger scale."
He also added that "there needs to be more representation from people of all different types" in every platform. "With art and TV especially, when you can feel seen, that's when it's the most impactful and I wanted to do that."
