Is Tom Holland Gay? Six reasons why some question his sexuality (Updated)

29
7 minutes, 33 seconds Read

There’s a slew of reasons why people question whether Tom Holland is gay. It’s no different than the sexuality questions that surround any male celebrity. It happens all the time and it derives from our culture’s expectations of male behavior and the media’s obsession with every aspect of a celebrity’s life. But what is it about Tom Holland specifically that we question his sexuality?

.

Actually, there’s nothing really special about people wondering about “Tom Holland gay“, but since you asked — Holland is a good looking, young guy so many gay men (mostly) hope to feel closer to a star that also prefers the company of men. Secondly, some others wonder because Holland tends to hang out with his BFF Harrison  “Haz” Osterfield A WHOLE FREAKING LOT (and that’s okay!).

Let’s get into the four reasons (and photo “evidence”) why people are asking if the new Spider-Man might be gay.

Tom Holland is in the Public Eye

This is easy. Why people ask questions about Tom Holland is simply because he’s famous.

As one of the Google’s top trending actors of 2016 (searched on), his life is going to be even more dissected. The media, his fans and haters want to know everything about Holland; from what he ate for breakfast to whom he’s eating breakfast with. Some other common celebrity questions include how old he is, how tall he is, whether he’s single, or has a girlfriend. And if he doesn’t have a girlfriend, who is he sleeping with? And why is he hanging out with that blonde twink all the time?

The first reason why is that people are generally curious and interested in celebrity’s personal lives.

.

Gay Men Want Tom Holland to Be Gay

Whenever there’s an up-and-coming actor, particularly an attractive one, the question of whether they’re gay always pops up. It’s rarely ever about what the actor has done. Red flags, slight hints or even if the actor gives off 100% “straight” vibes it doesn’t matter. The question of whether he’s gay will come up no matter what.

That’s because many gay men secretly (or not so secretly) hope that Tom Holland is gay, same as they hope the same for Zac Efron, Joe Jonas, Taylor Lautner, and others. They want them on their team so they can better identify and have another talented representative for the cause.

There’s also making a “Tom Holland gay fantasy” more of a reality. When a celebrity comes out as gay, they instantly become more attainable than when they’re perceived as “straight.” The fact is, they’re not that much more attainable even if they were, but still it’s a factor.

As we mentioned, “gay rumors” aren’t anything new or much of a surprise. Any well-known actor (and sometimes actresses) will face the gay rumors.

There’s Lots of Dancing in Billy Elliot

Let’s talk about the assumptions and preconceived notions that come with being a male dancer, especially ones involved in a musical theatre. Holland’s first break was appearing in the title role of Billy Elliot the Musical. If you’re not familiar, Elliot is a ballet-loving coalminer’s son. Yeah, none of those words are helping to snuff out the gay rumors.

UPDATE: Tom Holland Does Rihanna Really Well

In an episode of Lip Sync Battle…. forget it just read what Vogue had to say and watch.

Any attempt to describe what followed could not do justice to his truly impressive performance, so please watch and marvel for yourselves at Holland’s amazingly on point take on RiRi’s hit song

To those familiar with Holland, it’s no surprise that the actor and dancer was able to pull this off considering his background in theatre. However to the masses unaware of his Billy Elliot role, the ease in which he performed “Umbrella” in full Rihanna regalia definitely made a many question his sexuality.

And let’s be honest, it’s one thing to be a male actor on Broadway, but to put on sexy female stripper-wear is another. I’m all for it, just saying that the world we’re in, that’s really out of the gender box you’re supposed to be in. In turn, this post got a lot of traffic after the performance. Welcome everyone!

.

Tom’s Platonic Relationship with Zendaya

But do they have girlfriends? Tom hasn’t been connected to many women as far as we could find online. There was a report of him and Ella Purnell, but nothing confirmed. Then there was a story where the twosome were photographed on what Gay UK called a “double date” with two young women. On the other side, Holland’s best friend Harrison Osterfeld hasn’t been photographed with any women either, so….

Update: Rumors have flown around the last couple years regarding Tom and Zendaya Coleman’s closeness. While both parties have said publicly that they’re just “mates” (that’s British for “friends”) — there was some drama in 2018 that Holland’s relationship with his female co-star was more than that; that the two were/are secretly dating “on the low“. Coleman and Holland, of course, have not commented on any of it.

In fact, for Zendaya’s birthday this year, Holland posted onto his Instagram re-iterating that the two are just good friends. Whether they’re truly just platonic buddies that have a non-intimate time with one another or dating clandestinely, the uncertainty lends to the rumor that Tom may be hiding more.

All this lack of photographic or internet evidence hasn’t helped to quell any of the rumors of Tom’s sexuality. Especially when Tom and Harrison are so close — the two buddies’ friendship has been assumed to be more than a modern bromance.

Holland Hangs with Harrison (A LOT)

There’s 100% nothing wrong with hanging out with your closest friend and absolutely nothing wrong with that friend being an attractive mate. There’s also nothing wrong with posting multiple Instragram photos with that said best male friend. It’s totally cool that you’re both shirtless together often. And there’s zero problems with hiring that same best friend as your assistant.

However where our society is today, these seemingly-normal and innocuous things can and will be bent and shaped into a gay narrative. Unfortunately, men can’t hang out with men more than what’s socially acceptable without raising eyebrows. That’s especially true for two good looking, well-dressed guys that are spending a lot of time with one another.

And then you hire your good looking male friend as your assistant? The optics of that career move only fuels the talk even though Holland explained his rationale:

“Once I got cast (Chris Hemsworth) sent me a really lovely email about just make sure you keep your feet on the ground and you don’t let this affect you.” Holland said. “You keep your family and your friends close and that’s exactly what I’ve done. That is why I have brought my best friend with me as my assistant – that is Harrison. He is my best buddy really…”

Some would say “uh huh… likely story.”

What is confirmed is Tom and Harrison’s close friendship. I don’t see the gay rumors ending anytime soon because Holland and Osterfeld don’t seem to care. They’ll continue looking really happy when together, having fun doing guy stuff (surfing, skating, etc.) and really comfortable putting their arms around one another. Over and over.

.

Yeah that’s a shirtless Tom Holland and Harrison riding a tandem bike together. Fuck what you think, apparently.

.

Again, is there anything wrong with Holland pal-ing around with Osterfield? No, but that’s not how our society want our straight men to behave and since society has an expectation of masculinity, any action going against our gender roles will have people assuming what’s happening behind the scenes.  That’s even though 20 year old guys usually spend a LOT OF TIME with other 20 year old guys.

Holland’s already a well-known name with many big budget films in his portfolio (The Impossible, Captain America: Civil WarThe Lost City of Z, In The Heart of The Sea), but he’s set to explode. So, don’t be surprised that the gay rumors intensify as Holland’s star and popularity rises with the release of two Spider-Man films (2017 and 2019) and an Avenger’s sequel (2018). I’m sure we’ll also have more Insta selfies with Osterfield to continue feeding the Tom Holland gay rumors.

So is Tom Holland Gay?

As to whether he’s gay or not? My money is that Tom Holland is heterosexual. Holland has this carefree confidence about him; that’s to say that if he were gay, he would be out there being gay and saying so. Holland also doesn’t seem to care what people think of his close friendship with Osterfield whereas closeted-stars usually do their best to cover-up anything that can be perceived as gay, even the smallest hints of their sexuality (especially with guys they’re dating).

Keep doing you, Tom, but clearly, you don’t need us telling you that.

Update: We’ll just leave this Instagram post from Holland cuddling with Jake Gyllenhall and the caption hashtagged with #husbandgoals

 

Similar Posts

29 Comments

  1. avatar
    Anthony says:

    No matter what he is, for many he is an icon for much about a young males life. He truly has no care what people see him as because he sees himself as just being Tom Holland and that’s all he needs. And for me i am just so excited to see his continuing work on every film he does and I hope that his life becomes all that he can make of it and never loses his intense confidence.

  2. avatar
    Claire says:

    I sort of agree with the article but then again don’t. I watch 2 YouTubers Daniel Howell and Phil Lester. Their entire fandom thinks they are gay and dating which they have been doing for 8 years in secret. They act as gay as possible sometimes but still won’t tell the truth if everything is real and they are in a gay relationship. Okay, yes, they both have said that they are bisexual but still won’t confirm their lover or anything. Going back to Tom and Haz, look at the cute candids they take of each other. Yes it is normal for two guys to hang out but when it seems they are never apart obviously have brought up the gay rumors. Tom’s version of Umbrella was incredible but it was for a lip sync. Sure, maybe his outfit didn’t have to be so much of female stripper but he did that pretty well. One thing this article did not mention was that Tom had to wear a pair of panties under the spiderman suit with spandex but for what I remember he was alright with puttimg them on. I can almost garuntee that the apartment Tom has(is said to have), Harrison probably lives with him when they are home. If they are gay and keep doing what they are doing and hiding it then fine. If they are bisexual and dating or not just let them take their time. I say just let them roll however they want to. Hetero, Bi, or Homo shouldn’t matter in the public eye. Both are handsome boys that can do what they please.

    1. avatar
      Chad perez says:

      Ok first things first they are just friends and have been friends since they were kids so yeah they are close. And harrison is toms manager so that is another reason they are always around eachother. Even if they were gay we should still love them for who they are. Ok im done ranting but dont ever assume someone is gay because that is very big to assume something like that. That could destroy someones life. People need to be nice tom may be spiderman but he is still a human and he still has a heart.

  3. avatar
    Will says:

    Why do you care? It’s not your job to speculate about someone’s sexuality, even if they are a massively popular personality. I’m not trying to irritate any of you, but please. This is a sensitive topic for some people, and to be honest it’s none of your business. By “addressing” these speculations you are inflating them. Again. For some people this is a sensitive topic. PLEASE be considerate of everyone who could read these. I will repeat: it’s not your job to speculate on someone else’s sexuality.

    1. avatar
      Ryan says:

      It is EXACTLY the author’s job to speculate. That’s entirely the reason they wrote this article, not for personal desires (other than money, of course). And if you noticed, they used a very respectful, unbiased, straight-to-the-point tone by making no assumptions and considering every point. Rumors are just rumors, who cares if they’re real? The author did an incredible job of addressing them. After all this isn’t court. Speculation is totally fine because that’s what happens when someone is famous. Do you expect no one to mention this topic, even if it’s SUPER far-fetched? It shouldn’t matter to you whether or not articles like these are published, because they’re just theories with barely any support merely for entertainment’s sake.

    2. avatar
      Eugène Frank MD says:

      Right-on. The fantasies about a handsome, male public figure’s sexuality is par for the course: as well as boxers vs briefs, and what brand of toothpaste, etc., but pressing anyone to come out and acknowledge personal details about themselves is a no-no. There appears to be a lack of respect for the personal vs professional lives: i.e., if you are out there, you must be out there. By the way, is it boxers or briefs.

  4. avatar
    Sara says:

    Your being an asshole trying to assume his sexuality and trying to force him with his BEST friend who btw is his MANAGER. I don’t care if he’s gay its people and writers forcing him out (if he is) that is the problem.

    1. avatar
      Ryan says:

      Literally the author never assumed a sexuality, only bet (on heterosexual, which by the way, contradicts your argument) and never forced Tom with anyone. They only mentioned Harrison because if Tom were gay, Harrison would be the most likely candidate for a partner considering how close they are. You’re just very sensitive (and rightfully so) because I’m assuming you’re a fan of Tom’s. That’s no problem of course but you’re taking this very extremely. No one is forcing Tom out, because he’s probably not gay! This theory is literally so uncommon and you’re pretending like it’s a revolutionary world event. Just calm down a little bit and understand the author’s points here.

  5. avatar
    Britney says:

    That man isn’t gay, lol. Last I heard he is with zendaya.. always hanging around her. They are said to have been dating for a year and a half now. Him and Harry are good friends. That’s it. Not everybody who is a male and is good looking is gay.

  6. avatar
    Chad perez says:

    Tom is as straight as a pencil. Tom is beautiful funny and amazing. Even if he was gay which he is not we should still love him the way he is. And he is not with zendaya. They are just friends like him and harrison. Ok im done complaining have a nice day.

  7. avatar
    Michelle says:

    I think it’s no one’s business, period! Tom’s private life is just that, “private”. If he wanted people all in his kool-aid, he would tell you the flavor! Enough said!

  8. avatar
    Steve says:

    I hope I live long enough that a person’s sexual preference is no longer “news” or subject for the rumor mill. I don’t know if Tom is gay, and frankly don’t care. What matters is as an actor can he deliver – and he does. Of the various Spider-Man movies, Tom’s portrayal of the character leaves no doubt. And regarding him and his BFF Harrison, I glad he has a close friend he can trust and hang with. I think a lot of straight guys secretly yearn for that type of carefree closeness without having to worry about how it’s perceived by others. We Americans are so uptight about sex and gender roles. How will we ever progress as a society if we can’t get past the petty labels and stereotyping of others. So if at the end of the day it turns out Tom is gay, or bi, or whatever, then what? Exactly – nothing. Tom will still be Tom and you’ll still be you. Except maybe he’ll be happier because he’s out living his life without a worry and you’ll still be stuck in the rumor mill wondering about the next bloke on the block.

  9. avatar
    Tom holland is the best says:

    Is it bad I want tom to be gay lol because if I can’t have him, no other girl can and him and Harrison look really cute tbh, rather them then zendaya because they’re good as friends, JUST SAYING DON’T @ ME IF YOU DON’T AGREE NO NEED TO MAKE MY DAY BAD

  10. avatar
    John Felix Koziol says:

    Who cares?! Homosexuality is a psychological problem and those who believe that they are gay need to address this with therapy. I have done what I feel is extensive research on this issue and from this research is how I came to my conclusion. Until someone proves it to me otherwise, I stand by this.

  11. avatar
    jack ryan says:

    what difference does it make if tom is gay or straight, what year is this people . love is love and sex is sex nothing strange about either one .love and sex are quite normal folks it’s been part of life since the beginning of time

  12. avatar
    Orie says:

    My friend is dating the actor that played Tommen in Game of Thrones, he’s friends with Tom Holland. Tom and Harrison are a couple, it’s a known but well kept secret in Hollywood. So yes they are a couple. I wish Tom Holland would come out, being a marvel hero and openly gay would make him a wonderful role model for young gay teens. But I’m sure his contact with Marvel probably keeps him in the closet. But he can’t stay in there forever.

    1. avatar
      cat says:

      Orie, I agree. I think he’s gay, but because of how Hollywood is virulently homophobic, and credible actors such as Kate Winslet have talked about this openly, he will not come out, because the studios and his agents, his “people” won’t allow it.

  13. avatar
    Orie says:

    To the person who said being gay is a psychological problem, you have a problem. Not a si for medical organization agrees with you. The entire scientific community agrees you’re born gay or straight. You’re the one who has issues. Focus on you’re own life, those of us who are gay aren’t sick or deviants, we are normal, we love, we contribute to society, and we are becoming more and more accepted every year and more and more people are coming out, a larger percentage of the population is gay or bi than people ever realized before.

  14. avatar
    Orie says:

    It’s funny that girls are usually the ones most offended and defensive about people suggesting Tom Holland is gay, even if I didn’t know it for a fact thanks to my friends bf doing theater with him when they were younger and then having a fling, just watching Tom and Harrison’s videos together and their pictures and how tactile they are with each other is a give away. That’s how gay men are to each other in relationships, and you can see it in how they look at each other. Sorry ladies, you can be upset all you want, but Holland will come out eventually, wait til he’s done with Marvel and I bet it’ll happen within a year of him leaving them.

    1. avatar
      Eugène FRNK says:

      In an interview Tom had abut his role in Spiderman, was that he had to wear an uncomfortably tight jock strap under his costume: either he had something to hide, or a message to his gay fans, not to worry, he had more than he was showing.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.