William Harless. (Screenshot/WWSB ABC7)
In an era of coming out on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, one graduating senior at Venice High School found a dramatic way to out himself to the world as gay.
William Harless walked across the stage this past week to receive his diploma and as he crossed, he carried an unfurled progress pride flag.
In an interview with Sarasota television station WWSB ABC7, Harless says this is something he was looking to do since his seventh grade days in West Virginia. Five years later, he says this felt like it was the right moment.
“The reason I chose graduation to come out is because I really wanted to stay true to myself, because graduation is all about your achievements,” Harless said. “And you can’t really acknowledge your achievements if you’re not acknowledging your true self.”
“It feels amazing, like a weight has been taken off my shoulders,” Harless said. “I have really been able to stay true to myself because I no longer feel like I don’t need to hide a part of myself. I feel genuinely free.”
Referencing another graduating Florida high school senior who had his graduation address censored by school authorities, Harless said, “With all the issues and topics of coming out, I don’t want people who are in the LGBTQ+ community to feel they are censored.”
He told WWSB that his family and friends have been very supportive.
