Actor Ryan Guzman, known and loved by many as Eddie Diaz on TV's hit drama *9-1-1*, has recently found himself in hot water. Why? It all started when he interacted with a social media post that claimed LGBTQ+ folks are "brainwashing" kids in America. Needless, this didn't sit well with his fans or broader society.
Guzman, who portrays a brave firefighter on *9-1-1*, ended up in controversy after appearing supportive toward an Instagram video shared by influencer Billy Morris. This video brazenly encouraged parents towards homeschooling as a means against LGBTQ+ education, painting schools as places where kids learn about "147 genders" and asserting "men can give birth." These notions have been criticized as transphobic and misleading.
## The impact and reactions
Billy Morris, behind this stormy video, claims he relocated his family off-grid, aiming supposedly, away from what he sees as children's "brainwashing" in schools. Known largely in conspiracy circles, Morris claims he "escaped from The Matrix." However, there's no credible support that schools are teaching about "147 genders." In fact, in some states, such topics are outright banned in public classrooms.
Moreover, it's accurate that trans men can give birth. Remember Thomas Beatie? The world's first documented transgender man gave birth back in 2008, later having three children. These narratives about "x genders" often attempt at undermining and twisting realities about gender identity.
## Fans and community respond
The fallout from Guzman's actions was fast and furious among *9-1-1* fans. Many took online platforms by storm, expressing disappointment and labeling Guzman's support as a reflection that he might not be "such a good person." One commenter even used a bitingly sarcastic note about looking up traditional values from a “divorced actor.”
Especially hurt by this were fans from *9-1-1*'s LGBTQ+ community. They felt a heavy sense betrayal, especially given their love and investment in Guzman's character, Eddie Diaz. Eddie shares a deep connection with Buck, played by Oliver Stark, forming a fan-favorite bond - lovingly dubbed "Buddie." This relationship has won over many queer fans, and Stark has been open about letting this on-screen friendship develop naturally.
In fact, Guzman isn't new controversies. Back in 2020, he found himself defending Chrysti Ane, his spouse at that time, when old tweets from 2011 revealing her use racial slurs came back in spotlight. During an Instagram live, Guzman justified it as banter among friends from diverse backgrounds. He later apologized, acknowledging their insensitivity and taking responsibility.
## What's on Guzman's horizon?
As this saga unfolds, all eyes are on Guzman. Fans, critics - everyone wants see how he'll handle backlash and if it will impact his career trajectory. Meanwhile, LGBTQ+ advocates stay focused on battling misinformation and fostering acceptance, especially when celebrities are in mix.
Despite efforts, PinkNews hasn't received any word from Guzman's agent yet. This debacle underscores just how influential public figures can be, and reminder that they hold weighty responsibility in shaping views about marginalized communities.
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