Shane Dawson is an American YouTube personality, actor, and filmmaker known for his engaging and often controversial content. Born on July 19, 1988, in Long Beach, California, Dawson gained popularity on YouTube through his unique blend of comedy sketches, music videos, and personal vlogs.
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Throughout his career, Dawson has amassed a large following and became one of the most recognizable figures on the platform. He is known for his self-deprecating humor, candid storytelling, and ability to connect with his audience on a deep level. With his distinct style, Dawson has tackled various topics, including pop culture, internet trends, and social issues.
However, Dawson has faced criticism and controversy throughout his career, with some of his past content being called out for racism, misogyny, and inappropriate behavior. As a result, he has faced public backlash and had to address these issues in his videos and public statements. Despite the controversies, Dawson has made significant contributions to online entertainment and has left a lasting impact on the YouTube community.
Apart from the controversies he has been involved in, there have also been assumptions about the YouTuber’s sexuality. Is Shane Dawson gay? That is a question we will address in this article.
VOTE: What is Shane Dawson’s Sexuality?
Shane Dawson’s Sexuality
Those who truly follow Shane Dawson’s journey know that he publicly came out in 2015 through a touching 15-minute video uploaded on his YouTube channel. In the said video, which was uploaded 8 years ago and has now garnered 10 million views, Dawson candidly admitted to being confused about his sexuality throughout his life, particularly in the year leading up to his coming out.
The then 26-year-old YouTuber admitted to being scared before he launched into a nearly 15-minute monologue chronicling his journey toward self-acceptance.
This is a really hard video for me to make. And I’m really scared.”
Shane Dawson said on the YouTube video
Dawson also revealed that he had never thought he would make a video explaining his sexuality, but he decided to do so because he believed it would be helpful to people who, like him, were confused about their own sexuality.
There are a lot of coming out videos of people who are gay or lesbian and they’re so confident. But it made me cry because I’m not that, I don’t know who I am 100%. And I know that a lot of you guys might feel the same way.”
I can’t honestly say I’m gay. I can’t honestly say I’m straight. But I can honestly say that I am open to love, in any way, and I guess that makes me bisexual.”
The YouTube star talked about his struggles growing up in a strict and religious family. He said he felt confused about his sexuality for a long time and kept those feelings hidden, which led to depression and morbid obesity. Even though he had two long-term relationships with girls, the confusion about his sexuality never went away.
Through therapy, Dawson came to realize that he doesn’t need to label his sexuality. He learned that he deserves happiness and the freedom to love whoever he chooses.
This is something I’ve come to the conclusion through therapy and from being honest with myself. I am bisexual.”
Not everybody is either gay or straight. And this is why I’m making this video, because I feel like a lot of you guys might be confused and scared, and you’re not talking to people about it, and I’m f–king here for you. […] You don’t need a label. You don’t need to figure out exactly who you are right now. Just live your life.”
F—k it. Love who you want to love. Life is short. Nobody’s going
Right after he uploaded his coming-out video on YouTube, Dawson posted a message on Twitter to thank his fans, saying:
thank u guys for the support. i know “bisexual” is something that gets made fun of & its scary to talk about it but just know u arent alone.”
thank u guys for the support. i know “bisexual” is something that gets made fun of & its scary to talk about it but just know u arent alone.
— Shane Dawson (@shanedawson) July 7, 2015
Shane Dawson’s Relationships
Shane Dawson recently revealed that he is now married to his long-time boyfriend, Ryland Adams. The couple has been dating since 2016 and got engaged in March 2019 when Dawson proposed to Adams. They tied the knot in January of this year in Colorado and shared the good news with their millions of fans through an Instagram photo posted on January 12, 2023. On the same day, Dawson uploaded a YouTube video showcasing the most important parts of their big day.
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The couple has also revealed that they plan to have children later this year.
Before dating Adams, Shane Dawson had a brief relationship with social media star Garrett Watts in January 2017. The two used to collaborate on YouTube videos together.
Dawson was also involved in two long-term relationships with girls.
He had been in a relationship with Lisa Schwartz from December 2011 to May 2015. They were engaged at one point but broke off their engagement shortly before he publicly came out. However, Dawson made it clear that his sexuality was not the main reason for the split.
I think a lot of people just assume, ‘Oh, Shane wanted to come out.’ But, no. We literally broke up a long time [before that] — slowly — and that had way more to do with, literally, like all the other issues, mental issues.”
Shane Dawson said in a YouTube video
Schwartz also said that she was proud of him.
Breakups are so awful. And the one with you was awful because it was just so painful… But at the same time, then I was proud of you. This is complicated, [there were] many layers… Then once we got past that stuff, I was proud for you.”
Lisa Schwartz said
The two remained friends even after they broke up and started dating their current partners.
Shane Dawson also dated YouTuber Nadine Sykora from December 2010 to November 2011.
Is Shane Dawson Gay?
Yes, Shane Dawson is openly bisexual. He publicly came out in 2015 and is now married to his long-term boyfriend, Ryland Adams. The couple tied the knot earlier this year and are planning to have kids later this year.