ABC’s ‘How To Get Away With Murder’ has become a TV phenomenon since blazing on to the box last Fall.

Beyond its captivating story-lines and the performances of its ensemble cast, it’s received ample praise for its edgier lean. Something largely attributable to Jack Falahee‘s character, Connor Walsh.

Subverting the expected portrayal of gay characters, Walsh’s racy antics has been the subject of ample debate – as has the network’s decision to air such scenes.

Unsurprisingly, the interest surrounding the Connor character has led to speculation about the orientation of Falahee himself.

Prior to now, the rising star has maintained an air of silence on the matter. However, he shattered it today with a piercing set of quotes in the latest issue of OUT Magazine – which he also covers.

His words below…

On his own sexuality:

“I don’t think answering who I’m sleeping with accomplishes anything other than quenching the thirst of curiosity. And moreover, it seems reductive. It’s been really interesting to be in the middle of the industry’s fascination with the individual, because I never thought about that growing up or when I was at acting school. No matter how I answer, someone will say, ‘No, that’s not true.’ We still live in this hetero-normative, patriarchal society that is intent on placing everything within these binaries. I really hope that – if not in my lifetime, my children’s lifetime – this won’t be a question, that we won’t need this.” 

On being the poster boy for gay sex on network TV:

“I’m glad that it is a big deal – it’s a huge deal – but you don’t think about that when you go to work. On Monday, I have to go and do a bunch of scenes, and I’m thinking about my actions and my goals and objectives – not I’m going to go make a difference.”

On using his newfound fame to help promote awareness:

“I’ve lost friends to suicide, a few of whom were closeted and didn’t have anywhere to turn. It pains my heart. Look at this young woman Leelah Alcorn. She didn’t think she could be who she wanted to be – who she was – and it’s f*cking awful. Now that I’m in a position where people are curious about what I have to say about things, I would like to help.”

On what his success means to him:

“There are stakes now. I’m finally, eight or nine months after having shot the pilot, sort of getting used to the idea. I’m innately more critical, because I know some 10 million people are watching my work every Thursday. This time last year, I was getting my game face on. I’d moved out here six month before to do the rounds and meet everyone with the hope that I’d stand a fighting chance. I’ve spent hundreds of hours auditioning.”

On his budding bromance with co-star Matt McGorry, who became his trainer while shooting in Philadelphia:

“I’ll let him have it. No, look, he’s a great trainer. He’s definitely given me advice before, but –“ Here he does his best McGorry voice: “ ‘Yea, I give him bench press tips’ – yeah, all right bro. Whatever.”

Interesting viewpoint.

Your thoughts?