Raegan Revord, ‘Young Sheldon’ Star, Embraces Being a Queer, Non-Binary Role Model
A Familiar Face, Now a Fresh Voice in Queer Representation
You probably know Raegan Revord as Missy Cooper from Young Sheldon. For seven seasons the actor brought that character to life with charm, wit and sibling-banter. But now, Revord is stepping into a new role—one that’s deeply personal and deeply resonant. At just 17, they publicly announced their identity as nonbinary and expressed a genuine desire to serve as a visible example for LGBTQ+ youth.
This shift isn’t just about labels. It’s about visibility, authenticity, and what it means when someone from your screen says: “I am like you.”
The Moment of Truth – What They Shared
Coming Out in Their Own Words
In an interview while promoting their debut novel, Revord reflected on what it was like to grow up watching queer and non-binary celebrities and how seeing themselves in others helped them understand their own identity. They said: “It’s so cool … I see myself in you.” And now they want to be that someone for other young people.
Pronouns and Public Platform
Though Revord updated their social media pronouns to “they/them” earlier in the year, this public interview marked their first major acknowledgement in the press of being nonbinary.
Why It Matters
It matters because role models shape how young people see themselves. Revord said there might be a kid somewhere looking at them and thinking: “Oh my god, I see myself.” That’s the heart of this story.
The Journey from Missy to Revord – Growth, Identity & Visibility
Rising Young in the Public Eye
Revord began portraying Missy Cooper on Young Sheldon in 2017 when they were still very young. They grew up on screen, while navigating both performance and adolescence side-by-side.
Creativity Beyond Acting
Not only an actor, Revord released their debut young adult novel Rules for Fake Girlfriends in September 2025—a queer rom-com featuring an LGBTQ+ storyline. This aligns with their message of representation.
Becoming the Role Model They Once Needed
In talking about representation, Revord looked back: when they were growing up, there were few non-binary or queer celebrities to guide them. Now they fill that space. It’s like a mirror reflecting back
What Representation Looks Like – And Why It’s More Than a Buzzword
Visibility for Nonbinary Youth
When a well-known young actor comes out as non-binary, it sends a message: You’re not alone. There’s a place for you. That can change lives.
The Cultural Shift
We’re seeing broader, deeper representation in media—but for many nonbinary folks, mainstream visibility still lags. Revord’s announcement moves the needle.
The Power of “I See Myself in You”
Revord’s quote—“I saw myself in you” and now being the you for someone else—is powerful because empathy is built through seeing yourself in others. This isn’t just about identity—it’s about connection.
Navigating Identity While in the Spotlight
The Age Factor
At 17, Revord is young—but also in a pivotal age for identity formation. Making such a public announcement is brave and meaningful.
Role Versus Self
Playing Missy Cooper (a defined female twin sister) for years while privately exploring their own gender identity might have brought complexities. It’s worth acknowledging how those dual paths may intersect.
Authenticity in Real Time
Revord didn’t wait until later in life—they embraced this identity while still in adolescence and while continuing creative work. That demonstrates authenticity in real time.
Career Implications—Acting, Writing, and Representation
Acting With New Lens
Going forward, Revord’s work may benefit from this authenticity. Whether returning to Missy or shifting to new roles, their identity informs perspective, depth and empathy.
Writing with Voice
Their young-adult novel already features queer themes. Their identity isn’t just personal—it influences their creative output. That adds weight to what they do off screen.
Becoming an Advocate
Revord now occupies a dual role: actor/author and visible advocate. That can open doors—for themselves and for others.
How Fans & Media Are Responding
Fan Reactions
Social posts and forums show positive reactions: fans express joy, relief, inspiration. One Reddit post said:
“I’m so happy for them. It’s handy Raegan is a pretty gender-neutral name …”
Media Coverage
Major outlets from People to Gay Times covered the announcement, emphasizing both the personal and the cultural significance.
The Ripple Effect
When a mainstream figure comes out in this way, the ripple extends beyond the individual—into publishing, streaming, fan communities, LGBTQ+ youth, even textbook definitions.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Staying Authentic Under Pressure
Public identity brings scrutiny. For a young actor, balancing authenticity, privacy and public expectation is an ongoing challenge.
Role Typecasting vs. Expansion
There’s always risk of being typecast—but there’s also opportunity to expand into diverse roles, especially ones exploring identity, gender, narrative depth.
Championing Representation Long-Term
This moment is big—but the real work is ongoing. Representation isn’t a one-time headline—it’s consistent, multifaceted, real. Revord has launched into it early.
Lessons We Can Learn From Their Journey
Representation Changes Lives
Seeing someone you can relate to can shift a whole trajectory. Revord’s words reinforce that.
Identity Evolves—And That’s OK
Their decision shows that self-discovery doesn’t wait for “the right moment.” It happens in real time, and it can be public or private—your choice.
Use Your Platform
Whether you’re big or small, using your voice and your visibility for others can matter more than you think.
The Bigger Picture – Media, Identity & Youth Culture
TV Shows & Young Audiences
Shows like Young Sheldon reach young viewers, shape ideas of normalcy. When actors from those shows live authentically, it affects the cultural fabric.
Publishing and Queer Themes
Revord’s book adds to the growing body of queer YA literature—a place where identity is explored, validated and celebrated.
Social Media, Identity and Activism
Revord’s earlier use of they/them on socials and streaming shows how identity, platform and activism already entwine in Gen Z/Alpha culture.
What This Means for You
If You’re a Fan of the Show
You might see Missy in a new light—knowing that the actor behind the character is navigating authenticity and representation, just like so many of us.
If You’re Exploring Identity
Seeing someone young, visible and vocal can be empowering. You’re allowed to explore, claim pronouns, say “me too.”
For All of Us
This story reminds us that visibility is valuable, authenticity is courageous, and representation deepens our
Conclusion
Raegan Revord’s coming out as nonbinary isn’t just a personal moment—it’s a cultural one. They’re telling the world: I see you. You matter. From child actor in a popular sitcom to young author and visible representative of queer identity, Revord stands at the intersection of celebrity, activism and authenticity. Their announcement reminds us that identity isn’t fixed, representation isn’t optional, and role models aren’t always older—they can be your peer, your age, your contemporary. So if you’re watching, reading, browsing right now—take it in. This is someone doing more than performing a role—they’re living it.
FAQs
Q1: What pronouns does Raegan Revord use?
A: They use they/them pronouns. Revord publicly confirmed their nonbinary identity in 2025.
Q2: Why is this announcement significant?
A: Because Revord is a young actor from a mainstream TV show, and their openness brings nonbinary visibility into spaces where it has been limited.
Q3: What else is Revord doing right now?
A: Apart from acting, they published their debut young adult novel Rules for Fake Girlfriends, featuring queer themes.
Q4: Do I have to have watched ‘Young Sheldon’ to care about this story?
A: Not at all. Whether or not you watched the show, Revord’s story connects to larger themes of identity, visibility and representation that affect us all.
