Young Sheldon Star Opens Up About Coming Out as Nonbinary at Age 17 and the ‘Insane’ Realization They Had

Raegan Revord’s Brave Revelation

Raegan Revord, best known for playing Missy Cooper on Young Sheldon, recently shared a deeply personal truth: they are nonbinary. At just 17 years old, Revord publicly confirmed their gender identity in a powerful interview, expressing both pride and hope. This moment isn’t just big for them — it’s resonating across fandoms and the broader LGBTQ+ community.

A Young Star Finds Their Voice

Revord’s journey toward self-discovery didn’t happen overnight. Although they changed their pronouns to they/them on social media in January 2025, the interview marked their first major public acknowledgment.

They told Entertainment Tonight that when they were younger, seeing other nonbinary or queer celebrities made them feel seen.  Now, Revord said, it’s “so crazy” to be that person for someone else — and they hope their visibility can offer comfort and inspiration.

Why Their Coming Out Is Meaningful

Representation That Matters

Revord pointed out how rare genuine queer representation was during their childhood. For many queer and nonbinary youth, media visibility means more than fame — it means validation, acceptance, and the possibility of imagining a future for themselves.

By coming out publicly, Revord steps into that role: someone visible, someone real. Someone who says, “I see you — because someone saw me.”

A Platform with Purpose

Raegan isn’t just an actor; they’re also a rising novelist. Their debut YA novel, Rules for Fake Girlfriends, is a queer rom-com that launched around the same time as their announcement. In doing so, they’re not just sharing stories — they’re shaping them, providing representation in both entertainment and literature.

The “Insane” Realization That Changed Everything

From Fan to Role Model

What struck Revord most was this: as a kid, they looked up to queer public figures. “I see myself in you,” they would think. And now, they are that person.

They told Entertainment Tonight that the idea someone younger might now think, “I see myself in you,” is “insane.” For Revord, it’s a full-circle moment — from being inspired to inspiring.

Realizing the Weight of Visibility

Coming out isn’t just about identity — for Revord, it’s a responsibility. They recognized that while they once felt comforted by others coming out, now they have the chance to be that comfort for someone else. That realization carries emotional weight, but also empowerment.

Their Path — From Child Actor to Intersectional Role Model

Acting Roots and Early Fame

Raegan Revord has been acting since childhood. Their most notable role was Missy Cooper, Sheldon’s twin sister, on Young Sheldon. Over seven seasons (2017–2024), they brought warmth, humor, and depth to the Cooper family dynamic.

A Secret Online Life

Long before their public coming out, Revord used they/them pronouns on Twitch under the alias SettingSunset.  Their online persona became a safe space — and a bridge between their on-screen world and their inner reality.

Building a Queer Literary Voice

Their debut novel, Rules for Fake Girlfriends, dropped in September 2025. It’s a queer love story that resonates with their personal identity and showcases their commitment to LGBTQ+ storytelling.

By combining acting, online presence, and writing, Revord is building a multifaceted platform for queer representation.

Why This Moment Resonates Widely

Young Voices, Big Impact

At 17, most people are figuring out school schedules or first jobs. But Revord is navigating public identity, media influence, and creative work — all while embracing who they are. That bravery matters deeply for queer youth watching.

Normalizing Nonbinary Identities in Mainstream Media

Revord’s coming out helps put nonbinary identity into everyday conversations. They’re a familiar face from a beloved TV show, making their identity more visible, more personal, and more real.

A Shift in Narrative Power

Instead of being shaped by others, they’re shaping their own story. Acting, writing, and speaking out — Revord is using their influence to create change, not just represent it.

What “Nonbinary” Means — And Why It’s Important to Understand

The Basics of Nonbinary Identity

Nonbinary is a gender identity that doesn’t fit strictly into male or female categories.  People who are nonbinary might feel like both, neither, or something else altogether. Their pronoun choices (like they/them) reflect that fluidity.

Why Representation Matters

Representation isn’t just about visibility. It’s about validation. When a young person sees someone like Revord on screen — being nonbinary, being themselves — it sends a message: you’re not alone.

The Power of Role Models

Revord explicitly mentioned how they once looked to other queer or nonbinary people as examples. Now, they’re paying it forward. That’s the kind of role-modeling impact that changes lives.

Challenges and Courage of Coming Out in the Public Eye

Youth, Identity, and Pressure

Navigating gender identity at 17 is already a complex journey. Doing it in public—while having a career and millions of eyes on you—adds another layer. But Revord embraced that risk because being visible matters.

The Burden and Reward of Representation

Revord didn’t just come out; they leaned into what it could mean for others. Representation isn’t easy — it comes with responsibility, scrutiny, and potential backlash. But Revord’s optimism, and desire to inspire, shows they’re up to that challenge.

A New Chapter in Their Creative Life

Their novel release aligned with their announcement — not by accident, but intention.  It’s a reminder that identity isn’t just personal; it’s woven into their art. And that creativity can be a powerful vehicle for self-expression.

How Fans and Community Are Reacting

A Wave of Support

News outlets, social media, and LGBTQ+ communities are overwhelmingly positive. Many celebrate Revord’s honesty and bravery. Their story has ignited hope and conversation.

Impact on Young Fans

For younger fans — especially queer or questioning ones — seeing someone they admired on screen come out publicly is transformative. It shifts the narrative: identities like theirs aren’t niche; they’re valid, powerful, and worthy of visibility.

Broadening the Visibility of Nonbinary Experience

Revord’s announcement contributes to a growing wave of nonbinary representation in media. Their voice adds dimension, nuance, and authenticity — and that matters in a culture still learning to understand gender beyond rigid binaries.

Why This Moment Could Spark Change

Encouraging More Young People to Speak Their Truth

When a young actor like Revord comes out so publicly, they encourage others — in and out of the LGBTQ+ community — to embrace authenticity. Their visibility helps dismantle stigma.

Strengthening Queer Storytelling

As both actor and writer, Revord is uniquely positioned to shape queer narratives. Their experiences will likely influence future stories — in TV, literature, and beyond.

Broadening the Definition of “Role Model”

Revord isn’t just a role model in terms of gender identity. They show that being a creator, an actor, and a young person exploring self-identity is normal. That’s a powerful message.

What This Means for the Future

More Powerful Visibility in Mainstream Media

Revord’s public coming out signals to TV writers, producers, and networks that nonbinary stories are not only valuable — they’re essential. It’s a step toward more nuanced, inclusive storytelling.

Potential New Creative Directions

We may see Revord incorporate their nonbinary identity into future acting roles or novels. Their platform is expanding — and their voice is becoming more influential.

Inspiring a Generation

Beyond entertainment, Revord’s journey offers a blueprint: be true, be visible, and own your story. For queer youth, that’s not just representation — it’s transformation.

Conclusion

Raegan Revord’s coming out as nonbinary at 17 isn’t just a headline — it’s a milestone. Their honest, heartfelt reflection on representation, identity, and the responsibility that comes with visibility strikes at the core of what it means to grow up queer today.

By sharing their truth, Revord is not merely stepping into their own authenticity — they’re opening a door for others. They’ve moved from seeing themselves in others to becoming that person for the next generation. That’s powerful. That’s necessary. And it’s exactly why this moment matters so much.

5 FAQs

Q1: Who is Raegan Revord?
A1: Raegan Revord is a 17-year-old actor and author, known for playing Missy Cooper on Young Sheldon.

Q2: What did Raegan Revord announce?
A2: They publicly came out as nonbinary and shared that they use they/them pronouns.

Q3: Why is their coming out significant?
A3: Because as a young, visible actor, Revord’s openness helps boost representation for nonbinary and queer youth and shows the impact of having role models in media.

Q4: Does Raegan Revord do anything besides acting?
A4: Yes — they recently published a queer young adult novel called Rules for Fake Girlfriends.

Q5: How did they describe their experience growing up?
A5: Revord said that when they were younger, seeing queer celebrities made them feel seen. Now, they feel “crazy” to think someone might look at them and feel the same way.