Raegan Revord, best known for their breakout role as Missy Cooper on Young Sheldon, recently opened up about their journey of self-discovery and why they decided to come out as nonbinary. The young star, who has always been admired for their talent and charisma, explained that embracing their gender identity was not just a personal decision—it was a necessary step to fully express their individuality and creativity.
In a candid interview with Entertainment Tonight, Revord reflected on the significance of seeing themselves represented in media. “It’s so cool because growing up, whenever I would see a celebrity or whoever come out as nonbinary or queer, I was like, ‘Oh my god, this is so cool, I see myself in you,’” they shared. For much of their early career, Revord wasn’t even allowed to make simple personal choices like changing their hair, a restriction that made self-expression feel limited. Coming out allowed them to finally break free from those constraints and fully embrace who they are.
Revord emphasized that the decision to come out wasn’t just about personal freedom—it was about providing visibility for others who might be struggling with their identity. “It’s so crazy to have that experience where I’m now that person, and there might be a kid somewhere who’s like, ‘Oh my god, I see myself in you,’” they explained. “That’s such an insane thing because I was in that kid’s shoes at some point in my life.” By sharing their journey, Revord hopes to offer young fans the kind of representation that once inspired them.
This newfound sense of self-expression has also fueled their creative endeavors. Between takes on Young Sheldon, Revord secretly worked on their debut novel, Rules for Fake Girlfriends, a sweet queer love story. “I would have my computer hidden on set, and then whenever they said ‘cut,’ I would bring it out, write as quick as I could, then stash it right before they said action,” they revealed. This commitment allowed them to explore themes and characters that resonate with their own experiences, something they couldn’t fully do while remaining closeted.
Revord views their coming out as a way to merge their personal and professional lives in an authentic way. Being open about their identity allows them to participate in projects that reflect their values and creativity, including contributing to queer literature. “Being able to contribute to the ever-growing, amazing collection of queer literature is such an honor, and very exciting,” they told USA TODAY.
Ultimately, Raegan Revord’s decision to come out stems from a desire to live authentically and embrace all facets of their identity. From navigating the restrictions of their early career to becoming a visible advocate and author, Revord’s journey highlights the importance of self-expression and the power of representation. Their story serves as an inspiring reminder that embracing who you truly are can unlock both personal fulfillment and creative freedom.
