Key Takeaways:
- Openly Bisexual: François Arnaud, star of the new HBO Max series Heated Rivalry, has been openly bisexual since coming out publicly in 2020.
- Challenging Stigmas: The actor shared a powerful message about the stigmas bisexual men face, including assumptions of straightness and stereotypes of indecisiveness.
- Masculinity and Privilege: Arnaud spoke about the “fragile currency” of masculinity and the fear associated with giving up privilege by being open about one’s identity.
- New Role: The Schitt’s Creek alum plays Scott Hunter, a professional hockey player, in the buzzy new series Heated Rivalry.
As François Arnaud stars in the buzzy new HBO Max series Heated Rivalry, many fans are growing curious about the actor’s life off-screen. The 40-year-old performer, known for his roles in Schitt’s Creek and The Borgias, has been refreshingly open about his sexuality for years.
Arnaud on Coming Out as Bisexual
Back in 2020, Arnaud took to social media on Bisexual Visibility Day to share a candid message about his identity. He explained the frequent internal debate he faced when sharing stories about past relationships.
“Last week, I was chatting with work friends, and as I brought up a trip I’d taken with an ex-girlfriend, I asked myself — for the ten-thousandth time — how to tell such a story without making it seem like that was the whole story of me,” he wrote.
Arnaud acknowledged a common experience among bisexual men: “I’m sure many bisexual guys feel the same and end up doing as I did: letting other people’s assumptions of straightness stand uncorrected.”
Challenging Stereotypes and Stigma
The actor delved deeper into the reasons behind this hesitation, pointing to societal pressures and harmful stereotypes.
“Perhaps out of fear of oversharing. Under the guise of privacy, maybe. Probably because ‘masculinity’ is a most fragile currency, ready to nose-dive at the first sign of vulnerability or difference,” Arnaud explained. “And because it’s really f—–g scary to give up your privilege.”
He directly addressed the negative labels often attached to bisexuality. “Without a doubt because stigmas of indecisiveness, infidelity, deception and trendiness are still clinging to bisexuality,” he continued. “No wonder it’s still a chore to acknowledge bisexuality without getting into lengthy explanations.”
In his powerful statement, Arnaud made his stance clear. “So yes, labels are frustrating and words, imperfect. But I’ve always considered myself bisexual. Not confused or trying to look edgy. Not disloyal. Not ashamed. Not invisible.”
Starring in ‘Heated Rivalry’
In his latest project, Heated Rivalry, Arnaud takes on the role of Scott Hunter, a professional hockey player and the protagonist from the popular Game Changers book series. As the show gains traction on HBO Max and Crave Canada, Arnaud’s honesty about his own life continues to resonate with fans, offering important visibility and challenging outdated norms.
Image Referance: https://www.justjared.com/2025/12/04/%E2%80%8Bgay-or-straight-what-heated-rivalry-scott-actor-francois-arnaud-said-about-his-sexuality-in-real-life/