has opened up about growing up in a Southern Baptist family, where he was taught being gay was something to fear.

The  star and Attitude’s latest cover star reflected on his upbringing and sexuality to mark the   2026, in partnership with  and electrified by .

Johnston, who grew up in North Carolina, said he first realised he was attracted to men when he was around 11 or 12.

“All I had learned in church was that being gay was the worst thing that you could be, that you’d go straight to hell” – Michael Johnston in his Attitude cover interview

At the time, he said, the realisation was “absolutely horrifying”.

“It was the worst possible thing that could ever happen to me because all I had learned in church was that being gay was the worst thing that you could be, that you’d go straight to hell,” Johnston said.

He was raised in a Southern Baptist family, attending church on Sundays and learning Bible verses. Johnston recalled internalising the idea that being gay made him an “abomination”.

“I’m an abomination, I’m disgusting,” he remembered thinking.

Moving from North Carolina to Los Angeles at 18 eventually helped Johnston feel more comfortable with his sexuality. He also found that taking on gay roles early in his acting career helped him confront his own feelings.

“I used to think it was a weakness, and now I think it’s a strength because it’s just made me more empathetic” – Johnston on his sexuality

Johnston played openly gay character Corey Bryant on , which he has described as a significant early role, before appearing in the queer drama .

“And of course, of course, I’m playing these gay roles… and I wasn’t really out yet,” he told Attitude.

He recalled an aunt joking that his roles were going to “convert” him, before reflecting on the impact they ultimately had on him.

“But playing those roles early on definitely helped me to accept and to change my view on my sexuality,” Johnston said. “I used to think it was a weakness, and now I think it’s a strength because it’s just made me more empathetic.”

Johnston is set to receive The Film Award

Johnston has also spoken about the importance of queer representation, recalling how seeing gay characters on screen helped him feel less alone when he was growing up.

“Growing up, any time I saw a gay character… ‘Wow, there are others. I’m not alone.’ So if I’m going to be that for someone else… that’s incredible,” he said.

Johnston is set to receive The Film Award at the Attitude Awards 2026, following his breakout role in .

The actor has also teased an upcoming queer project, hinting: “There will be a really incredible queer story in my future, and I’m so excited to play it and to have my steamy moment.”

The full interview appears in the Attitude Awards 2026 issue, available on digital platforms and in print. Print copy available for pre-order .