Jonathan Bailey, the actor best known for his roles in Bridgerton, Wicked, and Jurassic World: Rebirth, has opened up about the motivating power of shame and his drive to use his success to support the gay community. Bailey, 37, featured on the cover of Esquire UK’s Better Man issue in a provocative Bridgerton-inspired photoshoot, showcasing his chiselled physique beneath a black blazer and white cravat.
In an in-depth interview, Bailey reflected on his experience as a gay man, acknowledging the shame he has felt as part of the wider human experience but also the privilege afforded to him through the contributions and sacrifices of those who came before. ‘I think we all feel shame. Anyone who’s ever felt any sort of aggression or corrective judgement. That’s part of the human experience,’ he said, before emphasising his awareness of his position at ‘the top of that’ privilege hierarchy.
This consciousness fuels Bailey’s determination to give back to the community, particularly through The Shameless Fund, a charity he founded in 2024 to support LGBTQ+ rights and organisations. The charity aims to foster a world where LGBTQ+ individuals can live authentically and thrive without discrimination, focusing on supporting LGBTQ+ refugees, elders, and youth. Bailey expressed his ambition to scale up the fund’s impact, with success measured not only in financial terms but also in the joy and activation it brings to the community amid challenging times. ‘It’s about thinking of ways to bring people back together,’ he explained.
Since its inception, The Shameless Fund has experimented with creative partnerships. For example, Bailey collaborated with luxury brand Loewe on a playful promotional T-shirt campaign inspired by his role in the queer miniseries Fellow Travelers. More recently, in August 2025, the charity partnered with eyewear maker Cubitts to reimagine the pink-lensed Loomis glasses worn by Bailey’s character in Jurassic World: Rebirth. The shirtless promotional campaign attracted star-studded attention from figures including Cara Delevingne and Kylie Minogue, elevating the fund’s profile and fundraising efforts for grassroots and national LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Highlighting the importance of addressing underfunding in LGBTQ+ causes, Bailey announced in 2025 that he would take a hiatus from acting in 2026 to focus entirely on expanding The Shameless Fund’s reach and infrastructure. In an interview with British GQ, he underlined his commitment to this work as a priority, reflecting a broader trend among celebrities using their platform for activism and social impact.
On a more personal note, Bailey also touched on his evolving thoughts about family and parenthood. While acknowledging the privilege as a gay man not to face biological clocks, he remains open to the possibility of having children in the future but does not feel urgency around the idea. ‘There’s obviously loads of kids that could really benefit from love and support,’ he said, recognising the many children who could benefit from nurturing families.
Bailey’s journey as an openly gay man in the entertainment industry has been marked by earlier fears about the career impact of coming out publicly. He has spoken about the pressure and advice to conceal his sexuality to secure roles, recalling a friend’s blunt warning that being openly gay could hinder his chances. Ultimately, Bailey chose authenticity over concealment, famously deciding, ‘I’d much prefer to hold my boyfriend’s hand in public,’ highlighting the personal liberation and impact of living openly.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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