Lukas Gage Reflects on Sexual Fluidity, Marriage, and Newfound Authenticity in Candid Interview

Lukas Gage, known for his roles in “The White Lotus” and “Euphoria,” has never shied away from discussing his identity, but a recent appearance on Owen Thiele’s podcast, “In Your Dreams,” provided one of his most candid conversations to date. In the November 2025 episode, Gage addressed questions about sexual labels, his past and present romantic relationships, and the ongoing evolution of his sense of self in the public eye .

Asked whether he considers himself a “gold star gay”—a colloquial term used to describe gay men who have never had sex with women—Gage responded directly: “No, I’m not gold star.” He elaborated, sharing that he has had sexual relationships with women and continues to do so occasionally, though he described a disconnect when it comes to emotional intimacy. “There’s something that disconnects that was probably why I was such a horrible boyfriend to all the girlfriends I had until I was like 20,” Gage said, underscoring the nuances in how queer people experience and understand their attractions and identities .

Gage’s willingness to discuss his fluidity challenges the rigidity of labels within LGBTQ+ communities and prompts broader conversations about the spectrum of sexual orientation. He referenced his marriage to celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton—officiated on national television with a performance by Shania Twain—as an example of visibility and celebration, while also acknowledging that his journey is ongoing and not always easily categorized .

Gage’s personal life has often been the subject of public speculation, particularly following his whirlwind marriage to Appleton. In interviews promoting his memoir, “I Wrote This for Attention,” Gage described how the intense scrutiny on his relationship sometimes overshadowed his professional achievements. “This relationship overshadows all the work I’d done and the career I was building,” he shared in a recent feature, reflecting on the pressures and challenges of living authentically under the public gaze .

During the podcast, Gage also revealed that he is currently navigating a period of singlehood, describing the end of a recent relationship as amicable but shaped by the demands of his career. “I told him, I was like, you know, I was away in New York filming and doing this book thing, and he was like, ‘You’re not giving me enough attention,'” Gage recounted. He added that he recognized the imbalance and, out of respect, suggested a pause in the relationship, emphasizing the importance of mutual care and honesty .

Gage’s memoir dives deeper into his experiences with identity, fame, and mental health. Having faced both support and criticism for his openness, Gage describes the memoir as a way to reclaim his story and foster understanding. The book explores not only his relationships and sexual orientation but also his childhood, struggles with mental health, and the journey toward self-acceptance . Gage has spoken about confronting trauma, including experiences of abandonment and abuse, and how these events shaped his understanding of intimacy and self-worth . His willingness to speak publicly about borderline personality disorder and childhood challenges is seen by many as an important contribution to LGBTQ+ mental health visibility .

Within the Hollywood landscape, Gage highlights both progress and persistent challenges for queer representation. He notes that while there are now more opportunities for LGBTQ+ actors, there remains a tendency to reduce queer identities to simple shorthand or stereotypes, rather than embracing the full complexity of people’s experiences . Gage’s openness about his fluidity and struggles with visibility in the industry invites ongoing dialogue about authenticity, inclusivity, and the importance of affirming all queer identities.

His journey—from coming out, to navigating relationship pressures in the spotlight, to embracing the spectrum of his sexuality—resonates with many LGBTQ+ individuals who see their own complexities reflected in his story. As conversations about sexual orientation and gender identity continue to evolve, Gage’s authenticity stands as a reminder that there is no single way to be queer, and that every narrative deserves recognition and respect .