Justin Timberlake says it’s ‘a true honor’ to be called an LGBTQ ally

Justin Timberlake says he feels honored to be considered an ally to the LGBTQ community.

The multi-talented artist sat down with GLAAD’s Anthony Ramos to chat about his upcoming film “Palmer.”

Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Fisher Stevens (2009 1/4 u2032s “The Cove”), the film stars Timberlake, 39, as Eddie Palmer, an ex-convict who strikes an unlikely friendship with a young boy (played by 8-year-old Ryder Allen) who is bullied for playing with dolls and dressing up like a princess.

The 10-time Grammy winner was joined by Allen and Cheryl Guerriero, who wrote the film

He said that he was immediately drawn to the movie because of his personal experience of “being a young boy who was into the arts” and who would be bullied for it.

And while the reasons as to why Timberlake was bullied as a young child were different, “I understood both of those sides of it,” he said.

“This is a story about accepting people for who they are, and who they want to be… no contingencies, no questions asked,” Timberlake wrote on Twitter on Tuesday. “As a dad, this story hits home. And I’m honored to be part of this film,” he added.

Answering to a question about what the move taught him about gender expression for young kids,” Timberlake said that what was “special about what Cheryl crafted to begin with — and what we wanted to hold so dear and and really try our best to to not preach but be the most careful and respectful — is that this is an 8-year-old boy and he likes what he likes,” he added.

Referring to the actor’s continued support for the LGBTQ community, Ramos asked Timberlake why it was so important for him to be an outspoken supporter.

“Thank you for saying that,” he responded. “I very much enjoy being an ally, and it’s a true honor anytime someone addresses me that way.”

With this movie, he continued, he hopes that the audience can have a “transformation of perspective” after watching it.

“I’m hoping that those are the conversations that come from people who know in their hearts that they’re allies, but maybe didn’t have the tools to be as effective of an ally as they could be.”

“Palmer” also starring Juno Temple, June Squibb and Alisha Wainwright, debuts globally Jan. 29 on Apple TV+.