Sophia Bush is celebrating her first Pride Month with a powerful message. On Sunday, the "One Tree Hill" actor kicked off the month celebrating LGBTQ Pride with a heartfelt post to her Instagram story. "You are perfect. No matter how long it might take, you’ll find your people," her post reads. "They will help you find more and more of yourself. It’s worth it. You’re worth it." This message, highlighting themes of self-acceptance and belonging, is particularly resonant during Pride Month.

Sophia Bush shared her message alongside a post from We the Urban, a Black-owned brand that promotes inclusivity and marginalized voices. The post reads: "Pride is important because someone tonight still believes they’re better off dead than being themselves." This underscores the ongoing struggles faced by many in the LGBTQ community and emphasizes the critical importance of Pride as a celebration of identity and support.

In April, Sophia Bush came out as queer in an essay she wrote for Glamour magazine. "I sort of hate the notion of having to come out in 2024," she wrote at the time. "But I’m deeply aware that we are having this conversation in a year when we’re seeing the most aggressive attacks on the LGBTQIA+ community in modern history." Her essay reflects on the current socio-political climate and the significance of visibility and solidarity within the LGBTQ community.

The 41-year-old actor shared her feelings of "safety, respect, and love" in the queer community, adding that she has always been aware that her "sexuality exists on a spectrum." This acknowledgment of the fluidity of sexuality highlights an important aspect of LGBTQ identity. "Right now, I think the word that best defines it is queer," she added. "I can’t say it without smiling, actually. And that feels pretty great."

Sophia Bush is now dating 38-year-old former member of the United States women’s national soccer team, Ashlyn Harris. In her essay for Glamour, Bush explained how the support of women around her helped her pursue a relationship with the goalkeeper. This relationship has been a source of joy and affirmation for Bush, reflecting the supportive nature of her personal community.

“It really took other people in our safe support bubble pointing out to me how we’d finish each other’s sentences or be deeply affected by the same things,” Sophia Bush wrote. “When you’re so in the trenches of hardship — plus you have the added weight of having to go through it on a public stage — it can be hard to see anything but what’s right in front of you.” This highlights the importance of a supportive community in recognizing and nurturing personal relationships.

The couple has been photographed alongside one another at various high-profile events, including Elton John’s Oscars party in March and the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in April. These appearances underscore their public commitment to each other and their willingness to be visible as a couple in the LGBTQ community.

Sophia Bush's journey and her messages during Pride Month are a powerful reminder of the importance of self-acceptance, community support, and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ rights. Her visibility as a queer individual in the public eye provides representation and hope for many who may be struggling with their own identities. The celebration of Pride Month, as highlighted by Bush’s personal story and her public advocacy, continues to be a vital movement for inclusivity and acceptance.

Sophia Bush's advocacy for LGBTQ rights extends beyond her personal revelations. By using her platform to share messages of love, acceptance, and the importance of finding one's community, she underscores the ongoing need for societal change. Her openness about her own journey serves as an inspiring example for others, particularly those who may feel isolated or uncertain about their identity.

Moreover, Sophia Bush's relationship with Ashlyn Harris highlights the power of visibility in normalizing queer relationships and providing role models for LGBTQ individuals. Their public appearances and the joy they share in their relationship help to break down stereotypes and foster a more inclusive society. As prominent figures, their commitment to each other and to the LGBTQ community has the potential to influence public perceptions and promote greater acceptance.

Sophia Bush's contributions to LGBTQ advocacy, particularly during Pride Month, remind us that the fight for equality is ongoing. Her efforts to highlight issues facing the LGBTQ community, combined with her personal journey, serve as a powerful call to action for allies and advocates alike. By sharing her story and standing up for LGBTQ rights, Bush continues to make a significant impact, encouraging others to embrace their true selves and advocate for a more inclusive world.