Aubrey Anderson-Emmons Says her Bisexual “Coming Out” Wasn’t Intentional: “This Shouldn’t Have To Be News”

Modern Family actor and musician Aubrey Anderson-Emmons has clarified that her viral Pride-month post referencing her bisexuality was not intended as a formal coming-out, emphasizing that she hopes moments like hers become ordinary rather than headline-making.

In a new interview, Anderson-Emmons said she “didn’t even mean to come out,” explaining that her June post was meant as a light-hearted nod to an iconic scene from the ABC sitcom in which her character Lily confuses sexuality with nationality, not an announcement. “I didn’t think of it as an announcement to the world, like, ‘Hello, I’m bisexual!’ I just was like, ‘Haha, kind of funny because I’m a little bit gay, and I had this audio of me as a kid,’” she said.

Her comments came after a June social post where she lip-synced to the Modern Family clip and added on-screen text: “People keep joking so much about me being gay when I literally am (I’m bi),” paired with the caption, “Happy Pride month to all and to all a goodnight hehehe.” The playful format—recycling a beloved scene from the show—made the post instantly recognizable to fans.

The Los Angeles Times reported in June that Anderson-Emmons’ post drew celebratory reactions and highlighted her connection to Modern Family’s longtime LGBTQ+ representation through the characters of Mitchell and Cameron, Lily’s dads on the series. During its 11-season run, the show was frequently recognized for queer-inclusive storytelling, including GLAAD Media Awards honors.

Anderson-Emmons told TooFab that many friends already knew she was bisexual, and she welcomed support even as she questioned why such disclosures still become cultural flashpoints. “People were like, ‘Why do we care that she came out as bisexual?’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah, that should be the attitude. Why do we care?’ We shouldn’t have to care, and this shouldn’t have to be news because things like this should just be normalized,” she said.

Her stance resonates with a broader conversation in LGBTQ+ communities about the evolving nature of coming out in the age of social media. Many younger LGBTQ+ people share their identities in casual, creative, or humorous formats rather than through formal statements—especially during Pride month—reflecting both increased visibility and a desire for self-directed narratives. While public attention can amplify affirmation, it can also create pressure and misinterpretation when a post is read as an “announcement” rather than an expression of everyday identity.

The June posts also underscored how pop culture moments can offer a framework for personal expression. By revisiting Lily’s storyline—originally played with humor around misunderstanding—Anderson-Emmons connected her real-life identity to a character who grew up in a loving, visible queer family on network television. That context matters: Modern Family helped mainstream depictions of same-sex parenting, and its wide reach influenced public perceptions of LGBTQ+ families over a decade.

Anderson-Emmons’ remarks also touch on the persistent biphobia and bi-erasure that bisexual people can encounter—both inside and outside LGBTQ+ communities—where identity is sometimes minimized or sensationalized. By framing her post as ordinary and not a spectacle, she gestures toward a culture where bisexuality is affirmed without skepticism or undue scrutiny. Media outlets highlighted how her comments reframed the narrative away from “breaking news” and toward normalization.

The actor’s evolving creative work has also drawn attention since Modern Family ended in 2020. In June, the Los Angeles Times noted her pivot to music, referencing recent and upcoming releases, situating her bisexuality disclosure within a broader period of young adult self-definition and artistic experimentation.

For LGBTQ+ audiences, Anderson-Emmons’ message is two-fold: gratitude for support and a reminder that queer and bisexual identities exist beyond announcement culture. As she put it, acknowledgment is welcome—but ideally, the mere fact of being bi would be unremarkable. It is a perspective that aligns with many advocates’ long-term goal: a world where coming out can be as casual—or as private—as each person wants, without judgment or headline pressure.

As public figures continue to use platforms like Instagram and TikTok to share facets of their lives, Anderson-Emmons’ experience highlights the importance of context, consent, and nuance in reporting on LGBTQ+ identity. For many, the takeaway is clear: celebration is meaningful, but normalization is the goal.