In a courageous move just before the close of Pride Month, Layla Taylor the 25-year-old star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives publicly announced her bisexuality. The revelation came during an episode of Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast on June 29, 2026 marking a significant milestone in her personal journey.
Taylor’s decision to come out was not made lightly. She had grappled with her sexuality for years, knowing she was attracted to women since she was little. However, the absence of queer representation in her life made it difficult for her to understand and accept her feelings. “I didn’t have people around me that modelled that,” she admitted, highlighting the importance of visibility and representation.
Breaking Barriers and Embracing Authenticity
Taylor’s path to self-acceptance was influenced by her recent personal struggles. After divorcing her husband, Clayton Wessel in 2026 and ending a relationship with Mason McWhorter earlier in 2026, she found herself at a crossroads. The breakup, though painful, became a catalyst for her to focus on her true self. “I feel like now I’ve been fully able to just focus on Layla,” she shared, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and authenticity.
Growing up as a Black woman in a predominantly white area Taylor faced numerous challenges. Her conversion to Mormonism at age 16 added another layer of complexity to her identity. Despite these obstacles, she remained resilient, using her experiences to fuel her journey towards self-acceptance. “I’m very proud to be bi, and I’m very proud now to be out,” she declared, encouraging others in similar situations to embrace their true selves.
The Influence of Media and Representation
Taylor’s journey was significantly influenced by the media she consumed. She recalled watching shows like Pretty Little Liars and being drawn to scenes featuring same-sex relationships. “I would watch Shay Mitchell kissing a girl and think, ‘Wait, why is that hot?'” she confessed. However, without real-life queer representation, she struggled to understand and accept her own feelings. “I didn’t know what those feelings were because I didn’t have queer representation around me,” she explained.
Her recent experiences have given her a new perspective. Taylor recently had a sapphic kiss after going on a date with a woman she met on social media. “This wasn’t like a drunk moment,” she clarified. “This was me intentionally going into a moment knowing how I felt about women.” This intentionality marked a significant shift in her journey towards self-acceptance.
Navigating Relationships and Public Perception
Taylor’s announcement also had implications for her relationships, both personal and professional. She acknowledged that some friendships, particularly with her costars from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives had changed over time. “I know that there’s some friendships that are in different places than they have been in the past,” she admitted. However, she remained steadfast in her decision to live authentically.
As an executive producer on the show, Taylor has become a fan favorite. Her journey of self-discovery and acceptance has resonated with many, highlighting the importance of representation and visibility. “I hope that if anyone’s in a situation that I am as well, that they can feel safe to do so and proud to do so,” she expressed, offering hope and encouragement to others on a similar path.
