5 Key Facts About Drew Starkey's Sexuality And Dating Life: Is The 'Outer Banks' Star Gay?
The question of Drew Starkey’s sexuality has become one of the most searched queries on the internet, especially following his high-profile role in the 2024 film Queer and his notoriously private personal life. Fans of the Netflix hit Outer Banks, where he plays the troubled Rafe Cameron, are constantly seeking clarity on whether the actor is straight, gay, or somewhere in between.
As of December 23, 2025, the American actor has maintained a strict silence on the matter, choosing to keep his personal life, including his sexual orientation, out of the public eye. However, recent professional and rumored romantic developments offer the freshest context for the ongoing speculation, allowing us to separate fact from fan fiction regarding the Hollywood heartthrob's dating status and personal identity.
Drew Starkey: A Complete Biographical Profile
Drew Starkey, born Joseph Andrew Starkey, has rapidly risen from supporting roles to becoming a leading man in Hollywood, captivating audiences with his intense performances.
- Full Name: Joseph Andrew Starkey
- Date of Birth: November 4, 1993
- Age: 32 (as of late 2025)
- Place of Birth: Asheville, North Carolina, U.S.
- Hometown/Upbringing: Hickory, North Carolina
- Height: 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m)
- Parents: Jodi Ballard and Todd Starkey (a women's basketball coach)
- Siblings: He is the eldest of four children, with a brother named Logan and two sisters, Brooke and Mackayla.
- Education: Graduated from Western Carolina University.
- Notable Roles: Rafe Cameron in Outer Banks, Garrett in Love, Simon, Nick in The Hate U Give, and Eugene in Queer.
His early career included smaller parts in major films like Love, Simon (2018) and The Hate U Give (2018), but his breakout role as the volatile antagonist Rafe Cameron in Outer Banks cemented his status as a rising star and an internet boyfriend.
The Truth About Drew Starkey's Sexuality: Separating Fact from Fiction
The persistent question, "Is Drew Starkey gay?" is primarily fueled by two major factors: his extreme privacy and his groundbreaking new film role. The simple, factual answer is that Drew Starkey has never publicly confirmed or denied his sexual orientation.
The 'Queer' Effect: Why the Rumors Spiked in 2024
The most significant catalyst for the recent speculation is Starkey's starring role in Luca Guadagnino's 2024 film adaptation of William S. Burroughs' novel, Queer. In the film, Starkey plays Eugene, an ex-Navy man who becomes the object of affection for the main character, played by Daniel Craig, in a lust-fueled, intimate drama.
- Playing a Gay Character: Starkey's portrayal of a gay character in a highly anticipated, critically acclaimed film naturally led many to question if the actor's real-life identity mirrored his on-screen persona.
- Starkey's Comments: When discussing the film, Starkey expressed his enthusiasm for the project and the themes it explores. He was quoted as being "glad" that the topic of sexuality was being brought back into the public discussion through the film.
- Professionalism vs. Personal Life: It is crucial to remember that an actor's role does not define their personal life. Many heterosexual actors have played gay roles, and vice-versa. Starkey's performance is a testament to his acting range, not necessarily a window into his private life.
The film's premiere at festivals like the Venice Film Festival and the London Film Festival in 2024 brought a massive wave of media attention, solidifying the 'is Drew Starkey gay' query as a top trending search.
The Importance of Privacy in Hollywood
Unlike many of his peers, Drew Starkey maintains a very low profile on social media and is known for keeping his personal life tightly under wraps. This intentional privacy regarding his dating status and orientation is a major factor in the persistent fan curiosity.
His approach suggests a desire to keep the focus on his professional work rather than his private affairs. In an era where celebrities often overshare, Starkey's choice to be discreet is a refreshing, yet rumor-inducing, stance. It allows fans to project their own wishes onto him, which is a common phenomenon with "internet boyfriends."
Drew Starkey's Rumored Dating Life: Who is Odessa A'zion?
While Drew Starkey has not publicly addressed his sexuality, his rumored romantic life points toward a relationship with a woman, actress Odessa A'zion. This unconfirmed relationship is the closest thing fans have to a concrete answer about his dating history.
The Odessa A'zion Relationship Rumors
For several years, speculation has surrounded Starkey and actress Odessa A'zion. A'zion is known for her roles in films like Hellraiser and the TV series Grand Army.
- Inseparable Sightings: The pair have been frequently seen together at public events, red carpets, and reportedly traveling together. They have appeared so often as a pair that many fans have an "unspoken assumption" that they are dating.
- Social Media Clues: While Starkey is private, A'zion has occasionally featured him in her social media posts, further fueling the idea of a long-term, committed partnership.
- Lack of Confirmation: Despite the frequent public appearances and fan-compiled evidence, neither Drew Starkey nor Odessa A'zion have officially confirmed that they are a couple.
The fact that Starkey is consistently linked to a woman strongly suggests he is heterosexual, or at least bisexual, but the lack of official confirmation keeps the door open for speculation. One fan discussion even suggested that despite their closeness, Starkey may have been using a dating app, indicating a complicated or non-exclusive arrangement, though this remains unverified fan chatter.
What Does His Public Stance Mean for Fans?
Ultimately, the fascination with Drew Starkey's private life is a testament to his growing star power. The question "Is Drew Starkey gay?" is less about a definitive answer and more about the cultural moment where celebrity privacy clashes with fan curiosity.
The most accurate and respectful conclusion is that Drew Starkey is a talented actor whose personal life remains private. Whether he is gay, straight, or bisexual is his personal truth to share, and his professional career, from playing Rafe Cameron to his role in Queer, speaks for itself. Until Starkey chooses to make a public statement, all discussions of his sexual orientation are purely speculative and based on the characters he plays or the people he is seen with.
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