efron230advocate.jpg We love Zefron even more after this interview!

Zac Efron sat down with The Advocate this month to talk all about those pesky gay rumors, his views on same-sex marriage, and how the LGBT community has shaped his career, and the Charlie St. Cloud star made it clear where he stands on key civil rights issues.

"I'm extremely aware of the support I've gotten from you guys [the gay community] over the years, and it's amazing that it's taken this long to sit down and actually discuss it, but please know that it hasn't gone unappreciated," the 24-year-old explained. Speaking about his breakout role in High School Musical, he added, "I think the gay audience related to my character Troy, because it really was a story of embracing who you are, no matter how different you might be, and not being afraid to show it. That's a universal theme for everyone, but it specifically resonated with the gay community, and I felt very proud of that."

How does the Hollywood heartthrob feel about his sexuality constantly being questioned? "I don't like to live in fear about things like rumors and backlash to begin with - that's the way I was raised - but I just can't see what's so wrong about being gay," he confessed.

The Paper Boy actor is in favor of same-sex marriage, too! "It's an issue that affects so many people in my life - a lot of my close friends and some of the most influential people around me. I just want them all to be happy. It would make me so happy to see them able to live their lives and do what they want to do," he revealed.

And there you have it folks!