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Ronen Rubinstein is celebrating the power of chosen family during Pride Month and beyond.

The 9-1-1: Lone Star actor’s life changed forever in April 2021 when he came out as bisexual to the world in a heartfelt interview with Variety. As Rubinstein told the magazine, it was his portrayal of TK Strand, a queer character on the Ryan Murphy-helmed Fox procedural, that finally empowered him to live his truth.

“To this day, I hear from people all over the world about what my story has meant to them,” Rubinstein tells Logo. “And that is all the confidence and all the support I needed. I’m actually helping people and changing people’s lives.”

But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing for the out artist. Rubinstein recalls “losing some friends and family” after opening up about his sexual orientation, an experience that has made him all the more grateful for his chosen family. He references his stylist and close friend, Chaise Dennis, whom he views as a brother.

“The beauty of chosen families, it’s people that we get to choose,” he says. “We might not be connected by blood, but I think the bond is sometimes stronger.”