T.R. Knight's new Advocate interview: Doing fine, with or without Rhimes' help

We just got a sneak peek at the exclusive interview that T.R. Knight gave to The Advocate (it runs in the upcoming issue) regarding his decision to come out in the wake of the on-set troubles at Grey's Anatomy, and to say that this guy has class is the understatement of the year.

For one thing, he still refuses to speak poorly about Isaiah Washington (the actor who called Knight a "faggot") or show creator Shonda Rhimes -- who notably said nothing to support Knight at the time of the controversy but was quick to defend Washington when rumors circulated that he was being replaced due to the incident:

When asked if Washington had apologized to him personally, Knight initially responded, “Which time?” Then, when pressed, he said, “What a lovely blue sky.” When queried about whether Rhimes had come to him and asked what he wanted to happen, he paused thoughtfully before saying, “I like blueberries. Do you like blueberries?”

Let's just say that if my employer hung me out to dry like that, the only blueberries in question would be in the pie that she'd be wiping off her face. Because while ABC has earned major points in terms of gay-friendliness through shows like Ugly Betty, Brothers & Sisters, Desperate Housewives, and Grey's (which even won a GLAAD Award for its "Where the Boys Are" ep), the way that this situation was handled is still completely unacceptable -- and Knight is being beyond gracious in his willingness to turn the other cheek.

Knight -- whose natural reserve indicates to author Michael Giltz the effect of a life lived in the closet -- does speak candidly about his growing up gay and his difficulties reconciling his sexuality with his career and personal life. He also mourns the effect of the hypocrisy of religious groups who preach love but don't practice it when it comes to gays:

"You are taught you are wrong, that you are bad. [So] you don’t do anything, and you wrap yourself in a little straitjacket, and you put yourself in your little room,” says Knight. “‘Don’t do it! Don’t look at someone, don’t touch them, don’t kiss them, don’t do anything!’ Then maybe it’s OK. I mean, sure, that plagued me all through childhood, you know, in so many ways, and that’s stuff that’s hard to get away from. But you have to, and eventually, you know, you do.”

Otherwise, Knight is hesitant to blame and quick to promote understanding, even if it comes at the price of his own public and personal hardships, noting, "whether it’s about your sexuality or your religion or your race— that’s hate. That’s all this is about. And if people need to learn that when it comes to sexual orientation, then they need to learn that."

The new Pride-themed double-issue of The Advocate hits shelves June 19th.