Daniel Radcliffe — who has been on the receiving end of gay rumors for much of his career — has lashed out at homophobes, blasting people who hate same-sex couples as repulsive and uneducated.

He tells gay-friendly Attitude Magazine: “I just loathe homophobia. It’s just disgusting and animal and stupid and it’s just thick people who can’t get their heads around it and are just scared. I grew up around gay people entirely. I was the only child in my class who had any experience of homosexuality or anything like that.”

The Harry Potter star is reportedly dating his former Equus co-star, actress Laura O’Toole. Earlier this month, Daniel revealed that he finds it “awesome” when fans think he is gay.