Upon release, the film received positive reviews from critics, and was dubbed historically significant, as it is the first film ever released by a major studio to focus on a gay teenage romance. In 2019, Lonsdale starred in Camila Cabello's music video for "Liar". Lonsdale has also released musical recordings, including "Higher" in 2015 and "Good Life" in 2017 and "Kiss The Boy" in 2018 and "Preach" in 2018. Lonsdale also released a single "Rainbow Dragon" in 2019. Lonsdale came out as being attracted to people regardless of gender on social media in 2017. Although many news outlets initially reported that he was pansexual, Lonsdale prefers not to label his sexuality.