The country singer has been open about his sexuality with his family and close friends for years, but he has decided to share his personal preferences with fans now because he no longer wants to feel “stifled” while enjoying his career success.
In an interview with Time, the singer-songwriter revealed that his family and friends have known about his sexuality for years, but now it’s finally time for him to live his truth publicly.
“I’m very comfortable being gay,” he told the publication. “I find myself being guarded for not wanting to talk about something that I personally don’t have a problem with. That feels so strange.”
By coming out, T.J. has made history as the first openly gay artist signed to a major country music label. Although he doesn’t think it should be a big deal anymore, he wants to be an example for other artists in the notoriously conservative country genre.
“People will ask, ‘Why does this even need to be talked about?’ and personally, I agree with that,” he explained. “But for me to show up at an awards show with a man would be jaw-dropping to people. It wouldn’t be like, ‘Oh, cool!’”
When asked if he thinks his coming out will affect the mainstream success of Brothers Osborne, he said: “Maybe I’m not giving my fans enough credit, maybe I’m not giving the genre enough credit. I just want to move on.”
John Osborne, his brother and the other half of the country duo, recalled the moment T.J. came out to him: “He was very open and candid about it, and I was emotional, because my brother was finally able to be completely honest with me about who he was.”
“How often, in life, do we hold back parts of ourselves and wish that we didn’t? If I had to have all my money and success erased for my brother to be truly fulfilled in life, I wouldn’t even think about it. Not for a second.”
T.J. went on to explain that he’s “marginalised” his queerness throughout his career to “feel better about it”, but now realises that his sexuality is a major part of who he is.
“The way I think, the way I act, the way I perform. God, think of all the times that we talk about love, and write about love. It’s the biggest thing we ever get to feel. And I’ve kept the veil on,” he continued.
“You know that thing—stand for something or you’ll fall for anything? That sounds like something someone in country music would say. But if you stand for something and it’s not what they stand for, then they hate it. I’ve done more than I ever thought I would.
“At this point, my happiness is more valuable than anything else I’d ever be able to achieve.”
You can read T.J. Osborne’s full coming out interview with Time here.
The interview was met with support from stars within the country industry, including Kacey Musgraves, who wrote: “Overcome with joy. He’s one of my best friends and one of the bravest people I know. Love you, TJ. Celebrating you today.”
LeAnn Rimes said: “TJ, I hope you feel so supported today. It’s a brave thing to be wholly you in a world and industry that would rather you hide pieces of you behind a mask.”
