TJ Osborne, half of the country duo Irmãos Osborne, is publicly discussing being gay for the first time.
Together, the pair won four CMA awards and was nominated for seven Grammys. As a result, TJ’s departure makes him one of the most established country singers, hired by a major label to be openly gay.
In an interview with Time, the country artist explained that he feels “very comfortable being gay”, having gone out to close friends and family for a while. He knew from a very young age how he identified himself. However, given the reputation of country music fans for being somewhat unforgiving to people whose values differ from theirs, he was afraid to reveal his sexuality for years.
“I’m being cautious about not wanting to talk about something that I personally have no problems with. This is so strange,” he explained.
OSBORNE BROTHERS THANKING SHOW IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TIME AFTER THE ENERGY IS LEFT IN THE MIDDLE OF TECHNICAL ISSUES
The 36-year-old noted that there is an inherent risk that an ad like this could cause him to lose fans. Although he notes that he may be giving very little credit to his supporters.
TJ Osborne publicly discussed coming out for the first time.
(Rodin Eckenroth / WireImage)
“People are going to ask, ‘Why does this need to be talked about?’ and personally, I agree with that, “he explained.” But for me, appearing at an award with a man would be jaw-dropping. It wouldn’t be like, ‘Oh, cool! “
He continued, “I don’t think I’m going to be kicked off the stage in Chicago, but in a rural town playing at a county fair? I’m curious to see how it goes.”
COUNTRY DUO BROTHERS OSBORNE IS NOT AFRAID TO SPEAK HIS MINDS
TJ explained that the coronavirus quarantine gave him some perspective and led him to the conclusion that there is no perfect time to expose himself and that being honest about who he is was important for him to value any future success.
“I want to reach the peak of my career by being completely who I am,” he told the outlet. “I mean, I am who I am, but I’ve kept a part of me silent, and it’s been stifling.”
Although hitmakers like Lil Nas X, Brandi Carlile and Orville Peck have been open about their sexuality in the past, Osborne was concerned about his well-established position in the genre, not only giving him a lot to lose, but his brother, John, as well.
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For his part, John told Time, “If I had to have all my money and success wiped out for my brother to be truly fulfilled in life, I wouldn’t even think about it. Not for a second.”
TJ concluded his interview by noting that he hopes his decision to come out publicly will make country music more accessible to the gay community, rather than shutting himself down to existing fans.
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“You know that thing – does it represent something or will you fall in love with anything?” he said. “It 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.”