Country music tackles themes such as plaintive yearning, being misunderstood, and finding your voice despite marginalization. Naturally, these topics dovetail with the queer experience, but the two worlds rarely intersect.
Until now.
Honky-tonk heartthrob T.J. Osborne recently emerged as the latest member of our joyously gay family, an announcement that touched his real-life sibling, John. “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?”
Addressing the question of whether or not T.J.’s sexual orientation jeopardizes the Brothers Osborne as a massive musical success story, John declares, “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.”
Words can’t describe the immense amount of love we feel today. This world, as imperfect as it may be, is beautiful at its core and our collective open minds/hearts are what make anything possible. Wishing the best that love has to offer to each and every one of you.
— Brothers Osborne (@brothersosborne) February 4, 2021
LGBTQ+ icon Ellen DeGeneres introduced T.J. to her show by echoing his courageous announcement. “Just hearing you say that, honestly, it made me so emotional,” T.J. admits. “I’m trying not to cry on national television right now.”
T.J.’s coming out party has been a multimedia hootenanny. The country crooner tells Time magazine, “People will ask, ‘Why does this even need to be talked about?’ and personally, I agree with that,” he says. “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!”
Um, speak for yourself, T.J. – we know millions of men who would be MORE than cool attending a soiree on your well-sculpted arm.
“At this point, my happiness is more valuable than anything else I’d ever be able to achieve,” concludes T.J.
And his happiness is contagious. We are thrilled to join the chorus of fans welcoming T.J. Osborne out of the closet and (deeper) into our hearts.
Last modified: February 9, 2021
