Jason Mraz discusses why he delayed publicly coming out
July 4, 2024Jason Mraz has provided more details about his process of coming out, shedding light on why he chose to delay sharing his sexuality with the public.
Back in 2018, the musician penned a heartfelt message to the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month, with the phrase “I am bi your side, always,” causing fans (and the media) to speculate that he was coming out as bisexual.
The following month, in an interview with Billboard, Mraz disclosed that he had engaged in romantic encounters with men while he was married to his ex-wife, Christina Carano. Since then, Mraz has been candid about his sexual orientation.
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According to ‘Gay Times’, during a recent conversation on actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s podcast, Dinner’s on Me, the singer of ‘I Won’t Give Up’ shared that he hesitated to come out publicly due to societal attitudes towards homosexuality.
“In the ’90s, being gay was often the punchline of a joke, and I didn't want to be the subject of ridicule,” explained Mraz, who opted to keep a low profile until he felt confident to venture out into the world.
While expressing gratitude for his parents’ supportive nature, Mraz acknowledged the influence of his upbringing on a conservative street in Virginia on his journey to self-acceptance.
“I still carried the conservative values from my upbringing, and it was challenging to resist or break free from that,” Mraz reflected.
Being reserved and apprehensive about potential reactions from his family and hometown, Mraz confessed to being cautious in his self-disclosure.
Despite characterising himself as a late bloomer, Mraz emphasised that his life is just beginning, expressing self-love that he believes will enrich future relationships.
Recognised for hits like ‘I’m Yours’ and ‘I Won’t Give Up,’ Mraz’s achievements include Grammy nominations for the former and a record-breaking 76-week run on the Billboard Hot 100.
In the past year, he unveiled his eighth studio album, Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride, highlighting a blend of pop and disco influences, which received favourable reviews.
Read related myGwork articles here:
Jason Mraz Opens Up About Accepting His Queer Identity: “I Feel Brand New”
Jason Mraz Talks About His Sexuality
Almost 7% Of People In UK Changed Sexual Identity In Six Years, Study Suggests
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