Ukulele-loving singer-songwriter Jason Mraz has spoken candidly about his sexuality, telling that his childhood in a small conservative town lead to a deep-seated fear of coming out as a member of the LGBTIQ+ community.
“I saw how [gay and lesbian people] get harassed and I heard the language around it and that scared me,” the 42-year-old singer said.
“I thought ‘if I’m gay, what does that mean for me, my community, my family and career?”’
He added: “It was a struggle. I was nervous about what my family would think.”
Mraz has spoken about his sexuality in the past, as "bisexually open-minded" during an interview in 2005.
“I’ve had experiences with men, even while I was dating the woman who became my wife. It was like, ‘Wow, does that mean I am gay?” .
“And my wife laid it out for me. She calls it ‘two spirit,’ which is what the Native Americans call someone who can love both man and woman. I really like that.”
The 'I'm Yours' singer also to celebrate Pride Month last year, dedicating it to members of the LGBTIQ+ community.
The poem read: "Dear you / Thank you / You have inspired me / Re-wired me / You show me what strength is / You demonstrated courage over and over again / You risked so much for love."
It continued: "You never compromised your expression / Even when / Your rights and freedoms were being compromised / You stood up for me / You stood up for the world / And now the world is better because of you."
"We still have a long way to go / But know / I am bi your side / All ways."
Fans were quick to highlight Mraz's use of the word 'bi' instead of 'bye' in the poem - a clear hint at his sexuality, according to some.
