In an effort to be more honest about his sexuality, Wayne Brady has admitted that he is a pansexual.
In an interview with People that was released on August 7, the “Let’s Make a Deal” presenter recalls having to battle humiliation and hiding his sexuality for years.
In the essay, Brady, 51, declared, “I am pansexual.”
Brady’s representative has been contacted by NBC News for comment.
According to the GLAAD definition, a pansexual is “a person who has the ability to form strong physical, romantic, and/or emotional attractions to any individual, regardless of gender identity.”
Diana Lasso and Brady were wed from 1993 to 1995. He and his ex-wife Mandie Taketa, with whom he was wed from 1999 to 2008, have a daughter together, Maile Brady, who is 20 years old.
The television personality and actress explained, “In completing my research, both with myself and in general with the world, I couldn’t declare if I was bisexual, because I wanted to really explore what it meant, especially because I really had not gotten a chance to act on anything.
“So I came to pansexual because — and I know that I’m completely messing up what the dictionary says — but to me, being pan refers to being able to be attracted by anyone who identifies as gay, straight, bi, transsexual, or non-binary.”
I took this to mean that in addition to being physically attracted to any of these people or sorts, I may also be attracted to the person who is present, he said.
Brady claimed that he had previously felt attracted to guys but has suppressed those impulses due to his upbringing.
“And because I live in today’s world, and it’s scary,” he added.
Brady revealed that he learned early on that the term “gay” was derogatory.
I already faced bullying for a variety of other things, he added. “I didn’t want to top off that suit with a top hat.”
He claimed he made the decision to conceal that aspect of himself. Despite having relatives and close friends who identify as LGBTQ+, Brady claimed he would consume a “shame cake” each day to avoid disclosing his sexual orientation.
Even though I’ve always had that community, he admitted, “I’ve ever felt like a sham because I wasn’t being honest with myself.” “I can’t hide that, so I would like to speak out about Black issues.”
He anticipated the time when he would be prepared to quit serving as an ally and join the LGBTQ+ community.
Although he admitted that he isn’t required to come out as gay, he said that he used that idea as a justification to “live in the shadows and to be secretive.”
He is now prepared to embody his best self. Why? “Because I’m doing this for me,” he replied.
He acknowledged that he is single and that he wanted to put himself first before entering a relationship.
“Wayne as a single, friendly-minded pansexual can make an option and be open and free to other people,” he declared.
Taketa stated that she was still behind her ex-spouse. According to People, she was the very first person he came out to.
“I simply said, ‘Great.’ After he told her, she remembers thinking, “I knew coming out would make him happier.
His daughter agreed as well. “I just said, ‘Okay,'” she remarked.