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The US figure skater Jason Brown came out as gay in a Pride Month message posted Friday to his social media.
🏳️🌈 #PrideMonth pic.twitter.com/O73bXxaQ1p
— Jason Brown (@jasonbskates) June 11, 2021
“I’ve grown up surrounded by beautiful, creative, strong, proud, successful, and supportive LGBTQ+ role models,” the 26-year-old began. “Whether it be family members, coaches, skaters, teachers, friends, or others I’ve had the privilege of crossing paths with, my perception of what it’s like to be LGBTQ+ was far from one dimensional.
“I’ve always found it impossible and, truthfully, dangerous to paint or stereotype any one group with a singular brushstroke. The diversity of people I’ve met along my journey has shown me that everyone is so individually themselves. No experience or personality is the same, simply people finding their identity, their voice, and owning their truths in their own unique ways.
“I’ve always been shown the beauty in embracing love in every form. I never questioned my own sexuality or even thought much about it because it didn’t matter. I am who I am, and have always been fortunate to be surrounded by people who made me feel like that was enough.
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“I realize that so many confront a different reality. History hasn’t always been kind, and the fight for equality and acceptance is an ongoing one. There is no doubt that my life’s been enhanced because of the people around me who’ve had the courage to stand up and share a piece of who they are with the world…and for that I say thank you,” Brown said.
“I believe that love will always win, and every story will unfold differently for each individual. Mine unfolds a bit now. I’m gay, and that’s a story still being written…”
He added a hashtag: #PrideMonth
Related: Country star TJ Osborne comes out in emotional new interview
Brown was born in Los Angeles and spent much of his childhood in Chicago. He attended the University of Colorado. Among his successes on the ice, Brown won Bronze as part of Team USA at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
In the 2018-2019 Ice Skating Union’s World Rankings, Brown ranked fifth in the world. His 2019-2020 season was hampered by injury, leading him to miss some big tournaments. However, he still managed a Silver in the Men’s Single at the Four Continents Championships in Seoul.
He most recently competed for the US at the World Championships in Stockholm (2021), coming seventh in his event.
Among those to congratulate Brown was fellow skater Adam Rippon, who said on Instagram: “Your skating is equally as beautiful as you are as a human. You an incredible person. HAPPY PRIDE, Jason. SO MUCH love for you ❤️❤️❤️🥰🥰🥰🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈”
Related: David Archuleta reveals he previously came out as gay. Now he’s “still trying to figure things out.”
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dhmonarch89
If he grew up around so many positive LGBT role models… why did it take until 26 to come out? With all the anti gay/Putin BS in 2014/Sochi- it would have been incredibly powerful if he came out then. It’s not like every skating fan didn’t suspect he was gay already.
jcool
i’m sorry, you’re telling someone when and where to come out? wtf?
Cam
You mean why didn’t he come out in a sport so hompphobic that even Johnny Weir was terrified to come out?
He came out, good for him.
mailliw110
Who decided when you should come out?
dhmonarch89
I question the statement about all the positive role models- if they truly were, he would have come out sooner- especially since everyone knew… A lot has happened since Weir- several have come out with NO repercussions the last 5-10 years. And since when don’t gay men have a say on anything- all we do is bitch and moan- me about him… you 3 about me.
LumpyPillows
It is OK to sometimes just be happy for someone. It must be a hard life to always find fault.
jcool
so i guess we struck a nerve, huh?
man5996853
“And since when don’t gay men have a say on anything- all we do is bitch and moan- me about him… you 3 about me.”
The only difference is that those 3 were justified in bitching about your ridiculous comment.
jsmu
WOW, the ugliness of your trolling is exceeded only by your ignorance. News flash: skating has always been and still is one of the most virulently homophobic of all sports, which of course you would already know if you knew anything of it at ALL. Weir, one of the most obvious gay men imaginable, never publicly admitted to being gay until long after his skating career ended–which is the situation Jason Brown is in. He would have been trashed, sh*t on, and discriminated against by the homophobes had he come out any earlier. Pleasure to school and mortify you!
Hdtex
A gay male figure skater????
SAY IT ISN’T SO!!!
Cam
Congratulations to him!
Jim
Jason, It’s the 21st century! Get over yourself.
LumpyPillows
God for him!
JJinAus
Good for him! I wish him the best.
This old gay does think that it would be more surprising if figure skaters came out as straight though. Relax. Just a joke.
Kangol2
Congrats to him! I hope he inspires many more to follow his lead too.
cuteguy
Just as shocking as when Brian Boitano came out.
jsmu
And Brian Orser…and, and, and…LOL