The 'Lucky' singer candidly discusses why he didn't feel comfortable publicly sharing his sexuality when he was younger, citing societal pressures and fears of judgment.
- July 4, 2024
AceShowbiz - During an appearance on the "Dinner's On Me" podcast, Jason Mraz, 48, explained why he chose to come out as part of the LGBTQ+ community later in life. Despite being an open bastion of pride today, Mraz faced societal pressures in his youth.
"In the '90s, being gay was like [the] punchline of a joke," Mraz said. "and I didn't want to be the punchline of a joke."
Growing up in Virginia also impacted Mraz's journey with his sexuality. "I still took with me the conservative street that I grew up on, and that was very hard to ignore or to break out of," he explained. "I was very shy and and scared of what my family would say, or what my hometown would think or just whatever."
Despite these fears, Mraz emphasized that he does not blame his parents or anyone else for his delayed coming out. "I love them very much," he said.
In 2018, Mraz publicly identified himself as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in an interview with Billboard, revealing his previous sexual experiences with men. Since then, he has continued to be open about his journey to self-discovery.
"I feel like my life is just starting," Mraz said on the podcast. "I love where I am and I feel so much love for myself finally that can only enhance the next relationship, when I find one."
Mraz also acknowledged that he is a "late bloomer" sexually, but remained optimistic about the future. "I can't say that I have found love yet," he said, "but I've been in amazing relationships and I've always learned and grown."
