On November 10 of this year, TJ Osborne made history at the CMA Awards, where he kissed his partner—Abi Ventura—upon winning Vocal Duo of the Year, an award he shares with his brother, John Osborne.
While legends of the genre have been supportive of the queer community for years, country music as a whole has not always been the most welcoming for those in the LGBTQ community. However, with more and more artists choosing visibility over silence, celebrating their diversity through their craft, the way is being paved for other artists to follow suit, making the genre a safer, more inclusive space to be out.
Upon accepting the award, TJ Osborne addressed the crowd, saying, “It’s been a crazy roller coaster of a year for us in so many ways, especially for me emotionally. And to have you all support me, it really does feel like love wins tonight.” His speech was met with a standing ovation, along with his brother, who asked the crowd to give him (TJ) “a round of applause.”
Osborne’s coming out was not accepted by everyone. Earlier this year, Jeremy Faison—member of the Tennessee State House of Representatives and chair of the House Republican Caucas—blocked a proposed resolution meant to honor the singer, a move widely regarded as homophobic.
The Osborne brothers responded to the move via social media, addressing Representative Faison head-on, while offering to sit down and talk with him face-to-face.
“We’ve lived in this state for over half of our lives. [Jeremy Faison] honored Ben Shapiro, who doesn’t even live here. Jeremy, let’s have lunch one day. On us. Would really like to know more about you as a person.”
Still, Osborne’s coming out has been met with mostly support, as was the duo’s music video—Younger Me—a song written by TJ Osborne about being closeted as a teen.
You can watch the speech, and the historic kiss, here.
Image courtesy of social media
