Ukulele-loving singer-songwriter Jason Mraz has spoken candidly about his sexuality, telling The Daily Telegraph 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, describing himself 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?” he told Billboard last year.
“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 wrote a poem 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.
