Of Brothers Osborne, TJ Osborne is now the first openly gay country artist signed to a major label, and the country music community is standing behind him in full support.
In a recent interview with Cody Alan, fellow country artist Jimmie Allen praised TJ’s decision and said, “it is a step in the right direction. Finally, country music has representation of real country people.”
“I was glad he did! I have known TJ and John for a really long time when John used to play in this local band called King Billy, I met them years ago, and I am actually really close to TJ,” reveals Jimmie.
“I was always wondering if he would come out and how he would do it. And, again, your sexual orientation is nobody’s business but your own. You know what I mean?” says the “Best Shot” singer.
“There are people within our friend group, like, we knew, but again it’s not my place to say anything. Not my business, you know what I mean? I love TJ.”
“My biggest thing with people, man, is I always want people to feel like they can be themselves and don’t have to hide who they are,” Jimmie continues. “You know what I mean? I am sure that’s got to be frustrating. Certain things you want to say or react to, but you are worried about how people might judge you.”
“At the end of the day, I want him to be happy. And if he felt like this was the time in his life where he wanted to say it, I am happy for him. If he decided never to say it, I am still happy, ya know? He is a friend, I love him to death, and I am happy for him.”
RELATED: Brothers Osborne's TJ Osborne Comes Out As Gay.
“How do you think this affects country music?” asks Cody.
“It is a step in the right direction because the crazy thing is man, looking back at country music a lot and you see where it’s not a lot of black artists or not a lot of Mexican artists or not a lot of gay country artists,” says Jimmie. “It’s like, country music is about people from the country.”
“There are black country people. There are Mexican country people. There are gay country people,” says the country music singer. “Finally, country music has representation of real country people.”
RELATED: Brothers Osborne’s John Osborne Shows Support For TJ’s Public Coming Out
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