Country star Ty Herndon has revealed he is gay in an interview with Entertainment Tonight on Thursday, November 20.
After two decades of being in the music industry, Herndon, 52, said it was time to be honest with his fans and be open about his sexuality. The country star was also happy to share that he is in an "awesome relationship" and that he hopes to get married to his partner someday.
Herndon, who was married twice, also revealed that his ex-wives knew of his sexuality. He also shared that he came out at a time when he feels the people in the country music industry are becoming more supportive of the LGBT community.
"Traditionally in country music, we don't see a lot of support for the LGBT community, but that's chaning so much. Nashville is changing so much," he said. "I mean, my goodness... Kacey Musgraves won Song of the Year...for [a song that] two amazing songwriters that happened to be gay wrote."
Herndon's revelation has inspired another country artist to become more open about his sexuality. Shortly after Herndon said he is an "out, proud and happy gay man," Billy Gilman, 26, posted a video on YouTube in which he speaks about being gay, Rolling Stone says.
Gilman wanted his announcement to be personal, so he opted to record himself instead of sitting down for a talk show interview, according to Billboard.
Gilman said he had been planning how to come out for a few weeks now but his peer made it easier for him to get on with it. While Herndon was hopeful about the growing support system for LGBT community members in country music, Gilman says he's "scared to death."
"It's been a crazy day and I can honestly say I'm scared to death," Gilman said. "But I thank each and every one of you for your support... I know some people won't agree with this, and that's OK. To each his own. But it was time for me to be honest and to be truthful."