The couple's activism has piqued people's interest. Her spouse is a talented American country music artist, author and activist who rose to fame as a commercial country recording artist with several charting singles.

The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Chely Wright.You probably wouldn't have heard of Lauren Blitzer-Wright if she hadn't married Chely Wright. No civil rights movement has ever been progressed on a whisper. I would like to see those young people enjoy the very diverse communities that America provides.Ĭhange and equality only happens when people stand up and identify. When you are a public person with public capital, I say those who are safe and able should look themselves in the mirror and say, can I make a difference? There is no definitive indictment when they don’t come out, but I know something is going on, something is keeping them from coming out – when you know that by standing up and saying “I’m gay,” it might make (some young kids) feel less alone. My whole objective in coming out was to challenge the stereotypes. I am a storyteller by nature and songwriter, and I thought it would be a tremendous honor to advocate for LGBT youth in particular. LGBT is a unique minority in which we have to identify. People had it in their head that there is no one gay in country music. Many people are very misinformed about people like me. My mother did not take it well at all and we don’t speak, and that was a cost. I had a feeling that some tour dates would be cancelled and records would not be sold.įrom the day that I officially came out, on May 4, 2010, many people that had been fans aren’t anymore. I had steeled myself as best I could for negative fallout. My life got easier the moment I decided to come out – I knew that freedom was on its way. That is how it is when you are burdened with fear – you never know.

I had very detached relationships with human beings, and no one really knew much about me.

I hit my rock bottom in 2006, when I realized no one really knew me. Singing is not my hobby, it is my job. I was afraid of losing my livelihood. Video: Chely Wright on coming out as a lesbian

It became worth it to hide – until it is not worth it anymore. I’m happy about Anderson (coming out) and that he didn’t allow himself to be a whisper. Editor’s Note: Singer-songwriter Chely Wright is the author of the autobiographical book ” Like Me.” Her coming out process was filmed in the documentary “ Wish Me Away.” This is an edited version of her conversation with CNN about Anderson Cooper’s announcement, why she came out, and what happened after.

Like Me by Chely Wright