Ever since “Empire” became a TV phenomenon this year, fans have been raving over actor Jussie Smollett, who plays gay character Jamal Lyon, and wondering if he’s gay in real life as well. Although his co-star, Malik Yoba, recently outed the young star to the world in an interview, Smollett finally decided to come out on his own terms and confirmed his sexuality to Ellen DeGeneres.
After appearing in a regular interview on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” Smollett requested a backstage interview with DeGeneres in which he clarified his sexuality with fans. Although Smollett never used the terms “gay” or “bisexual,” he admitted in so many words that he is attracted to men.
“It was really important to me to make sure that it got across that there is no closet,” he said. “There’s never been a closet that I’ve been in. I don’t own a closet, I have a dresser, but I don’t have a closet, but I have a home and that is my responsibility to protect that home. So, that’s why I choose not to talk about my personal life, but there is without a doubt no closet that I’ve ever been in.”
He then added., “My mama knows, my mama likes me a lot and yes, I take her to ‘The Sound of Music’ sing-along every single year.”
Well, we’re certainly proud of Smollett for coming out because now not only is his character of Jamal breaking ground for black gay characters in television, but Smollett himself has now become a beacon of hope and change for LGBT fans and their families.
