Country star Chris Housman recently opened up about his journey growing up in a conservative town and coming out as a gay man. The 34-year-old singer-songwriter from Kansas shared his story on the Rooted Recovery Stories podcast with host Patrick Custer. During the episode, Housman discussed the series of events that led to his coming out, including the unauthorized sharing of private emails.
Housman, who has gained popularity on TikTok for his LGBTQ+ proud performances and messages, revealed that he came out when he was 18. He noted that he was the first openly gay person he had ever known or met in real life, other than seeing such representation on TV. He explained that coming out just after high school was not entirely on his own terms.
The catalyst for his coming out was a series of secret emails he had exchanged with someone from a neighboring town. These emails were accidentally left on a family computer that was sold, leading to the messages being discovered and spread without his permission. Realizing that rumors would soon reach his parents, Housman decided to tell them himself.
Housman recounted sitting his parents down to come out to them. However, their reaction was less than supportive. His mother initially told him that he was not gay and advised him not to tell anyone. Housman expressed that his parents, like himself, had never encountered an openly gay person before, and their relationship is still evolving.
Housman also spoke about the years of sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of an older man he trusted. The abuse began when he was just eight years old and continued until he was 14. He explained that many of his friends had similar experiences and emphasized that the abuse did not cause his sexuality.
Despite the challenges, Housman has received massive support from the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. His song “Blueneck” became a hit, promoting the message that there is room for everyone in the Southern United States, regardless of their sexual orientation. Lyrics like “George Straight or George Gay, there’s no difference” resonated with many.
Housman’s latest single, “Guilty as Sin,” and its accompanying music video, depict him mourning the loss of his ex-partner, Abe Stoklasa, who passed away in November at the age of 38. Although they were not dating at the time of Stoklasa’s death, Housman’s latest album, “Blueneck,” reflects on the positive aspects of their relationship and aims to create a safe space for other liberal rednecks.
Through years of therapy, Housman has found peace and learned to accept himself. He hopes his story will inspire others who are struggling with their identity to seek help and remember that they are not alone. He encourages everyone to embrace their unique experiences and find solace in knowing that there is a supportive community out there.
Housman’s openness about his journey, both the struggles and the triumphs, highlights the importance of acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially in conservative environments. His music and message continue to inspire and advocate for inclusivity and understanding.