Six years after publicly identifying as bisexual, Jason Mraz is reflecting on his journey to living authentically. The two-time Grammy winner and “Dancing With the Stars” contestant recently appeared on Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s “Dinner’s on Me” podcast, where he opened up about why he kept his sexuality under wraps early in his career.
Growing up in Virginia, Mraz didn’t have many sexual experiences in high school. He was bullied and eager to leave his hometown, which led him to New York City and eventually California. “The romance in my songs was just copying other romance in songs,” he explained. “These are things that you sing about to please others or something. It wouldn’t be probably until I got to California that I met a community of people that would see me in a new way that I’d never fully been seen before. And I liked how I was being seen and heard.”
Mraz first addressed his bisexuality in a 2018 interview with Billboard. By then, he had already achieved global fame with his 2002 album “Waiting for My Rocket To Come,” which featured the hit single “The Remedy (I Won’t Worry).” Despite his rising profile, he carried with him the conservative values of his upbringing. “In the ’90s, being gay was like [the] punch line of a joke, and I didn’t want to be the punch line of a joke,” he said.
In June 2018, Mraz alluded to his sexuality in a Billboard feature celebrating Pride Month, writing a short poem that included the line “I am bi your side.” A month later, he clarified to Billboard that he hadn’t intended the poem to be a coming-out statement. However, he did reveal, “I’ve had experiences with men, even while I was dating the woman who became my wife.” At the time, Mraz was married to Christina Carano, his second wife. The couple divorced in 2023.
During his “Dinner’s on Me” interview, Mraz described himself as a “late bloomer” in many aspects of his life, acknowledging that “other people my age might be more experienced.” He admitted, “I can’t say that I have found love yet. I have been in amazing relationships and I’ve always learned and grown. And hopefully, I don’t have bad karma woven through those relationships, but I love where I am and I feel so much love for myself, finally.”
Mraz’s journey to self-acceptance has been a gradual one. He noted that his upbringing in Virginia played a significant role in his reluctance to come out. “I still took with me the conservative street that I grew up on, and that was very hard to ignore or to break out of,” he said. “I was very shy and scared of what my family would say, or what my hometown would think or just whatever.”
The musician’s fear of becoming a punch line if he revealed his sexuality was a significant barrier. In the ’90s, being gay was often the subject of jokes, and Mraz didn’t want to be ridiculed. This fear kept him from coming out as a teenager and influenced his decision to keep his sexuality private for many years.
Mraz’s experience is not unique. Many people in the LGBTQ+ community face similar fears and challenges when it comes to coming out. The fear of being judged, ridiculed, or rejected by family and friends can be overwhelming. For Mraz, finding a supportive community in California was a turning point. It allowed him to see himself in a new light and embrace his true identity.
Despite his fears, Mraz has always been open to learning and growing from his relationships. He expressed gratitude for the love he has found within himself, even if he hasn’t found lasting romantic love yet. His journey to self-acceptance has been a long one, but he is finally in a place where he feels comfortable and happy with who he is.
Mraz’s story is a reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and the power of supportive communities. It also highlights the challenges that many LGBTQ+ individuals face when it comes to coming out and living authentically. By sharing his story, Mraz hopes to inspire others to embrace their true selves and find the love and acceptance they deserve.
In conclusion, Jason Mraz’s journey to living truthfully as a bisexual man has been marked by fear, self-discovery, and ultimately, self-acceptance. His story sheds light on the challenges faced by many in the LGBTQ+ community and serves as an inspiration for those still struggling to embrace their true selves. As Mraz continues to navigate his path, he remains hopeful and grateful for the love he has found within himself.
Source: Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s “Dinner’s on Me” podcast, Billboard
