Country Music Singer Ty Herndon Comes Out

Country singer Ty Herndon comes out

In an "exclusive" interview with People Magazine, country singer Ty Herndon announces "I'm an out, proud and happy gay man."

The 51 year old singer says he probably knew he was gay when he was 10 and began the coming out process to close family and friends at 20.

From People:

"My mother probably knew I was gay before I did. I remember sitting down with her and having the conversation," recalls Herndon, noting his career path in country worried her. But, ultimately, "she was more concerned about me having a happy life. You have to be able to do that in your own skin, and [my family] has seen me struggle with being gay my whole career."

While his professional start was promising (he was earning steady airplay with hit singles including "What Mattered Most," "Living in a Moment" and "It Must Be Love"), the singer hit some snags along the way – including an indecent exposure charge for allegedly exposing himself to a police officer in 1995 (the charge was later dropped in a plea bargain) and subsequent time in rehab for drug addiction.

"I have made a lot of mistakes in my life. They've been my mistakes, and I own them," says Herndon. "I've done a lot of work around forgiveness with people that I've hurt and people I've not been honest with because of my sexuality."

I remember the "exposure charge" from 1995. It happened in my hometown of Fort Worth, Texas.

Since then I've actually met the man who was Herndon's boyfriend at the time. In an effort to save Herndon's career, the bf told me he was shoved out the door and Herndon's team wouldn't allow him contact.  Sad chapter for many I'm sure.

Because of that, I'm a bit conflicted on hearing this news today. While I'm happy for Herndon that he's reconciled his sexuality with himself, I'm aware of what he means when he says "I've done a lot of work around forgiveness with people I've hurt."  But I'm reminded how staying in the closet - especially for public/professional concerns - injures so deeply.

Herndon admits he married not once but twice to women who knew he was gay. And says the biggest lie he's ever told himself is "that I couldn't be gay in country music."

Open and honest is the way to live. Although, I do wish it had come sooner for Herndon.

Check his interview with ET below: