How A Gay Idol’s Group Members Reacted To Him Coming Out
An idol made headlines when he revealed his sexuality at his fan meeting. In front of 2,000 fans at the Line Cube Shibuya Theater in Tokyo, he said, “I am a gay man.”
Shinjiro Atae‘s fans reacted with overwhelming support, immediately sending him a wave of applause.
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Shinjiro is a respected soloist and member of the senior idol group AAA, which debuted in 2005. Since speaking his truth about his sexuality, he’s been more vocal than ever about the struggles he faced on his road to self-acceptance.
It has taken me a long time to be able to say I am gay. I could not even say it to myself. I feared that even if I could accept the truth, the world would never accept me as an artist.
— Shinjiro Atae
In an interview with Teen Vogue, he revealed how his loved ones reacted to him coming out. It was something that he approached delicately and personally over the past few years.
I’ve been coming out for many years; two-and-a-half years ago to my mom, and five years ago to one of my best friends, which was my first time coming out in the Japanese language. It was easier for me to come out in English, because it’s not my first language. When I speak English, I have to act a little differently. It’s not 100 percent me. But when I talk in Japanese, I don’t even have to think about it, it just comes out naturally.
— Shinjiro Atae
His members also stood by him without fail.
I called some of the AAA members; they’re very supportive.
— Shinjiro Atae
The Japanese singer added that he’s taking “baby steps” when it comes to his mental and emotional health, trying to relax with the help of meditation and a strong support system.
Baby steps. I spent 34 years of my life in the closet, and I’m still letting that tension go. Yoga helps. Meditate and manifest, you know? I called some of the AAA members; they’re very supportive. And my mom just flew out to me here in L.A. for my mental health. This is all new to me, I’m not used to it; I don’t feel ‘out’ out. I might have come out, but I haven’t arrived yet.
— Shinjiro Atae
Read more about his journey below.
