I rarely post a long thread with commentary, but here we go . . .
For context, please consider reading this @TIME magazine article about TJ Osborne from @BrothersOsborne: https://time.com/5935439/tj-osborne/
For context, please consider reading this @TIME magazine article about TJ Osborne from @BrothersOsborne: https://time.com/5935439/tj-osborne/
I grew up in rural Ohio, and country music has generally been part of my life in some way or another.
@BrothersOsborne has remained a favorite band since they released their first album in 2013: https://www.brothersosborne.com/store/music/pawnshopvinyl
@BrothersOsborne has remained a favorite band since they released their first album in 2013: https://www.brothersosborne.com/store/music/pawnshopvinyl
We first saw them perform when they opened for Eric Church at @RMFieldHouse (then The Q) in Cleveland on October 10, 2014. Then we saw a special, free @BrothersOsborne midnight show afterward at nearby @HOBCleveland – which remains among my favorite concert experiences.
In 2015 @BrothersOsborne released a music video for their song, Stay a Little Longer, which included a black couple, a gay couple, and an interracial couple – which was controversial in the world of Country music. Check out this video:
The following year in 2016, we saw them for the third time at @CountryConcert in Fort Loramie, Ohio. We were fortunate enough to earn a Meet-and-Greet pass.
I used that opportunity to thank the band for their inclusivity in the Stay a Little Longer video. And mentioned that I was a gay fan of the band from Ohio.
On Wednesday, @TJOsborne came out as gay in that TIME article.
I loved what his brother, John, said:
“‘If I had to have all my money and success erased for my brother to be truly fulfilled in life,’ John says emphatically, ‘I wouldn’t even think about it. Not for a second.’”
I loved what his brother, John, said:
“‘If I had to have all my money and success erased for my brother to be truly fulfilled in life,’ John says emphatically, ‘I wouldn’t even think about it. Not for a second.’”
The next day, he was on the @Ellen show. She came out around the same time that I did in the 1990s and she made my own journey easier. It was almost surreal to see someone who helped me come out offer encouragement to TJ.
Here’s the six-ish minute clip:
Here’s the six-ish minute clip:
I was also heartened that another one of my favorite Country music artists, @dierksbentley, immediately showed his support of TJ and @BrothersOsborne.
The world has changed for the better since the 1990s.
That’s it. Thanks for reading.
The world has changed for the better since the 1990s.
That’s it. Thanks for reading.