In a jaw-dropping moment that left viewers stunned, Minnesota news anchor Jason Hackett came out as gay during a live broadcast on KARE 11’s Sunrise show.
For five years, Hackett had kept his relationship private, even as he stood before the camera daily.
While his co-workers and close friends were aware of his sexuality, Hackett had struggled with sharing this part of his life with his parents.
His parents hail from Jamaica, a country Hackett describes as not particularly ‘LGBTQ+-friendly.’
Hackett tried three times to tell his parents he was gay, but it wasn’t until he showed them a picture of his boyfriend that the reality began to sink in.
Despite his worries, Hackett assured in an interview with Today that he never doubted his parents’ love for him.
Yet, until that fateful broadcast in May, Hackett had chosen to keep his sexuality a secret from his audience.
Recalling the big moment, Hackett admitted he was filled with nerves.
As the red light on the camera came on, Hackett’s heart pounded in his chest.
But despite the nerves, ‘the words started flowing.’
During the broadcast, Hackett confessed to viewers that coming out had never been easy for him.
“I’m not going to lie,” he said. “This is no doubt the most people I’ve ever come out to at once.”
He continued, “What me… and everyone here on ‘Sunrise’ strive for, is authenticity. And I can’t preach that without being my authentic self.”
Hackett’s courageous act was supported by his co-host Alicia Lewis and meteorologist John Zeigler, and messages of support poured in from around the world.
**The Backstory**
Growing up in a Jamaican household, Hackett faced cultural challenges from an early age.
Jamaica, known for its vibrant culture, also harbors deeply conservative views on sexuality.
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, coming out in Jamaica can be fraught with danger and rejection.
Hackett’s parents, immigrants in search of a better life, carried these cultural views with them to the U.S.
As Hackett discovered his own identity, he faced an internal battle: how to stay true to himself without losing his family’s love.
His first attempt to come out to his parents was met with confusion and denial.
“It was like they couldn’t hear the words I was saying,” Hackett recalled.
The second time, he wrote them a heartfelt letter, hoping that seeing the words on paper would help them understand.
Yet again, it was met with silence.
The third time, Hackett decided to show them a picture of his boyfriend, hoping a visual connection would bridge the gap.
Hackett continued to grapple with his dual identities: a proud gay man and a devoted son.
Throughout these struggles, his friends and colleagues provided a crucial support system.
They encouraged him to embrace his truth publicly, leading to the monumental decision to come out live on air.
**The Hook**
“For anyone watching who is struggling with acceptance or family,” Hackett addressed his viewers, “take it from me, a gay Black son of immigrants, the road may not be easy, but don’t worry, keep going.”
Hackett’s powerful words resonated far and wide.
“A huge weight had been lifted off of my shoulders,” he admitted.
He described the constant pressure of coming out to new people, “You come out to your barber, your butcher — it’s scary every single time.”
But now, having come out to the entire world, Hackett felt a profound sense of relief.
The outpouring of support was overwhelming.
Messages flooded in from viewers around the globe, sharing their own stories of struggle and triumph.
Hackett’s brave act had inspired countless others.
“I know what it feels like to think, ‘I’m never going to find acceptance,’” he said.
“But know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Live freely, love openly, and be proud of who you are.”
Hackett’s journey from fear to freedom serves as a beacon of hope.
In a world that often demands conformity, his story is a powerful reminder to embrace authenticity.
“It really does get better,” he assured.
Hackett continues to use his platform to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
His message is clear: be true to yourself, no matter the obstacles.
Jason Hackett’s courageous broadcast is more than a news story; it’s a testament to the power of living one’s truth.