via Shutterstock  

News Anchor Bravely Comes Out As Gay Live On Air

 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.

advertisement

For five years, Hackett had kept his relationship private, even as he stood before the camera daily.

advertisement

  via Getty Images  

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.

advertisement

  via Shutterstock  

His parents hail from Jamaica, a country Hackett describes as not particularly ‘LGBTQ+-friendly.’

  via : Shutterstock  

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.

  via Getty  

Despite his worries, Hackett assured in an interview with Today that he never doubted his parents’ love for him.

  via Getty  

Yet, until that fateful broadcast in May, Hackett had chosen to keep his sexuality a secret from his audience.

  via Getty  

Recalling the big moment, Hackett admitted he was filled with nerves.

  via Getty Images  

 As the red light on the camera came on, Hackett’s heart pounded in his chest.

  via : Getty  

But despite the nerves, ‘the words started flowing.’

  via : Getty  

During the broadcast, Hackett confessed to viewers that coming out had never been easy for him.

  via Getty  

“I’m not going to lie,” he said. “This is no doubt the most people I’ve ever come out to at once.”

  via Getty  

 He continued, “What me… and everyone here on ‘Sunrise’ strive for, is authenticity. And I can’t preach that without being my authentic self.”

  via Getty Images  

 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**  

  via Getty  

Growing up in a Jamaican household, Hackett faced cultural challenges from an early age.

  via Getty  

Jamaica, known for its vibrant culture, also harbors deeply conservative views on sexuality.

  via Shutterstock  

For many in the LGBTQ+ community, coming out in Jamaica can be fraught with danger and rejection.

  via Getty Images  

 Hackett’s parents, immigrants in search of a better life, carried these cultural views with them to the U.S.

  via : Shutterstock  

 As Hackett discovered his own identity, he faced an internal battle: how to stay true to himself without losing his family’s love.

  via : Shutterstock  

 His first attempt to come out to his parents was met with confusion and denial.

  via Getty  

“It was like they couldn’t hear the words I was saying,” Hackett recalled.

  via Getty  

The second time, he wrote them a heartfelt letter, hoping that seeing the words on paper would help them understand.

  via Getty Images  

Yet again, it was met with silence.

  via Shutterstock  

The third time, Hackett decided to show them a picture of his boyfriend, hoping a visual connection would bridge the gap.

  via : Shutterstock  

Hackett continued to grapple with his dual identities: a proud gay man and a devoted son.

  via Getty  
Good friends on a road trip in big old car

Throughout these struggles, his friends and colleagues provided a crucial support system.

  via Getty iamge  

They encouraged him to embrace his truth publicly, leading to the monumental decision to come out live on air.

**The Hook**  

  via Getty Images  

“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.”

  via Getty Images  

 Hackett’s powerful words resonated far and wide.

  via Getty  

“A huge weight had been lifted off of my shoulders,” he admitted.

  via Getty  

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.”

  via : Getty  

But now, having come out to the entire world, Hackett felt a profound sense of relief.

  via Shutterstock  

The outpouring of support was overwhelming.

  via Getty Images  

Messages flooded in from viewers around the globe, sharing their own stories of struggle and triumph.

  via Shutterstock  

Hackett’s brave act had inspired countless others.

  via Getty  

 “I know what it feels like to think, ‘I’m never going to find acceptance,’” he said.

  via Getty Images  

 “But know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Live freely, love openly, and be proud of who you are.”

  via Getty  

 Hackett’s journey from fear to freedom serves as a beacon of hope.

  via Shutterstock  

 In a world that often demands conformity, his story is a powerful reminder to embrace authenticity.

  via : Shutterstock  

“It really does get better,” he assured.

  via getty  

 Hackett continues to use his platform to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

  via Shutterstock  

His message is clear: be true to yourself, no matter the obstacles.

  via : Getty Images  

Jason Hackett’s courageous broadcast is more than a news story; it’s a testament to the power of living one’s truth.