Wayne Brady’s comedic timing isn’t just sharp—it’s a masterclass in the art of navigating life with authenticity. So, when the beloved actor and host came out as pansexual, the reactions were varied, but none more insightful than his own take on the experience. As he told Pride at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, life after coming out is far from the wild party scene some people might expect.
“The best part of living in your truth is that it’s no work!” Wayne exclaimed. “Some people thought I was about to be living the full Real Housewives life—16 lovers, hot pants, club hopping, popping bottles on tables… Bitch, I’m just chillin’.”
Now, isn’t that the most refreshing take on coming out we’ve ever heard? Instead of the high-octane drama people often associate with breaking out of the closet, Wayne’s life is about something far more fulfilling: peace, freedom, and being comfortable in his own skin. He’s not out here playing the role of the over-the-top, nightlife-living, social-media influencer. He’s just living his truth—and it’s a truth that’s inspiring to so many of us.
When Wayne came out as pansexual in August 2023, he was clear about how he found the label that fit him. “I couldn’t say I was bisexual because I had to figure out what that meant for me,” he told People. “And that’s when I realized pansexual was the word. It’s about being able to be attracted to anyone—gay, straight, bi, trans, non-binary, everyone across the board.” In essence, pansexuality to Wayne wasn’t about rigid categories or boxes—it was about connection, not limitation.
His journey is a reminder that labels don’t have to be the goal. It’s about finding your own comfort zone, your own version of what love and attraction mean. That’s powerful. And in a world where identities can be policed and misunderstood, Wayne is redefining what it means to be a man of both purpose and pleasure.
What makes Wayne Brady stand out is his ability to not only accept his identity but to celebrate it with humor and grace. When he talks about coming out to his ex-wife and business partner, Mandie Taketa, he’s open and honest, acknowledging that it wasn’t a “secret”—he simply didn’t have the words to describe his feelings until later in life. “I didn’t know what it was called,” he says. “It’s not like I was living some secret double life.” The clarity that came with finding himself wasn’t about deception—it was about discovery.
Fast forward to 2025, and Wayne continues to be a voice of reason for anyone struggling with their own identity, particularly in today’s political climate. As a Black man in America, Wayne knows the power of survival, solidarity, and finding your tribe. “Talk to your Black friends,” he says. “We’ve had things rolled back our whole lives. You want to survive? Find your people. Stick with your tribe.”
For many queer and Black people, this resonates on a deep level. Finding that sense of belonging, those people who accept you without hesitation, is often the key to healing and thriving. It’s a balancing act, for sure. As someone who’s navigated being both a Black and queer person, there’s always the question of which identity takes precedence. Wayne’s words—simple, but profound—remind us that neither identity is less valid. We get to exist in our fullness, with all of our complexities. And that’s the joy of being free.
“The confidence you walk with is part of coming out,” Wayne continues. “You better believe I walk down the street with a little extra swag now. It’s not about arrogance, it’s about knowing who you are and being unbothered by anyone who doesn’t like it.”
Isn’t that just the energy we all need to channel? Confidence isn’t about being loud or flashy; it’s about embodying the truth of who you are, no matter the circumstances. Wayne’s embodiment of this is a lesson in self-assurance, no matter your sexual orientation or gender identity.
Related: https://instinctmagazine.com/tv-host-wayne-brady-opens-up-about-his-sexuality/
In a world that’s still trying to dictate how we should love, look, and live, Wayne Brady offers us all a gift—permission to live authentically, unapologetically, and with joy.
“Let’s manifest safety for all of us,” he says, envisioning a world where everyone can be their true selves. “Let’s find the joy in that. Let’s give each other joy.”
In a time when joy can sometimes feel like a radical act, Wayne Brady has shown us the ultimate truth: it’s not about the chaos of coming out or conforming to a specific narrative. It’s about living your life exactly how you want to—bold, free, and with just the right amount of swagger.
Source: Buzzfeed
I remember when the LGB community was asking not be labeled, now we have to contend with a hundred labels and want people fired, or prosecuted, their lives destroyed because they mislabeled you this week not knowing that you changed your pronoun last week. Wayne Brady loves pussy once in awhile craves dick why the need to label that? I am gay , but it’s not my identity, my identity is my name, people who know me know I’m gay ,they also know it’s not my identity. All of this huffing and puffing about pronouns and genders has caused hate to sprout up like never before, we now have a Nazi dictator wannabe in office and his minions back his agenda to a very scary and detrimental conclusion.
Ma’am, this is a Wendy’s