CMT Star Cody Alan Comes Out As Gay

"I’m finally comfortable enough for everyone to know this truth about me."
From: NewNowNext

 CMT host Cody Alan has come out as gay in an exclusive interview with People. He tells the magazine “once I realized it was okay to accept the truth, that it wasn’t my choice, it was a lot easier to start figuring out where to go with my life next.”

 The 44-year-old South Carolinian hosts a variety of CMT radio shows, including CMT After MidNite and CMT All Access, as well as CMT’s signature music show, Hot 20 Countdown.

Though he married a woman and raised two children (now in their teens), Alan says he struggled with his sexuality from a young age. “I remember having distinct feelings early in my life. I knew this about myself, and I had a really hard time dealing with it,” he says. “I was so ashamed of who I was.”

For years, his upbeat on-air persona hid an underlying turmoil—forcing Alan to decide between coming out or “liv[ing] with this layer of misery underneath that happy face on the TV.”

 That realization meant ending his marriage to his wife. (Alan has requested the names of his wife and children be kept private). “Everyone needs to give 100% of their heart for a true, committed relationship,” he explains. “But, ultimately, my ex and I knew there was no way that could ever happen.”

Alan now involved with occupational therapist Michael Smith, though he says his ex is now his biggest ally.

“It’s awesome now because I have a partner, my ex has a boyfriend, and with our kids, we have this really beautiful, blended, loving, modern family that works for us,” he beams. “My ex-wife is my greatest supporter; my kids are my greatest supporters!”

The country music scene is often seen as unwelcoming to LGBT people, but that perception is changing as singers like Chely Wright, Ty Herdon and Billy Gilman come out, and CMT’s Nashville is adding an impressive number of LGBT characters.

“Country music is so diverse and perhaps the most supportive music industry that exists,” says Alan. “My story’s very real, and that’s what country music is: I live a real life that’s had twists and turns, ups and downs, and it’s kind of a country song in and of itself!”

A CMT spokesperson told NewNowNext, “We love Cody, admire his openness, and above all, celebrate his happiness.”

 While not yet ready to position himself as an activist, Alan says he wants to be a voice for those who are facing challenges. “Even if it’s just one person that hears it and says, ‘I like country music and maybe I’m not so different after all.’”

GLAAD’s Zeke Stokes says Alan’s decision to share his truth is important, because he’s “helping listeners and fans get to know someone who shares their passion for country music and southern values, and who also happens to be gay.”

“At a time when America can sometimes seem so divided,” adds Stokes. “It’s the common ground we all share that brings us together, and that’s the power of sharing one’s story.”

On Facebook, Alan shared a personal message with fans:

“This is not a choice I made, but something I’ve known about myself my whole life. Through life’s twists and turns, marriage, divorce, fatherhood, successes, failures – I’ve landed on this day, a day when I’m happier and healthier than I’ve ever been.

And I’m finally comfortable enough for everyone to know this truth about me. Thanks for following me and supporting me over the years. As we continue our journey, I hope this news won’t change how you see me. I’m still the same Cody I always was. You just know a little more about me now. My hope for the future is to live the most honest, authentic, loving, and open life possible. Here’s to being happy with yourself, no matter who you are, who you love, where you come from, or what cards life has dealt you. Thanks again. With much heart, Cody”