Thursday (Nov. 20), country singers Ty Herndon and Billy Gilman both publicly came out as gay.
Read: Ty Herndon Comes Out as Gay
Read: Billy Gilman Comes Out as Gay
It must be a scary moment for anyone in their shoes, but since being gay is still such a taboo in the country music industry, their decision took extra bravery.
To show their support and offer blessings, some country stars took to Twitter with kind words.
My friend @TyHerndoncom is a BAD ASS!! I love you big brother. #speakthetruth #respect #ComingOut
— LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (@leannrimes) November 20, 2014
I'm crying in a damn @McDonalds restroom in VA Thx to you both @TyHerndoncom @BillyGilman #speakthetruth #LGBT #ComingOut
— LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (@leannrimes) November 20, 2014
Chely Wright, who came out in 2010, replied to Rimes.
@leannrimes @McDonalds @TyHerndoncom @BillyGilman LeAnn, you are an amazing friend and you've been standing up for equality for years. ❤️
— Chely Wright (@chelywright) November 21, 2014
And also Herndon and Gilman
Way to go, Ty Herndon. @TyHerndoncom Your courage to live a completely authentic life will change and save lives. https://t.co/Y5eKfYUxyt
— Chely Wright (@chelywright) November 20, 2014
Way to go @BillyGilman. Your powerful declaration of who you are will change the hearts and minds of so many. I am proud and happy for you.
— Chely Wright (@chelywright) November 20, 2014
Chris Carmack, who plays the closeted country singer Will Lexington on ABC’s Nashville, had this to say.
“@THR: Country Singer Ty Herndon Comes Out As Gay http://t.co/t6DLjZeN84 pic.twitter.com/2pXn7SU1gy” I hope his courage gives Will strength.
— Chris Carmack (@RealCarmack) November 20, 2014
@TasteOfCountry @BillyGilman so proud of you! Good for you being true to yourself & setting a great example for others. ❤️❤️
— Lucy Hale (@lucyhale) November 20, 2014
So much love and respect for my friends @BillyGilman and @TyHerndoncom ! Thank you for being YOU. Xoxo #keepinitreal #loveyouboth
— Meghan Linsey (@meghanlinsey) November 21, 2014
After some of the commotion died down, Gilman responded the outpouring of support with simple grace.
Absolutely humbled. I truly have no words but Thank You.
— Billy Gilman (@BillyGilman) November 21, 2014