Television host Wayne Brady has proudly announced his identity as pansexual, humorously referring to it as “bisexual with an open mind.” In a recent interview with People magazine, the 51-year-old “Let’s Make a Deal” star shared his journey of self-discovery and understanding.
“In doing my research, both with myself and just with the world, I couldn’t say if I was bisexual because I had to really see what that was, especially because I really have not gotten a chance to act on anything,” Brady explained thoughtfully. “So, I came to pansexual because — and I know that I’m completely messing up the dictionary meaning — but to me, pan means being able to be attracted to anyone who identifies as gay, straight, bi, transsexual, or non-binary.”
Elaborating further, he stated, “Being able to be attracted across the board,” he continued. “And, I think, at least for me for right now, that is the proper place. I took pan to mean that not only can I be attracted to any of these people or types physically, but I could be attracted to the person that is there.”
Despite adopting the label of “bisexual with an open mind,” Wayne Brady disclosed that he hasn’t dated a man before. He shared that societal upbringing and the challenges of the present world led him to suppress certain feelings. “I’ve also been attracted to certain men in my life, but I’ve always pushed that aside because of how I was raised and because I live in today’s world, and it’s scary as s–t. What’s the fastest way to hurt another man? I’m gonna call you out of your name. I’m gonna call you gay. I’m gonna emasculate you. I’m gonna use the F-word. I learned that very early from the people around me, they’re like, “Oh, so those are bad things? Yeah. You, you don’t wanna be that.”
He continued, reflecting on the past, “So, what does it mean if I feel something? I don’t think I’m gay, but what if I feel something for another man … That’s still gay. I was already bullied about a bunch of other s–t. I didn’t wanna add a top hat on top of that suit.”
Although Wayne Brady has come forward about his pansexuality, he admitted that he remains single. “It’s not about being with someone right now. I’ve got some work to do still. Then, Wayne as a single, open-minded pansexual, can make a decision and be free and open to other people.”
