A news anchor from Minnesota made headlines after he came out as gay during a live broadcast, surprising his viewers. Jason Hackett, who is a part of the KARE 11’s Sunrise team, has been in a relationship for five years but had kept his personal life private until recently. While his colleagues and close friends were aware of his sexuality, he had not disclosed it to his conservative parents, who are originally from Jamaica—a country he notes is not very welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community.
Hackett attempted three times to come out to his parents without success. It wasn’t until he showed them a picture of his partner that they started to understand. Despite these challenges, Hackett confirmed in a Today interview that his parents’ love for him was never in question. “He assured he’s never been in any doubt that his parents love him.”
Though Hackett joined the Sunrise program just last year, he chose May as the moment to publicly reveal his sexuality. Recalling that significant day, he shared how anxious he felt. “There was a moment where I was like, ‘Oh my God, am I really going to do this?’” he recounted. The nerves were palpable, but as the broadcast began, Hackett found his stride. “When that red light came on, my heart was beating through my chest,” he explained.
During the broadcast, Hackett expressed how challenging it is to come out. “I’m not going to lie,” he said, acknowledging the size of his audience. “This is no doubt the most people I’ve ever come out to at once. But what me… and everyone here on ‘Sunrise’ strive for, is authenticity. And I can’t preach that without being my authentic self.”
Following his announcement, Hackett felt a tremendous sense of relief. “A huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders,” he admitted. He highlighted the continuous challenge of coming out to new people in one’s life, describing it as a recurring and scary process. “It feels like gay people are constantly coming out to new people—you come out to your barber, and your butcher—and it’s scary every single time. Now that I’ve come out to the entire world, I don’t have to worry anymore.”
The support Hackett received was overwhelming. He mentioned the encouragement from his co-host Alicia Lewis and meteorologist John Zeigler, and messages he received from across the globe. With his experience, he now offers hope to others in similar situations.
“I know what it feels like to think, ‘I’m never going to find acceptance. I have to change who I am or I’m going to have to hide forever,” he said. Hackett encourages everyone to persevere: “Know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Live freely and love openly and be proud of who you are. It really does get better.”