The country band ― composed of guitarist John and and lead singer T.J., who are real-life brothers ― took home the prize for vocal duo of the year. Earlier this year, T.J. came out publicly as gay, becoming the first male artist signed to a major country label to do so. As the Brothers Osborne got up from their seats to approach the stage, T.J. paused to share a celebratory kiss with his boyfriend, Abi Ventura. I mean, I am who I am, but I’ve kept a part of me muted, and it’s been stifling.”The Brothers Osborne's John and T.J. Osborne at the 2021 CMA Awards. In May, Tennessee Rep. Jeremy Faison blocked a state measure to honor T.J., arguing that the resolution needed to be heard in committee first.

Source: Huffington Post November 12, 2021 07:04 UTC