Nested deep within the scenic Malibu canyon, along winding switchback roads and overlooking a tranquil creek, one can find Wayne Brady’s house. Protected by imposing gates and offering a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean, the house stands as a sanctuary for Brady. According to the 51-year-old entertainer, it is a place where he can retreat and find solace. “It’s a great place to think,” he remarks. Lately, Brady has been doing a lot of introspection, and he is now ready to openly share an important aspect of his identity: “I am pansexual,” he declares. This means that he is attracted to individuals regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. Brady playfully adds another dimension to his self-identification, saying, “Bisexual – with an open mind!”
Today, Wayne Brady’s house is abuzz with activity. His daughter Maile, now 20 years old, and his ex-wife Mandie Taketa, 47, are present. Taketa was the first person Brady came out to, and her response was supportive. “I just said, ‘Great.’ As I knew coming out would help him be happier,” Taketa explains. Maile’s reaction was similarly positive, as she simply shrugged and smiled with pride. The house also accommodates a camera crew capturing footage for a reality series about their blended family, which is set to premiere on Hulu next year. Taketa and her partner Jason Fordham, who welcomed a new baby in 2021, consider Brady a co-parent.
Amidst the commotion, Brady manages to find a quiet corner in his home. He takes a deep breath, settles into a sofa, and opens up to PEOPLE, revealing his story in his own words. Brady describes himself as pansexual, a term he arrived at after thorough self-reflection and exploration. Although he acknowledges that his interpretation of the term may deviate from the dictionary meaning, to him, pansexuality entails being attracted to anyone who identifies as gay, straight, bisexual, transsexual, or non-binary. It represents an ability to be attracted to individuals across the entire spectrum of gender and sexual orientations. Brady emphasizes that pansexuality encompasses both physical and emotional attraction towards the person themselves.
People may feel they truly understand Wayne Brady, and while he appreciates the advantages of being well-liked and recognized, he also recognizes the downsides. As an actor, he prefers not to be defined by his personality alone. This is why he chooses to live away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood, nestled in the tranquility of the Malibu canyon. Contrary to popular belief, Brady identifies as an introvert and reveals that he has always been shy. This shyness stemmed from his childhood struggles with a severe stutter, which acting, singing, and performing allowed him to overcome. By becoming various characters such as Tigger, Goofy, and a Toy Soldier in the Disney Christmas parade, Brady discovered a love for bringing joy to others without necessarily being seen himself. He expresses a desire to separate his public image from his private, introspective self.
Brady delves into his ongoing therapeutic journey, acknowledging that he cares about public perceptions of him. He conveys empathy towards individuals who face suicidal thoughts, as he has experienced the soul-crushing loneliness that could make one contemplate ending that pain. Realizing that he needed to find happiness within himself, he sought therapy to confront his love addiction, understanding that it stemmed from past trauma. By examining why he constantly sought validation from others, Brady began to unravel the root causes of his pattern of unsuccessful relationships and subsequent loneliness. It was during this process of self-inquiry that he confronted his own sexuality. While he admits to being attracted to men, he has never dated one due to societal pressures and internalized homophobia. The fear of being labeled and emasculated held him back, but Brady now acknowledges the authenticity of his feelings.
To summarize, Wayne Brady opens up about his pansexuality, his journey towards self-discovery, and his struggles with love addiction and loneliness. He acknowledges the importance of self-love and finding joy within oneself while navigating the challenges of being in the public eye.
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