In 2001, Taiwanese talk show host Kevin Tsai made headlines when he came out as gay after being outed by writer Li Ao on television.
Kevin, who was already an accomplished writer and host, was the first male celebrity to come out in Taiwan, and the news caused a stir.
Recently, while promoting his new book 你愿意, 人生就会值得: 蔡康永的情商课 3, translated as If You’re Willing, Life Will Be Worth It: Kevin Tsai’s Emotional Intelligence Lessons 3, on the podcast Bailingguo News, the 63-year-old opened up about how he felt when he was outed.
“In that era, I didn’t really feel anything. I was someone who did things my own way, and my school already knew about me, so I didn’t feel any pressure,” said Kevin.
In fact, he had been waiting for the opportunity to come out, so when Li Ao asked him about his marital status and sexual orientation, he answered directly.
What Kevin did not expect was how the revelation would affect his career.
Not only was he dropped from endorsement deals and shows, late martial arts star Wang Yu, aka the One-Armed Swordsman, also declined an interview with Kevin as he refused to appear on a show hosted by a gay man.
But Kevin was not discouraged.
“I wasn’t upset. I just thought it was baffling. I felt like if you don’t come, no one will leave a version of your life story for you and that’s your loss,” he said.
Over the years, Kevin has become sort of a mentor to the LGBTQ community in Taiwan showbiz, with many going to him for advice about coming out.
“I hope more people will come out because each person who does will provide a bit more empathy for those isolated and unsupported in some corner. It lets them know they’re not alone. But I also worry for the person coming out. Can they handle the pressure as I did? So I can’t give a clear answer,” he explained.
When asked if he plans to find a partner and settle down, Kevin declared that he’s in a relationship.
While he’s open to marriage, he would seek his significant other’s opinion about it.
“Relationships in the LGBTQ community are much more relaxed than heterosexual marriages. Same-sex relationships aren’t bound by the mainstream societal norms. I believe that however you choose to define your relationship is fine, as long as the two of you can maintain it,” he said.
Photos: Chinapress, ETtoday