Somizi Mhlongo has never been one to open up about his sexuality in public even though he’s openly gay.
The choreographer and TV personality has never went into detail about living life as a gay man and some of the challenges he’s had to face in the industry because of his sexuality.
Speaking to Sunday World recently Somizi opened up about how hard it was for him to come out as gay, and he also revealed that there were times he was a little confused about his sexuality. However, he has expressed how grateful he is for his parents and the support and love that they have shown him throughout his journey.
“I am blessed. I am one of the few. We never even discuss my sexuality with my parents and my family. My parents are a true example of what unconditional love is. They’ve let me be who I am,” he said.
“When I was personally confused and scared, not of society but as I was still finding out how to handle some of the intricate situations I would be in, my family supported me as I prepared myself for what was to come. Trust me, your parents know from day one, they know from your behaviour what your sexual preference is,” he added.
Somgaga then added that even after so many years he still has a hard time in the entertainment industry because now he’s only getting casting calls for gay roles and not for his talent.
“The minute I came out and expressed my sexuality, I was put in a box. I no longer got cast for straight roles and that is the reason I refuse to play gay roles even to this day,” he said.
A lot of people were wondering when Somizi came out as being gay, and if he knew he was gay at the time that he fathered a child with actress Palesa Mocuminyane, he had this to say: “When I fathered a child I already knew I was not a straight guy. I did everything knowing very well I was gay. I could have been bisexual but definitely not straight.”
Mhlongo then went on to touch on Gay Pride and what it means to him. He also added that the event should be a celebration of gay life and taking pride in your sexuality, and that it should also serve as a remembrance of gay people that have been mistreated by society.
“The pride is about who I am and we must celebrate who we are. When we march on the streets, we should think of all the people who have suffered and were raped and murdered because of their sexuality. We must think of all gays and lesbians who died of HIV and Aids-related illnesses and could not get help because they were gay. Let’s fight to end the discrimination because some gay people want to donate blood but cannot because of the stigma attached to homosexuality. Some have lost their jobs because of their sexual preferences,” he concluded.
So if you were wondering where Somgaga gets all his happiness and bubbliness from; it’s from the support and love he gets from his family.
