Country music star Ty Herndon stepped out to Sunday’s “Trevor Live,” the annual fundraiser for gay teen suicide prevention group The Trevor Project, marking his first red carpet appearance with partner Matt Collum.
It’s been nearly a month since Herndon announced he was an “out, proud and happy gay man,” and took some time on event’s red carpet to reflect on the experience to TheWrap.
“I’m on tour, so I’ve been going out to crowds all over the country to standing ovations, and people coming up and giving me hugs in Costco,” Herndon said. “I jut give them a hug back.”
Herndon said his admission came with an immediate responsibility, especially for those who identify with his story.
“[People] tell me incredible stories about their kids being gay, their grandkids being gay. Their kids are struggling a bit, and how do they talk to them about it? So I’m also finding there’s a bit of a counselor [role] that comes with this job. But I can only speak my truth,” he said.
One of those truths is Herndon’s appreciation for Collum, his boyfriend for nearly five years. “He’s a great guy and I love him very much. As far as I know, God’s got us together for the rest of our lives,” he said.
So will the boys make it official?
“We talk about it a lot, I’ve got a new album coming out … and we’re working on a docu-series. But yes,” Herndon said. “I gave you the scoop first.”
Herndon performed “Journey On” for the variety show directed by Adam Shankman, which drew attendees in Katherine Heigl, James Marsden, Adam Scott, Billy Eichner and Darren Criss.