TV anchor’s casual coming out live on TV has the internet celebrating

A news anchor’s public coming out is being celebrated across social media for its quiet and understated manner.

Coming out isn’t always a big production – even when you have a producer.

Related:

I was crushed by self-loathing after coming out to myself. Then one phone call changed everything.

As I tried to pray the gay away daily, I was spiraling into a depressing and desolate space. Then, my phone rang.

During cross-anchor chit-chat about Thanksgiving plans, Spectrum News 1 Ohio’s Taylor Bruck dropped her girlfriend into casual conversation. There was no heartfelt speech or drawn-out story, just a factual mention of her partner.

Stay connected to your community

Connect with the issues and events that impact your community at home and beyond by subscribing to our newsletter.

Daily

Weekly

Good News

“The extent of my traveling is probably going to Cleveland to visit my girlfriend,” she said during the conversation with co-anchor Alexa Maslowski.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Taylor Bruck (@taylorbrucktv)

On Instagram, Bruck acknowledged the gravity of the quiet moment and how important it can still be.

“A seemingly simple yet scary word,” she wrote. “I said ‘girlfriend’ on air for the first time today, which some people may say ‘ok, who cares?’ … but to me it’s a step toward accepting and loving myself fully and being authentic on and off the air.”

“IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS.”

Viewers agreed with her, as fans and viewers flooded her post with well-wishes.

“It’s a big deal. And it matters. Maybe even more due to the fact that it wasn’t made into anything. It is what it is,” one responded.

“Every time someone steps up and says who they are, the world becomes a better, more interesting place,” another added.

“[P]utting yourself out there as a queer person is something the majority of people will never understand the anxiety of—but you did it!!! so inspiring to see this on TV,” a third chimed in.

“I told myself, ‘Just say it,’” Bruck told PEOPLE, explaining that it was a spur-of-the-moment decision. “When I finally said it out loud, I smiled inside because it was a big moment for me.”