WATCH Rep. Zach Wyatt 1st Interview after Coming Out

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Missouri State GOP Rep Zach Wyatt Comes Out

Rep. Zachary Wyatt took a bold step today by not only coming out against Missouri's “Don’t Say Gay” bill, but coming out of the closet.

Here's more:

Speaking in Hearing Room 5 at the State Capitol, Wyatt condemned what he called a “horrible bill” that would make illegal nearly all discussions on homosexuality in public schools, including conversations between students and school staff about their own sexuality.

Wyatt, who last week issued a statement addressing his concerns on the bill and related his experiences being bullied as a child, called on his fellow Republicans to join him in the fight against bullying and in removing HB2051 from consideration.

“Today I ask you to stand with me as a proud Republican, a proud veteran, and a proud gay man who wants to protect all kids, addressing bullying in our schools,” Wyatt said.

He also had more to say:

“I will not lie to myself anymore about my own sexuality. It has probably been the hardest thing to come to terms with. I have always ignored it. I didn’t even think about it or want to talk about it. I’ve not been immune to it. I hear the comments, usually snide ones, about me,” Wyatt said.

“I am not the first or last Republican to come out. I have just gotten tired of the bigotry being shown on both sides of the aisle on gay issues. Being gay has never been a Republican or Democrat issue, and it should never be.”

Good for you, Zach!

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 Please watch the video after the jump