Robin Roberts, the cherished 63-year-old anchor of “Good Morning America,” recently shared her long journey of coming out as a lesbian.
Despite being with her now-wife, Amber Laign, for nearly two decades, Roberts didn’t publicly acknowledge her sexuality until 2013. Her fear was deeply rooted in concerns about her religious beliefs and the potential impact on her career.
Roberts explained her reluctance on “The Jamie Kern Lima Show” podcast. She worried about the judgment she might face from her religious community. “I was afraid that people would think you can’t be gay and a Christian. And I am. I was so fearful that I would be shunned,” she confessed.
The Influence of Christianity
Roberts’ Christianity played a significant role in her hesitation to come out. She feared that being openly gay would lead to rejection by her religious community. Her internal struggle was immense, balancing her faith with her identity. “I wasn’t trying to hide, but yet, I wasn’t ready to fully come out because of my Christianity,” she revealed.
Overcoming Fear and Finding Gratitude
Reflecting on her journey, Roberts expressed regret over the years she spent worrying about others’ opinions. She now feels a profound sense of gratitude for the acceptance and love she has received.
“I think about all those years I wasted, worried, needless worry. You know everything about me. And I have nothing to hide and to still be embraced. I am blessed and highly favored. And I’m so grateful,” she shared.
Public Announcement and Support
In 2013, Roberts publicly came out as a lesbian. Despite her fears, she received overwhelming support from her community, including a supportive letter from the National Office at the Presbyterian Church.
This validation was crucial in alleviating her worries about being a gay Christian. “I received a letter, a beautiful letter from the National Office at the Presbyterian Church after I announced about Amber, fully supportive, and I think about all those years I wasted, worried, needless worry,” she recounted.
Relationship with Amber Laign
Roberts met Amber Laign several years before coming out publicly. Although she wasn’t secretive about their relationship, she wasn’t ready to fully come out until later.
The couple tied the knot last summer in an intimate ceremony after nearly two decades together. Roberts often speaks about how Laign has helped her unlearn dysfunctional relationship habits from her past.
“I’d had dysfunctional relationships that I didn’t know were dysfunctional at the time,” Roberts said. “[Amber] had already told me: ‘I’m not going to do one of those make-up, break-up things’, so it’s about a year in… and in my mind I was like, ‘I’m out of here’, because there’s no drama.”
Navigating Public and Professional Life
Roberts’ hesitation to come out was also influenced by her professional responsibilities. As a prominent figure on “Good Morning America,” she worried about the potential repercussions on the show and her colleagues’ livelihoods.
“There are so many people whose livelihoods depend on the success of our show. So, if I do something that hurts the show, that hurts them,” she explained.
Despite her initial fears, Roberts received unwavering support from her colleagues and fans. Her story highlights the importance of authenticity and the strength found in being true to oneself.
Advocacy and Personal Growth
Over the years, Roberts has become a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, inspiring many with her journey. Her experiences underscore the importance of self-acceptance and authenticity. She continues to support her wife, Amber Laign, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021.
Despite the challenges, Roberts and Laign’s relationship remains strong and loving. “She is doing extremely well. The cancer is at bay, she’s recovering well and ready to move on to the next stage,” Roberts shared.
“We’ve been together almost 19 years and we truly feel like newlyweds. Love it, I wish someone had told us earlier how great married life is,” she said.
Conclusion
Robin Roberts’ story is one of courage, growth, and love. By coming out as a lesbian, she has embraced her true self and inspired many to do the same. Her journey underscores the power of authenticity and the importance of living one’s truth, regardless of societal expectations or fears.
Roberts continues to be a beacon of hope and inspiration, showing that embracing one’s true identity can lead to a life filled with love, acceptance, and gratitude.