JASON MRAZ VICTIM OF ANTI-GAY BULLYING

Sexy American singer-songwriter Jason Mraz has explained on his blog why he is so vocal in his support for gay and lesbian equality.

Mraz attended the Second Annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast in San Diego last Friday; an event celebrating the life of the late Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in the US.

Writing about the event and Milk himself, the star revealed that when he was in high school he experienced being bullied and was the victim of anti-gay slurs.

“For whatever reason, there were a few students that enjoyed calling me ‘faggot’ as I walked thru the lunchroom. On one occasion, just before graduation, I was in the wrong place at the wrong time and picked up a few punches, kicks and scrapes to add to my story.

“I never knew why the handsome lads called me names or felt the need to bully me, but it happened and I let their actions contribute a great deal to my moving away from that community. Shortly after the row, my best friend came out, sharing with his friends and family that he was gay.

“In my small town, this was uncommon and since then I’ve considered my friend to be the bravest man in the world. Aware of the hate within our community, I was afraid my friend might be inviting trouble to his door – but that never stopped him from being fully expressed.

“This is why I am actively seeking equality for the whole. When all of us are acknowledged as the human equals that we really are, there will be no space left for bullying. It will no longer be wrong to choose one thing over another. Equality and Separation cannot exist in the same space.”

Mraz (33), who identifies as heterosexual, is best known for his song I’m Yours, which was nominated for Song of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 2009 Grammy Awards, as well as the duet Lucky with Colbie Caillat.