On 18 June, the Highway Tune singer took to his personal Instagram account to reveal the news while highlighting the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Tennessee.
“Where I’ve settled a home in Tennessee, legislators are proposing bills that threaten the freedom of love. It’s imperative that I speak my truth for not only myself, but in hopes to change hearts, minds, and laws in Tennessee and beyond,” he wrote.
“These issues are especially close to my heart as I’ve been in a loving, same-sex relationship with my partner for the past 8 years. Those close to me are well aware, but it’s important to me to share publicly.”
Towards the end of his statement, Kiszka called on his followers to push back against the state’s harmful legislation by supporting local LGBTQ+ organisations – including the Human Rights Campaign Nashville, Oasis Center Nashville, Inclusion Tennesse and more.
“The LGBTQ+ community is a cultural pillar, constantly championing positivity and acceptance through art, music, literature, film, and most importantly, legislation,” he continued.
“The greatest mortal gift of all is our capacity to love and as we travel through time, may our greater understanding of the matter around and within us teach us to love ever deeper.”
In response to Kiszka’s impactful statement, fans flocked to his comment section to showcase their support for the singer.
One fan wrote: “This makes me so happy. As a closeted teenage lesbian living in Tennessee thank you for posting this. It means a lot to me. ily.”
Another fan commented: “So beyond proud♥️ I really hope you know you are single handedly helping and guiding so many youths who are scared to live in their truth by this post. Thank you for speaking for those who can’t.”
The Light My Love artist also received support from an array of his music industry peers, including Judas Priest lead singer Rob Halford, who commented, “I love you, Josh,” alongside various emojis.
Kiszka’s post comes a few weeks after Tennessee judge Thomas Parker threw out the state’s archaic drag ban.
In his 70-page ruling – which was released on 2 June, the US District Court judge described the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation as “unconstitutionally vague and substantially overbroad.”
“The AEA’s ‘harmful to minors’ standard applies to minors to all ages, so it fails to provide fair notice of what is prohibited, and it encourages discriminatory enforcement,” he wrote.
“The AEA is substantially over-broad because it applies to public property or “anywhere” a minor could be present.”
While Tennessee’s drag ban has been blocked, the state’s conservative lawmakers have continued to target the local LGBTQ+ community by introducing legislation banning gender-affirming care and limiting support for LGBTQ+ students within the school system.