The power of coming out: Tyler Glenn, the lead singer of the Neon Trees, says that he was inspired to come out publicly as gay by the example of Michael Sam. Glenn tells Rolling Stone:
"I really love all of the sports figures that are coming out recently," he says. "I appreciated Michael Sam was like, 'I want to be able to go to the movies and hold hands with my boyfriend.' Even hearing him say 'boyfriend,' I was just like, that's cool."
Glenn, from Utah and a Mormon, says he knew he was gay most of his life but kept it hidden. He started telling people he was gay last fall and took the public step with Rolling Stone inspired by Sam and other athletes coming out. He says his life in the closet will be explored in the group's upcoming album.
This is becoming such a common occurrence for a coming out to inspire someone else to do the same and it's cool to see someone from sports affect someone from the music world. I really like "Everybody Talks" by the Neon Trees and now reading about Glenn makes me more of a fan.
