HOLLYWOOD (The Hill) — Wayne Brady is pansexual, the entertainer and television host said in an interview with People Magazine published Monday. “I am pansexual,” he said, meaning that he finds people attractive regardless of their sex or gender.
“Bisexual—with an open mind!” Brady added. He said that he first shared the news of his sexuality with his ex-wife, Mandie Taketa, who told the magazine that she said knew the news would mean he could now be happier.
Brady, who is currently the host of CBS’s “Let’s Make A Deal,” said that he is excited to see where life will take him, adding that he has done his own research about being pansexual. “I came to pansexual because—and I know that I’m completely messing up the dictionary meaning—but to me, pan means being able to be attracted to anyone who identifies as gay, straight, bi, transsexual, or non-binary,” he added. “Being able to be attracted across the board.”
“At least for me for right now, that is the proper place. I took pan to mean that not only can I be attracted to any of these people or types physically, but I could be attracted to the person that is there,” Brady said.
Brady, who expressed struggles with finding his identity throughout his life, also said therapy sessions and focusing on his mental health helped him figure out who he is. “I’m now trying to be the most Wayne Brady I can be. I don’t know about most, actually. I’m still coming together. But If I’m healthy, then I can go onstage at ‘Let’s Make A Deal’ and be the best Wayne Brady that everybody wants and expects. I can be the best dad that Maile needs,” Brady told People.
“I can be the best friend to Mandie, the best son to my mother, and one day, the best partner to someone, because I’m doing this for me. Not dating yet though!” he told People. “I’ve got some work to do still. Then, Wayne as a single, open-minded pansexual can make a decision and be free and open to other people.”