Daily Wire podcast host Matt Walsh was criticized after he took issue with comedian and television host Wayne Brady, who announced in an interview with People that he is pansexual.
Brady's announcement sheds light on a lesser-understood aspect of sexual orientation, sparking discussions and conversations about pansexuality and its meaning. Pansexual people may "form enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attractions to any person, regardless of gender identity," according to the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).
While Brady received an outpouring of support and encouragement from fans and peers, his announcement also highlighted some misconceptions and criticisms from right-wing bigots like Walsh, who has previously made headlines for his vehemently anti-LGBTQ+ views.
Walsh suggested that Brady should "pick a team" and argued against the notion of being attracted to multiple genders.
You can hear what Walsh said in the video below.
Walsh said:
“Stop being indecisive. That’s what pansexual really is. Besides being made up, it’s a lack of commitment."
“The other thing is, other people have a right to know if they are potential objects of your sexual fantasies. That’s why it’s not fair to walk around and say ‘I’m attracted to anyone. Anyone at all. No one’s safe.'"
“Now, if anyone is sitting in a room with Wayne Brady, and it’s a diverse group. You’ve got like an overweight, 65-year-old man, and you’ve got a young woman, and whatever. Everyone’s sitting around and they’re all thinking, ‘He could be attracted to any one of us right now! Any one of us.'"
'"It could be any of us.’ It’s scary. It’s like some Agatha Christie novel, in a weird way."Many have condemned Walsh's remarks.
Brady's willingness to share his personal journey contributes to broader conversations surrounding LGBTQ+ representation, visibility, and the complexities of sexual identities that have been the target of a right-wing backlash.
He's even shared a video on TikTok in which he confirmed he is a member of the wider LGBTQ+ community.
@waynebrady Reply to @billiebillieb
In his interview, Brady shared his exploration of his sexual identity, acknowledging that his path to understanding his feelings was a process.
Explaining his choice to identify as pansexual, Brady noted that the term resonated with him because he is "able to be attracted across the board" and that "at least for me for right now, that is the proper place.”