KSHB’s Gary Lezak has been on the air since 1999.
A Kansas City weatherman took his holiday message as an opportunity to come out to viewers as gay and in a relationship.
On December 19, KSHB Channel 41 weatherman Gary Lezak wrote that he’s been out to coworkers and friends for some time.
I just wrote a rather personal message on my Facebook fan page. Here is the link: https://t.co/jaRn1db4OY I have been wanting to do this for many years now. I hope you all understand! Tonight at 10 we will look at the new data.
— Gary Lezak (@glezak) December 20, 2017
“Although I have been out to myself for many years since I was a teenager, it wasn’t until I was around 20 years old, in 1982, when I finally came out to my family and friends,” he explained. “I proceeded to live my life as a gay man—not necessarily out, but not totally hiding either. I have been out to my fellow employees and friends since my arrival in Kansas City.”
Lezak, 55, went on to thank Andy, his partner of 20 years. He credited him for helping him overcome devastating bone cancer in 1999, the same year he became head chief meteorologist at KSHB.
“Andy and I set goals to celebrate, which involved trips to some of our favorite places; Las Vegas, Hawaii, Alaska, and the Caribbean,” he recalled. “To symbolize our love, I asked Andy to be my partner for life. On a romantic Caribbean cruise, I surprised him and presented Andy with a ring. He said yes! This was obviously before same-sex marriage.”
The couple live together in Kansas City and share a passion for dogs. “He’s my other half,” writes Lezak, “the one who makes me whole.”
Ultimately, he hopes sharing more about who he is will encourage others to be comfortable with who they are.
“Young people who may be struggling with their sexuality, and their parents who may be trying to process it all as well. I know it is not easy—it can be quite scary. I am hoping to be a good role model for the LGBTQ community.”
