Jaymi Hensley: 'People In The Music Industry Are Warned Not To Come Out As Gay'

Last week Union J’s George Shelley came out in a heartwarming YouTube video, explaining that he was attracted to both men and women but didn’t want to put a “label” on his sexuality.

The star was greeted with a whole load of support, lead by his bandmate Jaymi Hensley, who came out as gay back in 2012 after finding fame on The X Factor.

However, Jaymi has now opened up about gay artists in the music industry and admitted that there are many struggling stars who are warned not to reveal their sexual identity because it will have a negative impact on their sales.

Speaking at National Student Pride, the boybander explained: “I was very lucky, the show and [record label] Syco were very supportive. They wanted me to do it from the offset. I’ve been very lucky and very supported.

"I’ve seen it happen to other people in the industry, they’re told ‘you can’t come out, it’s not going to do well for your sales’.”

However, the 25-year-old believes that his success in Union J is proof that sexual orientation does not dictate your success in the business, adding: “I like to think I’m testament that it means bugger all – I’ve got as much of a female fanbase as the other three band members, I just like boys.”

We definitely couldn’t agree more.