The formerly married singer, who has four children, came out to his family and friends several years ago. While sitting around the kitchen table at his daughter's house in December 2004 - the same day as the Tsunami in the Indian Ocean - Boltz's son, Philip, asked him what was wrong.

"I thought, 'Well, I can just do what I always do and hide the truth or I can take a risk and be honest,'" Boltz says. "That day, with the tsunami, has become very symbolic in our family."

Nobody was sure, at the time, what the ramifications of the revelation would be, least of all Ray.

"It's hard to say I came out because I didn't have all the answers. I just admitted what I was struggling with and what I was feeling. It's hard to go, 'This is the point where I accepted my sexuality and who I was,' but I came out to them and shared with them what I'd been going through."

Continuing to pretend, Boltz says, was no longer an option.

"I'd denied it ever since I was a kid. I became a Christian, I thought that was the way to deal with this and I prayed hard and tried for 30-some years and then at the end, I was just going, 'I'm still gay. I know I am.' And I just got to the place where I couldn't take it anymore … when I was going through all this darkness, I thought, 'Just end this.'"

His family's reaction took time.

"I don't want to downplay it like it was just, 'Oh, well that's OK.' It was a very tough time for them too, but the bottom line was they loved me and they still love me … it's been an amazing journey of acceptance on their part … I was offered support and love from each member of my family, including my wife."

Last update: 01-29-2009 17:21

Posted by LaurenF, on 09-12-2008 16:17, 1. Wow... Look at that moustache! Wow, like there was any doubt. I think he needs to get a sweet choreographer, get some disco songs, and tour the red states or go to Vegas   » Report this comment to administrator Posted by Christine, on 09-12-2008 22:40, 2. in his defense... that picture is from the mid-80s, when most cool guys sported the mullet.   » Report this comment to administrator Posted by Runningusa, on 09-13-2008 14:39, 3. His Web Site Shows Him Bald He looks totally different on his web site.  I hope God brings someone into his life to help his sort through all of this. Unfortuately being gay and in the Christian limelight is not an option.   » Report this comment to administrator Posted by Ted Haggard, on 09-16-2008 22:03, 4. You go Boy!!!! Kudos, Ray, Kudos!!!! I am so proud of you! So uh hey you wanna get together sometime and have a drink? *winks*    Also, I know a grrreaat massuse……..    Teddy   » Report this comment to administrator Posted by Randy, on 10-01-2008 11:59, 5. One Day...we shall say good bye... Quote from another site: "As a former homosexual I believe Ray Boltz has been blinded by the enemy. On his own website he mentions he will be singing at the MCC (Metropolitan Community Church) a well-known gay church that teaches unbiblical beliefs"  * Reply: how can you presume to know anything about MCC, have you visited an MCC? have you heard the Gospel there in song? in Preaching? have you been to an MCC to see people coming for salvation and prayer? if not, then do not judge.  from an MCC DC member...who loves the Lord!   » Report this comment to administrator