Greta Van Fleet’s Jake Kiszka is “in awe” of his brother Josh for coming out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community
The Greta Van Fleet frontman’s decision to come out last week was spurred on by recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in his home state of Tennessee.
![[L-R] Josh and Jake Kiszka of Greta Van Fleet](https://guitar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GVF@2000x1500.jpg)
Credit: Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for P+ and MTV
Greta Van Fleet guitarist Jake Kiszka has leant his support to his brother Josh, who has came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Last week, the Greta Van Fleet frontman revealed that he’s been in a same-sex relationship with his partner for the past eight years.
“I’m proud of him, but I think more so I’m in awe – of his bravery and his compassion, and the amount of power that he holds,” Kiszka told Guitar.com in a forthcoming interview.
“It’s one thing explaining your sexual orientation to someone close, or your family, but when you go to announce something like that to millions, and the world, you’re sort of standing naked before God and all of his mighty men saying, ‘Here I am – take it or leave it!’
“So I think it’s great, I think it’s time, and I think he was ready. But it does say something about the music we’re writing, and where he’s coming from – it’s a beautiful thing.”
Josh’s decision to reveal his sexuality was spurred on by recent events in the state of Tennessee, where the Michigan-born singer now lives, which saw conservative legislators attempt to pass a bill which would ban drag shows on public property where minors could be present [per Billboard].
Earlier this month, a federal judge ruled that the bill violated the First Amendment, and was an “unconstitutional restriction of freedom of speech”.
In his Instagram post, Josh Kiszka said: “Where I’ve settled a home in Tennessee, legislators are proposing bills that threaten the freedom of love. It’s imperative that I speak my truth for not only myself, but in hopes to change hearts, minds, and laws in Tennessee and beyond.
“These issues are especially close to my heart as I’ve been in a loving, same-sex relationship with my partner for the past 8 years. Those close to me are well aware, but it’s important to me to share publicly.”
Elsewhere in his Instagram post, Josh Kiszka wrote: “The LGBTQ+ community is a cultural pillar, constantly championing positivity and acceptance through art, music, literature, film, and most importantly, legislation.
“The greatest mortal gift of all is our capacity to love and as we travel through time, may our greater understanding of the matter around and within us teach us to love ever deeper.”