Shinjiro Atae's love letter to the LGBTQ+ community

This Pride Month, Billboard asked artists to write a series of love letters to their LGBTQ fans, highlighting what the community means to them as people and as artists. Below, J-pop icon Shinjiro Atae discusses his decision to come out in 2024, thanking the LGBTQ+ community for their “warm embrace” and “unconditional love.”

What helped me make my decision to come out last year was the love and compassion that the LGBTQ community put out into the world. I saw and felt their commitment to living their truth which inspired me to take the step to show the world my authentic self.

When I first decided to come out, I was afraid that I would lose a lot of fans, friends and family members. I thought my career would be over and I would have to accept that reality. However, after opening up to the world, it reminded me of the unconditional love I am surrounded by. Through going public, I felt that I became even closer to those around me.

Everyday, I feel the warm embrace of the LGBTQ community. Their courage and dedication to making the world a better place inspires me to continue making music and spreading positive energy to the world.

To those reading this, wherever you are on your journey in life, I want to remind you all that you are not alone in this world. The community and sense of belonging is always out there. Never give up on finding those who make you feel like yourself!

Love,
Shinjiro