TJ Osborneis speaking from the heart.

The 36-year-oldBrothers Osbornesinger opened about attending the2021 CMA Awardson Wednesday with his boyfriend Abi Ventura and encouraged fans to love without fear.

In conversation withEntertainment Tonight,TJ explained that ahead of the event, he questioned bringing his partner because “some of those fears sneak up.” The “Stay a Little Longer” singerpublicly came out as gayin February.

“I was like, ‘I hope this doesn’t make anyone uncomfortable, but this is how I feel.’ I love this person, and I want to be open in every way,” he toldET. “Hopefully [it can] show people that they also don’t need to hide or alter themselves in any way.”

Explaining that he was excited to bring Ventura, he shared that his date was initially hesitant, saying: “He was probably more nervous than anybody and he probably felt incredibly uncomfortable.”

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The couple proudly stepped out together at the awards show, andshared a kissafter the artist and his brotherJohn Osbornewon vocal duo of the year.

TJ Osborne.ABC

TJ osborne

Later in the night, Brothers Osborne returned to the stage toperform their song “Younger Me”, which TJ wrote about his experience coming to terms with his sexuality.

Before they began, the country star spoke about what the moment meant to him.

Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

T.J. Osborne of Brothers Osborne perform during the 55th annual Country Music Association awards

“For many years I would watch this show, year after year, and I always thought how incredible it’d be and I’d dream of being here on this stage,” TJ said of the CMAs. “And there were so many things that were so many hurdles for me. And I always truthfully felt like it would never be possible because of my sexuality to be here.”

TJ Osbourne, John Osbourne

“And I just wish – I wish! – my younger me could see me now,” he added.

source: people.com