Arts & Entertainment

Fox News’ Shepard Smith talks fear of coming out

news anchor says working for ‘craziest conservative network on Earth’ kept him closeted

Published

8 years ago

May 9, 2017

Mariah Cooper

(Screenshot via YouTube.)

Fox News anchor Shepard Smith opened up about his sexuality during a speech at the University of Mississippi’s Meek School of Journalism’s conference on April 21.

The Clarion-Ledger reports Smith, 53, told the crowd that he had “nothing to hide” about his sexuality. Until the conference, the closest Smith had come to publicly admitting he was gay was in an interview with the Huffington Post in October. When asked if former Fox News CEO Roger Ailes had ever made homophobic comments and prevented him from coming out the anchor replied, “No. He was always good to me.”

“And when I told the truth, I guess it was considered that I outed myself. I didn’t even think about it, because I didn’t think I was in,” Smith said in reference to the interview.

Smith, who married Virginia Donald in 1987 before divorcing in 1993, explained why he chose to be closeted for so long.

“A. You’re going to hell for it. B. You’ll never have any friends again. C. What are you going to tell your family? And by the way, you’re on television on the craziest conservative network on Earth,” Smith says. “That will probably put you in front of a brick wall. Of course, none of that was true, but that’s how it felt.”

Now Smith says he focuses on work and confirmed he is in a relationship.

“I don’t think about it. It’s not a thing. I go to work. I manage a lot of people. I cover the news. I deal with holy hell around me. I go home to the man I’m in love with,” Smith says.

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Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C

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Published

5 hours ago

May 22, 2025

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Gay Pride Day 1976 (Washington Blade archive photo)

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.

*D.C.’s Different Drummers march in the 2006 Capital Pride Parade. (Washington Blade archive photo by Adam Cuthbert)*

The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.

Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.

*The 1995 Lesbian and Gay Freedom Festival was held on Freedom Plaza on June 18. (Washington Blade archive photo by Clint Steib)*

The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.

We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.

I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.