A Certain Ratio’s Jez Kerr opens up about his sexuality: “I no longer want to hide my real identity”
A Certain Ratio‘s Jez Kerr has opened up about his sexuality in a lengthy post on social media.
Writing that he is “bisexual and crossdressing has been a part of my life from an early age”, Kerr went on to say: “I know this isn’t exactly a big deal in 2022, but it is something that I’ve only just managed to deal with and I hope by sharing, it might help someone else.
“After a long period of illness, I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on my life and have recognised that secrecy and unnecessary shame is not good for my mental health. I’m bisexual and crossdressing has been a part of my life from an early age.”
Kerr said that “confusion and shame led me to surpress it and keep it secret.”
An important message off our Jez. pic.twitter.com/upnwlMLwFl
— A Certain Ratio (@acrmcr) October 17, 2022
He added: “That suppression comes at a price. This denial, combined with feelings of guilt and shame, has led to all kinds of problems: drug abuse, anxiety, self humiliation, suicidal feelings, a feeling of total self loathing.
“I had a very strict catholic upbringing, and so I guess guilt and shame were drummed into me from an early age.”
Kerr went on to say he “was also heavily involved in football at MUFC [Manchester United] until the age of 17” where “anything other than strictly ‘manly behaviour’ was distinctly discouraged.”
He ended his message by saying: “Only close friends and some family members have been aware of my sexuality and crossdressing, but I now feel able to embrace this part of me and be true to myself.
“I no longer want to hide my real identity away or feel shame for who I am anymore.”
A Certain Ratio last released an album in 2020 with ‘Acr Loco’. It was their first LP in 12 years after ‘Mind Made Up’ arrived in 2008.
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Damian Jones
NME
