This young gay icon describes what it was like singing with music legends like Brian McKnight, Taylor Dayne and Gladys Knight on Celebrity Duets and what it means to be an openly-gay celebrity! It all started on Broadway, then his career skyrocketed in Queer Eye for the Straight Guy (QE). Now find out what Jai Rodriguez says about coming out of the closet and why this young gay icon sung his heart out in Celebrity Duets.

First off, thank you for taking the time out of your super busy schedule to talk with dot Newsmagazine. I want to know everything about Celebrity Duets, but because this is our National Coming Out Day issue, let's start with you being "out." At what age did you "come out"?
Jai Rodriguez: I don't know if I officially "came out" to everyone at the same time. My first thought was the night QE premiered. Although a lot of people assumed, I hadn't ever really discussed it.

Was the process difficult or easy for you?
Telling my mom was rough. She is a born again Christian and believes I should be singing in the church and for God only. So basically playing a drag queen in Rent (as Angel) really wasn't a blessing to her.

What advice would you give others who are afraid to "come out"?
"Coming out" is really a great feeling. It liberates you but also can be extremely difficult. Be sure you have a good support system. Your friends can also become your family of choice, as mine were when my family wasn't supportive.

When Lance Bass came out of the closet, tabloids, the media and America alike were all over the breaking news. Do you think this will affect his career? Do you think his "outing" was important/vital?
To my knowledge Lance isn't really doing the singing thing. I heard he was producing now. I could be wrong. If he is producing television, I don't think it will matter. If he's doing music as a solo artist, I think it might be tough as I'm learning. I don't know why we all were so obsessed with finding out Lance is gay. I mean what's the big deal. He was singing and dancing. That's always been a gay thing. Boy bands really made it a more butch thing. I've never thought of Lance as "gay." I did however think he was homosexual. I don't know. I don't think he's looking to be a spokesperson for the gay community. Seems like a normal quiet dude. Gay, straight or whatever, he doesn't seem like the type to get on a soapbox and preach. So was it important for the world that he "came out?" Umm, not really. But I'm glad he can hang out publicly with his man and not feel nervous.

Do you think when celebrities are "out" and open in this day and age that it is important?
I don't know what the big perks are of being an "out" celebrity. I mean people know about me cause of QE. But it also limits the type of work I get offered right now. I'm not obsessed with it. But I do feel good about kids seeing me on television and feeling like it doesn't matter if you're gay or not. People are people. That's a good message. It also gives young gays a role model. Knowing that being gay doesn't keep them from achieving their goals.

You know, I constantly see "out" celebrities like Wilson Cruz out and about in West Hollywood. You also have been spotted hanging out in West Hollywood. Do you like it when people recognize you and talk to you or would you rather be left alone to relax with those with whom you go out?
Well, it's kind of a mixed blessing. Sometimes it's good. But if I'm tired I feel worse for the person I'm meeting. Like they're getting "tired Jai" who just wants a cocktail and to catch up with friends like a normal person. But I'm used to the stage. When you sing well, there's applause. When you nail the joke, there is laughter. With QE, my applause was people giving me feedback on the street or out at bars.

I understand from your past work that you're quite a talented stage actor, appearing in shows, including Rent and Zanna, Don't! Is this where you got your start in show biz?
I started my professional career when I was 18 as Angel in Rent. Then I did All My Children as a young dad--which is funny to think of now--and a few other Broadway and off-Broadway shows. Growing up singing in a church of 2,500 people probably was the best cure for stage fright.

What enticed you to join Queer Eye for the Straight Guy?
Honestly, the money. I'm not a culture expert. I was initially told I was a replacement for the nightlife expert. Very different from what my role evolved into.

Did you expect it to be as impacting as it has been on America?
I never thought the show would have made such an impact in history as the first all-gay cast. I feel very proud to have been a part of it.

What do your costars on Queer Eye mean to you?
The boys are family. Although we don't really hang out, I'd bend over backwards for them. I do love them.

What did they say about your involvement with Celebrity Duets?
The boys loved that I got to show the world what I do best: singing and performing. I didn't get to showcase my talents the way they did on QE.

I understand that you actually do have a single out, right? Have you always been a singer?
I did cut a dance single a while back but it was so horrible, out of date and under the radar--I rarely bring it up. Good news is I am planning on recording an album in the very, very, very near future using some of the industry's top writers and producers. You can also hear clips from music projects in the works at Myspace.com/JaiRodriguezMusic.

What got you interested in singing and specifically Celebrity Duets?
I am a singer by trade. I'm just not famous for it. But it's how I made a living for years in New York City. Celebrity Duets was so amazing because not even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined singing with those kind of mega stars.

What was it like singing duets with special guest vocalists, like Brian McKnight and Michelle Williams?
Singing with Michelle was a lot of fun because every gay boy has wondered about what it would be like to be a member of Destiny's Child. Okay, maybe not every gay boy, but this one has. Brian McKnight was much more challenging. Taylor Dayne was also a challenge because her songs were hard to make work as duets. She was so cool--I am in love with her! My favorite moments on that stage happened with Gladys Knight. She was a force to be reckoned with--so powerful and so kind. She really pulled a great show out of me.

You're competing in a contest where American votes and America knows you're gay because of your work on Queer Eye. Do you think your sexuality played a role in how America voted?
I hope my sexuality didn't play a role in America's votes. Women always say, "It's a shame you're gay, Jai." But I always say everything is negotiable after a few drinks. Most of the ladies who frequent the clubs on 27th Street in Manhattan know exactly what I mean.

What's next for Jai Rodriguez?
I'm not going to quit until Kelly Clarkson and I are singing a duet on her next album! (In my dreams!)

So let's get personal. You live in New York but have been in Los Angeles for a while for Celebrity Duets. Do you think you'll stay?
I just signed a lease for my first apartment in L.A. I have to get a driver's license and get a car all in two weeks. Ahh! If you see me on the road, be careful--I'm a new driver!

Are you dating anyone or have a boyfriend?
I'm kind a seeing someone. He's also on reality television. Twenty bucks if you can figure out who.

How do you balance a rising career like yours and maintain relationships?
Right now it's hard because we are both so busy. It's new and therefore it's easy to understand when the other one is busy. It's pretty cool because we both did reality television but not representing what we are passionate about. He is a chef outside of the television show he's on. Any guesses?

What's your type?
I usually go for the Abercrombie joker. Kind of hot but really funny.

Are you a hopeless romantic?
I am a romantic but most guys don't do romantic things for me--I'd like that though.

Do you hope to get married one day?
I don't think I will ever get married. I can't even imagine living with someone, but maybe--you never know.

Do you plan on having children one day?
I don't think I will have kids. Maybe more puppies though.