In an exclusive interview with People on Monday, the comedian discussed his sexuality.

Wayne spoke about his road to acceptance and finally coming out in the extensive conversation, which includes improving his mental health after he was “really impacted” by Robin Williams’s passing in 2014. 

“I was never su***dal, but I have empathy for those who face those thoughts,” Wayne said.

Wayne mentioned that he had trouble finding joy in his private life. “I gave joy at work. But the pity is then I come home, and I don’t have that joy. I have joy because I love my daughter, and I love my family. I love being a dad more than chocolate ice cream. But that can’t be my only joy. I have to love myself,” he said.

Wayne further explained why he came out as pansexual.

“In doing my research, both with myself and just with the world, I couldn’t say if I was bisexual, because I had to really see what that was, especially because I really have not gotten a chance to act on anything,” he said. “So, I came to pansexual because — and I know that I’m completely messing up the dictionary meaning — but to me, pan means being able to be attracted to anyone who identifies as gay, straight, bi, transsexual, or nonbinary.”

Wayne specifically mentioned that despite never having dated a male, there has always been an attraction there. “So, what does it mean if I feel something? I don’t think I’m gay, but what if I feel something for another [man]… That’s still gay. I was already bullied about a bunch of other s**t. I didn’t wanna add a top hat on top of that suit,” he said.

He mentioned in his closing remarks that his family had a role in his coming out.

“But if I’m healthy, then I can go onstage at Let’s Make a Deal and be the best Wayne Brady that everybody wants and expects. I can be the best dad that Maile needs. I can be the best friend to Mandie, the best son to my mother, and one day, the best partner to someone, because I’m doing this for me.”

Incredible!