Orville Peck hard-launched his longtime partner during an emotional acceptance speech
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Orville Peck's man has been revealed!
It's been long rumored that Orville Peck had a long-term relationship with a partner who wasn't publicly identified in interviews or on social media. Not only is Peck's on-stage persona concealed behind a mask, but the queer country star has also kept a low profile regarding his personal life over the years.
But all of that changed on Saturday, May 11 during the New York edition of this year's GLAAD Media Awards when Jennifer Lawrence presented Peck with the prestigious Vito Russo Award and referenced her friendship with Peck's partner, William Mikelson, also known as Billy.
"Billy grew up in a religious household and struggled with accepting his sexuality for a long time," Lawrence said in her introductory speech. "When he met Orville, he described falling in love as 'healing.' Orville had a different upbringing. His mom loved and accepted him. And because of that, she made a boy that loved himself and listened to himself."
"Jen, thank you for that beautiful introduction. I love you," Peck said during his acceptance speech. "I've never understood why country music has historically been a place that hasn't felt welcoming to LGBTQ+ people. The kind of country songs I grew up loving were often about heartbreak, heartache, loss, solitude, disappointment, and longing… feelings that can at times be big parts of our experiences growing up queer. So, you think [it] would be a natural fit."
The singer then shared his perspective on this period of time when country, as a music genre, is being reclaimed by people of color and queer artists. Specifically, he referenced other LGBTQ+ musicians who are releasing country music and thanked the allies who have made room for them to succeed.
Peck concluded his speech with the following statement:
"I would also like to thank my beautiful, encouraging family, friends, and my incredible partner, Billy. Thank you for encouraging me to be myself, which is a skill that I hope I can pass on to others."
Jared Siskin/Getty Images for GLAAD
This is the first time that Peck identified William Mikelson as his partner, as originally reported by Mikelle Street on Gay Times.
After making their red carpet debut on March 10 at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 32nd Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party, the couple attended the 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards together on Saturday, May 11.
Similarly to Peck, Mikelson maintains a low profile. Nonetheless, we're very excited about this milestone reached by the couple. We stan a beautiful and healthy love story!
Scroll through for more pictures of Orville Peck and William Mikelson — and make sure to listen to Stampede: Vol. 1 on all music streaming services!
Gotham/FilmMagic via Getty Images
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation
Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation
