- Taylor Bruck, 25, talked about visiting her friend on air over the holidays
- A clip of that moment has gone viral online, with users praising the anchor
- The simple formulation received support from around the world
A news anchor in Ohio has gone viral for appearing live on air – with just one simple word.
Spectrum News 1 Ohio reporter and anchor Taylor Bruck, 25, talked about her Thanksgiving plans with co-host Alexa Maslowski, who asked Bruck what she did during the holiday.
“The extent of my travels will probably be visiting my girlfriend in Cleveland and that's about it,” Bruck told her co-host on November 26.
In a clip posted to social media, Bruck explained why this moment was so important to her.
Spectrum News 1 Ohio anchor Taylor Bruck, 25 in Ohio, has gone viral for coming live on air – using a simple word – 'girlfriend'
Bruck met her friend, singer-songwriter Lauren Lanzaretta, while she was working in Cleveland
“I said 'girlfriend' on air for the first time today, when some people might say, 'Okay, who cares?' …but for me, it's a step toward fully accepting and loving myself and being authentic, both on and off air,” she wrote in a caption for a video of the moment, which she shared on TikTok.
Bruck said People she hadn't given it much thought before “coming off the air,” admitting it was a “spur of the moment” decision.
“When I finally said it out loud, I smiled inside because it was a big moment for me,” she told the publication.
Bruck often posts about her girlfriend and is open about her sexuality on social media, but had never acknowledged her relationship on air.
The host met her friend, singer-songwriter Lauren Lanzaretta, while working in Cleveland.
Hundreds of TikTok followers responded to the clip Bruck shared online, praising her for her simple – but meaningful – words.
“Thank you for representing the queer community! I'm sure it was so nerve-wracking, you're amazing!' wrote one fan.
'I love this. We need visibility. and it was so natural and acceptable. Live your truth,” another commented.
Another said: 'I love this! Saying the words out loud REALLY matters!'
The journalist, who said she has always been “very open” about her sexuality, said she hopes to help people live their most authentic selves.
Bruck shared a clip of the momentous event online, which was met with an outpouring of support from around the world
The presenter says she is 'overwhelmed' by all the support she has received after appearing on air
The journalist, who said she has always been “very open” about her sexuality, said she hopes to help people live their most authentic selves.
“I always try to encourage others to live their truths, so I decided to live mine fully,” she explained.
“I have been so lucky to have family and friends who love me and support me for who I am since the moment I came out,” Bruck said.
She continued, “And now, with this post on social media, I'm overwhelmed with additional support.”
Bruck added that she was inspired to be authentic at work and in her personal life by other prominent LGBTQ journalists, Anderson Cooper and Robin Roberts.
She also said she prides herself on having a strong “support system” in both her personal and professional life.
“I'm so grateful to be able to be myself both on and off screen because visibility is important,” she said. “And it saves lives.”