"X-Factor" 2009 Winner Joe McElderry Comes Out

The cover of Joe's first single, "The Climb"

Joe McElderry is only 19-years-old, a former model, and the slightly shy, endearing winner of Simon Cowell's hugely successful UK program in 2009. He's had one hit single so far, a cover of X-Factor Miley Cyrus' "The Climb."

And he's been dogged about questions of his sexuality ever since the competition.

Now, in a post on his official site, he's let fans know that he's been doing interviews with the press, and tell them that yes, he's gay, and he's proud. He just wanted his fans to hear it from him first.

One thing I'd like to stress here - he just turned 19-years-old last month. At AfterElton.com we don't ask young celebrities about their sexuality at that age, and we don't hold them to their answers when they're that young. We think they deserve the time and respect to come out on their own terms, which is exactly what Joe is doing.

He's been in a whirlwind of press since the show.

The British press hasn't been so kind. In his coming out post, Joe says when he's been asked, he's "always been honest at the time I've been asked" which speaks to a young man taking the journey most of us do, but he's doing it in the spotlight of fame. So when such personal  questions have been asked, such as with the Times, we need to take him at his word.

Besides, to quote his publicist when the Times reporter pressed on to ask if he was a virgin, "That's a bit intrusive."

In Joe's own words:

Over the past few weeks I have really had time to reflect and to realize who I am. I spoke to my friends and family about this in the last few days and it was important to do the same for you all as you have been so supportive. I have had nothing but support from you and many of you have been very open in saying that you will continue to support me whatever my sexuality. It is important to me to let you know first, so that you know the stories in the papers are true. I made the choice to speak openly about this.

Frankly, we should all be so lucky to be ready to accept ourselves at his age. And while his music video for "The Climb" has footage of his journey on X-Factor, the song itself takes on new meaning when listening to it in light of his coming out.

He's never without a smile for the fans.

Welcome, Joe. We're glad to have you.

h/t @jakob1978 on Twitter for the news.