MSNBC's Thomas Roberts Will Brave Russia As Openly Gay Host Of Miss Universe Pageant!

Like it or not, Russia, there’s a gay guy coming to your country to host a beauty pageant!

MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts (probs the seXXiest man on cable news, sorry Anderson Cooper) has just signed on to be the co-host of the Miss Universe pageant which will be held in Russia next month!

This gig was turned down by Bravo’s Andy Cohen in protest of the country’s anti-LGBT laws that are currently in place.

While we couldn’t agree more with Andy’s decision to step down from the competition, seeing Mr. Roberts’ bravery brings a tear to our eyes!

Thomas explained why he wanted this job and why he fought so hard to get it by writing a personal statement on MSNBC.com, saying:

“Courage is contagious. I have felt that way since coming out publicly in 2006. Boycotting and vilifying from the outside is too easy. Rather, I choose to offer my support of the LGBT community in Russia by going to Moscow and hosting this event as a journalist, an anchor and a man who happens to be gay. Let people see I am no different than anyone else. All kids ├óΓé¼ΓÇ¥ Russian, American or otherwise ├óΓé¼ΓÇ¥ need hope.”

Amen, brotha!!!

He also compared the legislation being brought about in Russia now to the rules of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell that plagued the American military system for two decades. Roberts added:

“It vaguely resembles ├óΓé¼╦£Don├óΓé¼Γäót Ask, Don├óΓé¼Γäót Tell├óΓé¼Γäó which this country recently pitched├óΓé¼┬ªinto the dust bin of American history├óΓé¼┬ª But we still have elected U.S. leaders rallying against marriage equality and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. History teaches us these political approaches hurt good kids and people everywhere ├óΓé¼ΓÇ¥ those who need hope, guidance, education, safe space and YES, LGBT role models. I go to prove there├óΓé¼Γäós hope.├óΓé¼┬¥

That boys and girls is the voice of courage!

Thomas will co-host Miss Universe alongside Mel B. on NBC next month!

Congrats on landing this opportunity, Tom. And thanks for sticking up for what’s right!

[Image via Dennis Van Tine/Future Image/WENN.]