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Meagan Fitzgerald, an anchor for D.C.’s NBC affiliate station, used her platform to send an encouraging message during Pride Month, and to share something very important about herself.
The 33-year-old sent encouragement to young LGBTQ people on Sunday, saying she can relate to the struggle it can be to just be true to yourself, because she too has been there.
“I want to address this month, which is Pride Month, and acknowledge the fact that it’s not always easy being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender,” she said. “There’s the coming out process, finding out who you are, being comfortable in your own skin, in your own truth. It takes courage to be your true, authentic self no matter who you are. But to the boys and girls watching, to the men and women who may still be struggling, it’s worth it. Being just who you are is enough. I know this because I’ve been through that journey and I’m excited to share with you some news! I’m engaged!”
The NBC news anchor shared that her fiancée, Kelly Heath, popped the question over the weekend along Tidal Basin in D.C. According to NBC News, they met two years ago. Heath played basketball overseas before switching up and deciding to work in medical device sales. Heath met Fitzgerald, who has worked at the NBC affiliate in Washington for four years, on Tinder.
“Meeting her was surreal,” Fitzgerald told NBC News. “I knew she was different from the beginning and — even though it sounds cliché — that she was the one.”
She announced the news to her followers on Saturday.
“Cheers to a lifetime with the love of my life and best friend,” she wrote on Instagram. “I love you so much! We’re gettin’ married!!!! It’s been a long journey but worth the wait. Thank you for the way you love me. I said YES!!”
Fitzgerald said she was happy to come out to viewers and fans and let them know that they too deserve happiness.
“What’s been especially encouraging to me is hearing people say they sent the video to their cousin or that it gave them strength because they are scared to come out,” she said. “For people looking for reassurance, I want to use my platform to reinforce that message that they deserve to be happy.”
