Jerrod Carmichael has come out as gay in his latest comedy special, Rothaniel.

Variety reports that in the Bo Burnham-directed special, which premieres Friday night on HBO, will talk about his sexuality during his set, starting with discussing how he felt like he was keeping a secret when he would talk about his family’s woes in his comedy, particularly his father cheating.

"After that was out in the open, I was left alone feeling like a liar, because I had a secret," he said. "One that I kept from my father, my mother, my family, my friends, and you. Professionally, personally. And the secret is that I'm gay."

The audience clapped at the news, leading Carmichael to say, “I’m accepting the love, I really appreciate the love. My ego wants to rebel against it…I rebelled against it my whole life. I thought I’d never, ever come out. At many points I thought I’d rather die than confront the truth of that, to actually say it to people. Because I know it changes some people’s perceptions of me. I can’t control that.”

Video, he told his mother that he has had sex with men before--this is the first time Carmichael has confirmed how he identifies.

In fact, he talked about how his relationship with his mother has changed since he has come out, saying, “As much as she believes in God, I believe in personal growth and feeling free. And I do feel freer.”

Carmichael will be seen next April 2 on Saturday Night Live, on which he will host. Musical guest Gunna will perform.