This article was published on April 14th, 2021
After years of speculation on his sexuality, Colton Underwood has come out as gay. Yes, it is no longer a secret! The lid has been lifted on the former Bachelor star’s sexuality, with the 29-year old making the announcement on morning television on Wednesday, April 14th.
“I’ve run from myself for a long time, and I’ve hated myself for a long time, and I’m gay. I came to terms with that earlier this year and had been processing it,” Underwood said in an interview with “Good Morning America’s” Robin Roberts. “The next step in all of this was sort of letting people know,’ Colton continued adding that he’s “still nervous” about it. “It’s been a journey for sure. I’m the happiest and healthiest I’ve ever been in my life, and that means the world to me.”
The ex-NFL player first appeared as a contestant on the 14th season of “The Bachelorette.”
He was later cast as the lead of the 23rd season of “The Bachelor” in 2019. His stint was marred by a lot of conversation surrounding his virginity which was promoted as the storyline.
Colton, who eventually picked Cassie Randolph, maintained that he wasn’t gay, adding that the show helped provide a better understanding of his sexuality.
Winding path to coming out
“[The show taught me] that I’m straight and I’m very, very attracted to Cassie and women — but it would have been OK if it would have been the other way too,” the 29-year-old told Entertainment Tonight.
The pair continued to date until mid-last year, when they parted ways. Cassie filed for a restraint order accusing Colton of stalking and harassing her, but she later dropped the request.
During the GMA interview, Colton acknowledged that he could have handled things a bit better during his time on the popular American reality TV show. “I do think I could have handled it better.” “I just wish I had not dragged people into my own mess of figuring out who I was.” He further apologized to his ex-girlfriend Cassie Randolph stating, “I wish that I would’ve been courageous enough to fix myself before I broke anybody else.”
Following the announcement, the executive producers of The Bachelor series were quick to congratulate Colton and commend him for his courage. “We are so inspired by Colton Underwood’s courage to embrace and pursue his authentic self,” the producers said in a statement. “As firm believers in the power of love, we celebrate Colton’s journey in the LGBTQIA+ community every step of the way.”
Devout Christian
Colton’s religious upbringing and sports career (where the term gay held a “negative connotation”) weighed in on his lifelong journey to self-acceptance.
He admitted knowing he was “different” at age six. “I used to wake up in the morning and pray for [God] to take the gay away. I used to pray for him to change me.” The devout Christian grappled with suicidal thoughts after being in a “dark and bad place” but revealed he doesn’t feel that anymore.
Colton’s coming out has shone a spotlight on the shortcomings of the ABC dating franchise, which is perceived to hold a narrow view on sexuality and more so on the LGBTQ community.
In fact, it has only ever featured a same-sex relationship on the spinoff “Bachelor in Paradise” in 2019. It is, however, not clear if Colton would reappear on the show.
At the moment, Colton says he is yet to find an ’emotional connection’ with a man adding: “I’m looking for someone who can push me and challenge me in all the great ways.” Word is that the ex-football player is filming a reality series on Netflix, which will document his coming out.
The project is said to be weeks into filming, but Netflix has remained mum on the matter.
