“This year has been a lot for a lot of people and it’s probably made a lot of people look at themselves year round and find out who they are,” Underwood said. “I’ve run away from myself for a long time, I hate myself for a long time. I’m gay. I accepted it earlier this year, and the next step in all of that was to let people know “I am the happiest and healthiest I have ever had in my life. That means the world to me.”
The former ABC star of “The Bachelor” said he wished he had accepted his truth sooner.
“I’ve had a number of responses and the most common was,‘ I wish you had told me before ’and when I feel like I wish I had had a little more faith in my friends and family,” Underwood said. “The only reason I’m sitting with you today is because I have the love and support of my friends and family.
Underwood spoke of questioning her sexuality in her book “The First Time: Finding Myself and Seeking Love on Reality Television.”
In it, he said going out with Randolph helped him realize he was straight.
“[The show taught me] that I’m straight and I’m very, very attracted to Cassie and the women, but it wouldn’t have been good if it had also been the other way around, “Underwood told” Entertainment Tonight. ” I think that’s the biggest message I have for people. “
Following its announcement Wednesday, GLAAD issued a statement in support of Colton.
“The journey of all LGBTQ people to discover and accept their true selves is different, and Colton Underwood’s decision to share his truth with the public reminds us that there is no set schedule for going out,” Anthony Allen said. Ramos, talented head of GLAAD. “Given Colton’s great and loyal fondness for The Bachelor, his outing and discussion of his faith we hope will open the eyes of the millions of proud and proud LGBTQ people who are also people of faith.”