Colton Underwood comes out as gay in emotional GMA interview

Colton Underwood set the record straight this morning while speaking with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America. He has come out as gay after years of rumors regarding his sexuality. Underwood spoke honestly and from the heart, but was extremely nervous to convey this information to the world as can be seen from the fear in his voice.

The Bachelor Season 23’s lead has previously mentioned, during an interview with Entertainment Tonight last May, being uncertain about his sexuality, and why this is one of the reasons he chose to abstain from sex. His virginity was a big part of his persona when he became the lead in Season 23, but during his emotional interview with Roberts, it’s clear he was ready to be honest with himself and the world.

Colton Underwood confesses during the interview that “I ran from myself for a long time, hating myself for a long time, and… I’m gay.” He goes on to state that during the year of the COVID-19 pandemic, he came to terms with his sexuality and has spent the time processing it all.

For those that have been following Underwood’s journey over the last year, it’s included contracting COVID-19, breaking up with Bachelor Nation alum Cassie Randolph, which was followed by a restraining order from her which she later dropped. So suffice to say, it has not been an easy year to take all of this in.

Colton Underwood shares his story

The former Bachelor also spoke about the next step in his journey which was letting people know his truth. From the tenor of his voice, it was clear he was extremely nervous but continued to share what he came to share.

Despite the difficulties of this journey, Underwood shared that, “I’m the happiest and healthiest I’ve ever been in my life and that means the world to me.” Good for you, Colton, good for you!

During the GMA interview, Underwood also shared that hiding such a big secret was a very “dark and bad” path for him which involved thoughts of suicide.

"There was a moment in L.A. [where] I woke up, and I didn’t think I was going to wake up. I didn’t have the intentions of waking up — [but] I did. For me, that was my wake-up call of, like, ‘This is your life. Take back control.’ You know, driving my car close to a cliff, like, ‘Oh, if this goes off the cliff, it’s not that big of a deal.’ I don’t feel that anymore."

It’s safe to say that the journey ahead is still a difficult one, but this was a major step for Colton Underwood to take, and one that we hope will bring him peace and happiness as he continues to move forward.

The Trevor Project has trained counselors that are there to support anyone that needs it 24/7. If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call the TrevorLifeline now at 1-866-488-7386.