Beyond the Bachelor: Colton Underwood's Path to Embracing His True Self

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Colton Underwood, best known for his appearances on three seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, openly discusses his journey to self-acceptance. He came out as gay after living an extremely public life as a straight man on the reality show and his NFL career, leading him to reflect on the challenges and triumphs of embracing his true identity. Colton shares insights into his mental health struggles and the realizations that compelled him to stop fighting his truth, which was hurting himself and others. 

During this intimate and accountable conversation, Colton delves into the intersection of fame, personal truth, and the evolving definition of masculinity. He emphasizes the lessons he learned about honesty, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to live authentically, now striving to use his experiences for LGBTQ+ advocacy and to help others that are “hiding in plain sight”.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:33) Justin Baldoni Introduces the Episode 

(02:39) Colton's Joy and Comfort Today vs Most of His Life 

(04:17) Creating the Image of Straightness in Style and Music Choices as a Boy

(07:40) The Pressure of Public Image and Contradictions in Identity 

(10:05) The Terror of the Locker Room as a Closeted Gay Man

(12:32) The Journey to Becoming the Bachelor and Backlash as a Public Figure 

(15:29) Early Signs of Attraction to Men and Perceptions of Masculinity

(17:31) Hiding in Sports and Entertainment, The Bachelor as “Self-Conversion Therapy”

(21:20) The Complexity of Public Straight Relationships and His Secret Life

(23:40) The Breakup That Broke the Facade, Mental Health Spiral

(25:50) Both Holding Himself Accountable for Actions and Owning His Self-Realization

(30:13) Facing Blackmail and Forced to Come Out 

(33:03) Coming Out to His Family

(35:25) Taking Care of Mental Health, Controversy, Finding Love & Friendships

(45:02) What Does It Mean to be Man Enough?

COLTON UNDERWOOD QUOTATIONS

“For the first time in my entire life, I get to be present and I don't have to worry about the future and what's going to happen and I don't have to worry about my past…I'm enjoying all of the stages of building, of loving, of learning, and I don't have to run anymore.” (44:32)

“I could become the Bachelor and date 30 women. What's straighter than that? Trying self- conversion therapy on myself…There was nothing more that I could have done to declare that I was a straight man more than becoming the Bachelor.” (00:00)

“My dad's ride or die. Anything that goes on in my life, he's got my back and I know it. And same with my mom. He helped me get better and helped me handle things and he was trying his best. My entire family was.” (32:06)

FOLLOW COLTON UNDERWOOD: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coltonunderwood 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColtonUnderwoodOfficial 

FOLLOW MAN ENOUGH: 

Instagram: http://instagram.com/wearemanenough  

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wearemanenough  

Facebook: http://facebook.com/WeAreManEnough 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/wearemanenough 

Newsletter: https://manenough.com/newsletter 

FOLLOW STYLELIKEU: 

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YouTube: http://YouTube.com/StyleLikeU

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The What’s Underneath: Masculinity series and this episode are brought to you by BetterHelp. BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy platform, offering access to licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and board licensed professional counselors. Visit BetterHelp.com/WhatsUnderneath today to get 10% off your first month.

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