Former NFL player and Bachelor star Colton Underwood opens up about repressing his sexuality for 28 years, manipulation tactics, and coming out as gay. Topics include struggles with identity, fear of being outed, and navigating societal norms in sports and reality TV. Reflects on hitting rock bottom, seeking help, and finding self-acceptance through personal growth and healing.
Colton struggled with hiding his true sexuality due to societal pressures and toxic masculinity in sports.
The internal conflict of hiding his identity led Colton to extreme measures to avoid being outed.
Colton's journey to self-acceptance involved coping mechanisms and the courage to confront his true sexuality.
Deep dives
Colton Underwood's Struggles with Hiding His Sexuality and Suicidal Thoughts
Colton Underwood, known for appearing on reality television as the Bachelor, revealed the immense pressure and struggles he faced hiding his true identity. Despite being in a serious relationship with a girlfriend, he wrestled with his hidden sexuality, leading to a failed suicide attempt. His journey involved navigating toxic masculinity in the church and sports, causing internalized homophobia and self-hate.
Navigating Toxic Masculinity and Fear of Coming Out
Colton endured a challenging environment, especially in the sports world, where toxic masculinity and homophobia were prevalent. The locker room setting exacerbated his fear of being outed, leading to extreme measures like avoiding showers post-practice. His experience showcased the internal struggle of hiding his truth to conform to societal expectations.
Struggles with Authenticity and Coping Mechanisms
Colton's journey to authenticity involved various coping mechanisms, including compartmentalizing his identity and engaging in relationships with women to disguise his true feelings. His self-imposed pressure to conform and hide his sexuality, coupled with external expectations, resulted in a profound internal conflict that ultimately led to his decision to come out and confront his true identity.
Colton's Internal Struggle and Journey to Self-Acceptance
Colton shares his challenging experience of struggling with his sexuality, leading to a mix of emotions and inner turmoil. Despite feeling pressured to conform to societal expectations and engage in heteronormative relationships, he ultimately found the courage to come out and embrace his true self. Through therapy and self-reflection, he learned the importance of honesty, self-acceptance, and exploring what truly makes him happy.
Navigating Public Opinion and Finding Authentic Relationships
Colton reflects on the impact of public scrutiny and criticism, particularly related to his coming out journey and past actions. Despite facing backlash and skeptics, he emphasizes the significance of owning his mistakes and seeking growth. In his current relationship with his boyfriend, Colton finds a sense of freedom and authenticity, experiencing a healthier dynamic devoid of pressure or hiding his true identity.
Father Cooper sits down with Colton Underwood. Colton repressed his sexuality for the first 28 years of his life; a former NFL player and Bachelor star, Colton went to extremes to promote and perpetuate a heterosexual identity. Colton sits down with Alex to reflect on his manipulation tactics and the people he hurt along the way. Daddy Gang, tune in this week to hear Colton speak on the events that brought him to rock bottom, led him to make some of the biggest mistakes of his life, and ultimately reveal his true sexuality.
This episode includes discussion of self-harm. Please keep this in mind when deciding if, how and when you’ll listen.