TL;DR
- Colton Underwood viewed The Bachelor as conversion therapy.
- He struggled with his sexuality before coming out.
- Underwood felt pressured to appear straight.
- He has since embraced his identity and married.
- His journey reflects broader LGBTQ+ experiences.
Colton Underwood, the reality star who made waves as the “Virgin Bachelor,” has recently opened up about his tumultuous journey with his sexuality. In a candid conversation on Paul C Brunson’s podcast, We Need To Talk, Underwood revealed that he initially signed up for The Bachelor with the misguided notion that it could serve as a form of “conversion therapy.” Yes, you heard that right.
Underwood, who came out as gay in 2021, shared that he was grappling with his identity and thought that being on a dating show would somehow force him to be with women. “Why else would an opportunity like that fall into my lap, if not put there to sort of help me?” he reflected. It’s a sentiment that many LGBTQ+ individuals can relate to—feeling trapped between societal expectations and personal truth.
He elaborated, “I’m going to be so publicly straight that I will never be able to be gay again.” The pressure was palpable, and the fear of being outed while trying to conform was a heavy burden. Underwood felt that even if his plan didn’t work, the visibility he gained from the show would trap him in a straight persona forever.
Known for his faith, Underwood was dubbed the “Virgin Bachelor,” but he confessed that this label stemmed more from his internal struggles than any true commitment to celibacy. “I think there was always, like in the back of my mind, a little guilt of, why would I do that? Why would I go down that path with a woman if I know in my heart that I’m gay?” This inner conflict is a powerful reminder of the struggles many face when trying to reconcile their public persona with their true selves.
Since coming out, Underwood has embraced his identity wholeheartedly. He married Democratic strategist Jordan C Brown in May 2023, and the couple welcomed their son, Bishop, in September 2024. Underwood’s journey from a reality TV star to an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights is inspiring, proving that acceptance and love can flourish even after a tumultuous past.
His story is a testament to the ongoing battle against conversion therapy and the importance of authenticity in the LGBTQ+ community. As he continues to share his experiences on platforms like his Netflix series Coming Out Colton, he sheds light on the complexities of identity and the often painful journey toward self-acceptance.
Colton Underwood’s journey is not just his own; it reflects the broader experiences of countless individuals in the LGBTQ+ community who have faced similar struggles. His openness about his past serves as a beacon of hope for those still navigating their own paths to acceptance.