Gus Kenworthy, renowned for his achievements as a professional athlete and his burgeoning career in Hollywood, recently shared his personal struggles with body dysmorphia in an interview with Attitude magazine. This condition, marked by persistent feelings of shame and self-loathing due to perceived body imperfections, is something Kenworthy believes many in the LGBTQ community can relate to.
The athlete-actor revealed, “I don’t think I have the perfect body. I have absolute body dysmorphia, the same way that every gay person does.” He shed light on the emotional rollercoaster of self-perception, describing moments of contentment with his physique alongside periods of insecurity. Kenworthy also acknowledged the impact of social media, noting that the platform often distorts reality, leading individuals to showcase only their idealized selves.
Despite grappling with body image issues, Kenworthy embraces his status as a sex symbol within the queer community. He emphasized, “In terms of being viewed as sexual, I don’t care. I’m flattered and fine with it. I’m a very, very sexual person and I’m very open about it.” His openness reflects the changing norms around body image and sexuality in the LGBTQ community.
Kenworthy, initially renowned for his silver medal win in skiing at the 2014 Winter Olympics, has successfully transitioned into acting, notably starring in “American Horror Story: 1984.” In the interview, he also touched on the debate surrounding queer representation in Hollywood. While advocating for the freedom of actors to portray diverse roles, regardless of their sexual orientation, he stressed the importance of considering gay actors for queer characters, a step towards more inclusive storytelling.
Kenworthy’s aspirations in the world of acting align with his personal journey. He expressed, “I want to play a semblance of myself – the love interest in a gay rom-com is my dream role.” In an industry that is continually evolving in its approach to LGBTQ representation, Gus Kenworthy’s openness and advocacy serve as valuable contributions to the ongoing dialogue.
This interview underscores the complex relationship between body image, sexuality, and representation in the life of a prominent figure, fostering meaningful discussions within the LGBTQ community and beyond.