Bachelor Nation is rallying aroundColton Underwoodafter hecame out as gayon Wednesday.
During an interview onGood Morning America,the formerBachelor, 29, toldRobin Robertsthat coming to terms with his sexuality has made him the “happiest and healthiest” he has ever been.
Listen below to the episode ofour daily podcast PEOPLE Every Dayfor more on Colton Underwood.
“I’ve ran from myself for a long time. I’ve hated myself for a long time, and I’m gay. And I came to terms with that earlier this year and have been processing it,” the reality star said. “The next step in all of this was letting people know. I’m still nervous. It’s been a journey, for sure.”
“I’m emotional, but in such a good, happy, positive way,” he continued. “I’m the happiest and healthiest I’ve ever been in my life, and that means the world to me.”
Eric McCandless/ABC
Hannah Godwin, the runner-up on Underwood’s season, tells PEOPLE that she supports the formerBachelorlead and wishes him “the very best.”
“I support Colton for having the courage to finally be able to live his life authentically,” she says. “Nobody should have to hide who they really are. I’ll always wish Colton the very best and hoping he has found his peace.”
Tayshia Adams, another runner-up who went on to become the Bachelorette, said in astatement to PEOPLE: “I’m very happy that Colton is able to now live his life openly and without fear of being his true self. I support his willingness to share his truth, and welcome the additional LGBTQ representation to Bachelor Nation with open arms.”
LongtimeBachelorhostChris Harrisonalso expressed his support for Underwood in an Instagram post after theGMAinterview aired.
“Very proud of you today @coltonunderwood Happy to see you stand up and openly live your truth,” Harrison wrote alongside a picture of the pair. “You have my love and support my friend.”
Onyeka Ehie, a contestant on Underwood’s season ofThe Bachelorin 2019,addedon Twitter: “Happy for @colton for speaking his truth. We support you.”
Another one of his contestants,Nicole Lopez-Alvar, wrote in her own tweet that she is “so proud” of Underwood.
“Proud of you for having the courage to come out and be honest with yourself and the world,” fellow season 23 contestant Catherine Agro shared on her Instagram Story.
Blake Horstmann, who appeared with Underwood onBecca Kufrin’s season ofThe Bachelorette,said onExtrathat he’s “proud” of his friend.
“It’s impossible for me to imagine what he went through and it’s impossible for me to relate to his experience and I can’t imagine hiding that secret from the world on national television, for years… his inner demons and the struggle he has had within himself… so I’m proud of him for being true to who he is and I hope he’s able to give other people courage to do the same,” he said.
“I shot him a text, but I’m sure his phone is blowing up… but I’m sure I’ll hear from him in the next couple of days,” Horstmann added. “Hopefully we can chat to let him know what I think and how proud I am of him.”
Demi Burnett, whocame out as queerfollowing her time on Underwood’s season, tweeted, “Welcome to the community brother.”
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, the executive producers of the popular franchise also shared their support.
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Outside of Bachelor Nation, various celebrities spoke out about Underwood’s revelation on social media.
“I’m happy for @colton. If you’re gay, be gay! I’ve been gay forever & I love it!“Billy Eichnerwrote on Twitter.
Eichner’s tweet came after an old video of the comedian’s appearance on Underwood’sBachelorseason resurfaced on social media. In the video, Eichner suggests that Underwood could be the “first gay Bachelor and we don’t even know,” while Underwood looks visibly uncomfortable.
“You’re free now, @colton A toaster is on its way,“Andy Cohentweeted. “Great interview @RobinRoberts.”
Schitt’s CreekstarDan Levydiscussed the difficulties of coming out in his own Twitterpost.
“‘Coming out’ can be a terrifying, uncomfortable, and traumatizing experience because we still live in a world where we are made to fear the consequences of living freely. Let that sink in. So happy for @colton Underwood. His courage will undoubtably save lives today,” Levy wrote.
Loni Loveadded, “All the best to you @colton .. life gets better standing in your truth!!!”
GLAAD’s Head of Talent, Anthony Allen Ramos, also shared a statement with PEOPLE regarding Underwood’s announcement.
“Every LGBTQ person’s journey to discovering and accepting their authentic self is different, and Colton Underwood’s decision to share his truth with the public reminds us that there is no set timeline for coming out,” the statement said. “Given the large and loyal fandom who know Colton from ‘The Bachelor,’ his coming out and discussion of his faith will hopefully open eyes to the millions of out and proud LGBTQ people who are also people of faith.”
source: people.com
