I Wanted To Be Straight: How The Bachelor’s Colton Underwood Stopped Trying to Convert Himself

In our final episode of What’s Underneath: Masculinity, Colton Underwood shares his journey battling external and internalized homophobia, and how that led him to hide from his truth by diving head first into sports and eventually to the Bachelor as a misguided form of self-conversion therapy. In his full episode, Colton vulnerably and honestly reflects on patterns of abuse he developed while grappling with self-hatred in the public eye, his healing and accountability journey, and the joy of finally embracing his true self.

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FOLLOW COLTON:

0:00 I Wanted to Be Straight
0:40 Hiding in Plain Sight and Strategic Style
3:35 Homophobic Locker Room Culture
6:50 I Hid in Sports and I Hid in the Bachelor
9:20 My Relationship From the Bachelor
11:54 Coming Out Journey
15:25 Finding a Place Within the Gay Community
16:55 Meeting My Husband Jordan
18:04 It’s Vulnerable Being Myself on Camera
19:50 When I Feel the Most Beautiful
20:47 What it Means to be Man Enough

#stylelikeu #manenough #coltonunderwood

[georgiewalker]

Thank you so much for this episode. I'm currently in a space of trying to figure out who I am, authentically, and so much of what Colton said really touched my heart. <3

[mrscrocodile]

Thank you for sharing your story on your own terms. It's beautiful to hear and see your growth. I'm so happy you're happy.

[MxPotato]

Thank you for sharing your story. I really relate to the “self conversion therapy” bit cuz i did the very same thing when i was struggling with my sexuality and romantic feeling. But since 2018, I’ve been happily out as asexual and aromantic. And ive had my own set of traumas from doing that to myself to try to fit into society, so society doesn’t think im broken and send me away to “fix” me.

[AA-lqpu]

When I got my first boyfriend I tried so hard, but something was just not fitting, he was amazing and when he would walk close to me my body would shut down. I was soooo tired, exhausted. For two years I tried my best whilst my mental health went spiraling because I didn't know what on earth was wrong with me. Then I fell in love with a woman, and everything come naturally and I felt more alive and energetic. Turns out feelings come naturally and you don't have to force them.

[GregJoseph]

So much of Colton’s story mirrors my own. Fear of being outed and the desire to be straight, I know how that feels and I would’ve done anything to hold on that. What he did was wrong, no question. But I see someone who knows that and has taken accountability. I don’t expect everyone to forgive him but this is why I have.

[k_a_g]

This was really great and inspiring for anyone working on being more of their authentic self. ❤

[williamatkleber]

Such an amazing interview. If I had seen this at 18 (now very happy at 64, in a 40 year relationship) it would indeed have saved me a lot of pain. Thank you, Colton! And thank you to the production team, great job.

[nicolepopps]

This is my first introduction to Colton and I loved how authentic he is in this interview. Such a joy to watch!

[elineeugenie]

Interesting to read the comments, being European, I'd never heard of this guy.

[magnificentmarbles]

I’m sorry but no, Colton’s actions against Cassie were straight up unacceptable and he doesn’t deserve a platform. He severely stalked and harassed her and made her fear for her own life. He put a tracking device on her car and used anonymous numbers to threaten her! Come on now

[TititoDeBologay]

Wanted to be so straight down to the mimicry of stalking and refusing a woman's NO. Fascinating

[MsShellectable]

I envy the clarity and the kindness toward himself with which he is living his life. I don't know back story of what he did on The Bachelor, so I can't judge him for that. I simply admire what I see here for its honesty.

[mleekahh]

I loved this. Always wanted to hear more of his story

[yaleejking]

One of the best interviews I’ve ever watched

[CreativeArtandEnergy]

I’m glad you are getting used to yourself and in a loving relationship. That’s beautiful. ❤

[mikalmos]

I never once thought he was straight, ever...

[SilvioGrandal-gcep]

I am so thankful to Colton for being so sincere and vulnerable. He really has grown tremendously and his honesty makes him even more beautiful and the g.o.a.t. to me. Thank You Colton! 🌹🌹🌹✨

[MK-uwqt]

I still love him. There's sooo many closeted people both in front of and behind the camera so afraid to come out. Colton's an example of not being afraid

[John-bilv]

LOL him hiding in plain sight that's hilarious. It was always pretty obvious

[ariyahawkins]

First 50 viewers ;) Thankful for this interview!