Gus Kenworthy Says Athletes Have A Responsibility To Come Out

Three years after coming out of the closet in his ESPN The Magazine cover story, Gus Kenworthy has taken time to reflect on the historic move.

"I feel like most of my fears were unnecessary, and I think that tends to be the case with people who are in the closet," Kenworthy admitted in a new interview with Variety. "I was scared because our whole income was based on sponsorships, and you get sponsors based off your image. I thought there wasn’t a place for a gay guy in my sport. There had never been one before me. I came out, and it was the opposite of what I expected. I was the most endorsed athlete at the Olympics
"

Later in the discussion, the 27-year-old turned the focus onto his peers who haven't come out publically with their sexuality. "I really thought I was going to come out in ESPN and then suddenly other people would, too," he explained. "It's not easy, and it doesn’t seem to be getting easier. But I do think that more athletes need to come out, and athletes need to recognize that they have a responsibility to come out. It's only going to do good to have more representation and visibility."

Nonetheless, Kenworthy is proud of his accomplishments and strides for the LGBTQ community and, while he doesn't foresee any participation in the 2020 Olympics because he fears he "would be too old for it," he is ready for the small screen. "I've read and had camera tests for different hosting jobs," he said. "I've done a few random correspondent jobs. I had two auditions that were sent over. Growing up, I wanted to be an actor. That was always my dream as a kid. It wasn't even to be a skier."

Photo: Getty Images


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