When it comes to living authentically, Gus Kenworthy has no regrets.
The Olympic freeskier came out as gay in the Nov. 9, 2015, issue of ESPN magazine. Now that nearly a year has passed since he opened up about his sexuality publicly, Kenworthy is looking back with gratitude.
On Sunday, the 25-year-old posted a snapshot of the ESPN cover on his Instagram account. The photo was accompanied by a lengthy caption in which Kenworthy explained his feelings before and after the magazine hit newsstands in October 2015.
“I was excited for a future where I no longer had to mask myself with heteronormative posturing. But then, of course, I felt apprehensive because I didn’t know how people were going to react,” he recalled. “What I didn’t anticipate though, was all that I was about to gain.”
The athlete went on to acknowledge his fans, noting, “I get messages every day from guys saying my story has helped them come to terms with themselves or given them the confidence to tell their friends or family that they’re gay. And that, I have to say, has been the highlight of my past year.”
It’s safe to say things have worked out pretty well for Kenworthy, who is dating “Gayby” actor Matthew Wilkas and has become an outspoken LGBT rights advocate over the past year. In July, he also received an ESPY Award nomination for Best Male Action Sports Athlete.
Happy anniversary, Gus! Authenticity certainly has its benefits.
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