Attitude recently sat down with freshly out, dog-rescuing Olympian Gus Kenworthy, covering a range of topics from his sudden media attention and what it means to be an LGBT role model to his first boyfriend and, for lack of a better term, dick pics.
Here are some highlights — head here for the full interview.
On realizing he was attracted to guys:
I remember going with my family to these hot springs when I was a kid and there was a lifeguard there who was probably in his 20s, who was really fit and had, like, big arms and shoulders, which I hadn’t really seen before I guess – not in a swimsuit! And I was just like ‘Oh my god, what is happening!’ [chuckles] But I didn’t know whether I was so drawn to it because I wanted to look like that or to have that to myself, but I knew I had this pull, and obviously that got more frequent and stronger as I got older.
He tried to find the words to come out as a teenager:
How about we take this to the next level?
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I used to drive to hockey games with my dad, just the two of us, and we always had a good dynamic between us, and I remember wanting to say something, but just not having the words, or the courage. Also remember feeling that I didn’t want to come out because I hadn’t been with a guy in any form, and I didn’t want to tell people and have them go ‘Oh you’re sleeping with guys?’ because I hadn’t; I’d never even kissed a boy.
On his first sexual experience with a guy:
I had no idea he was gay or interested at all, we just became friends, and one night we’d been out to the bars and had a few drinks, and we staying at a friend’s and sharing a pull-out couch, and I kinda just thought I’m gonna kiss him, and if he punches me in the face I can play it off as having one too many to drinks or just being an idiot. But it ended up being reciprocated and it started a five-year relationship.
Addressing all those shirtless pics floating around:
I just think the worry is that I’ll type-cast myself or people will come to expect it. I’m not being controlled though, [my publicist] just thinks it’s important to remain a skier and not have all the emphasis on my body. And I agree. It feels good to have a bit of validation but it’s very vain! I know it’s vain, so I don’t wanna be that guy all the time. There’s a lot more to me.
On his constantly full inbox:
I’ve had a lot of kids saying that they’re in the closet or are having similar feelings, so I’ve tried to kind of search through my inbox for those, because I feel like those are the people that need to be responded to and need some attention. But in that process I’ve definitely opened up messages that are just of peoples’ dicks! I’m like ‘Why are you sending me this! This is ridiculous!’
lauraspencer
This says it all…
“I just think the worry is that I’ll type-cast myself or people will come to expect it. I’m not being controlled though, [my publicist] just thinks it’s important to remain a skier”
Why does a skier need a publicist and why is he concerned about being typecast? This comment suggests that Gus is using his coming out for a bit more of fame. Does he want to act? Now it makes sense why he is on this blog a couple times a week.
Stick to skiing Gus.
Stache
@lauraspencer: Olympic skiing is a form of celebrity. You’ll eventually get endorsements and maybe even become a household name. You need a publicist
Desert Boy
Reminds me of my childhood and when I was a cub scout, and later, a boy scout. There was always a camping trip, tents, sleeping bags, the works. So hot for a young gay boy.
Masc Pride
@lauraspencer: Of course Gus is using his coming out for a bit more fame; did you really think any different? His publicist probably sends these stories to all the gay blogs.
@Stache: Is it? How many people can name an Olympic skier off the top?
dcto
@lauraspencer: What says it all is that we live in a celebrity culture, Gus uses his name & brand to open up & elevate the level of public discourse, just as he has his sport & animal adoption last year. I love that he’s stepped into the spotlight & hope he stays there, I learn more from one Kenworthy interview than a decade of Kardashians’.
Marky
@lauraspencer: @Stache: You don’t need a publicist. You just need a manager. He’s an athlete. One of his parents could handle it. It’s just like skateboarding, and my friends didn’t need publicists to handle their endorsements and sponsers et al and they were competing and participating in this video crap ALL THE TIME. If he didn’t look the way that he did /at his YOUNG age/ he wouldn’t be getting all this attention. I don’t think he’s using it for fame, I think he’s following the advice of people who want to make him out to be something he probably may not want to be. The best thing he could do would be to join an advocacy group and champion that as opposed to making himself out to be our next young spokesperson. Maybe he’s Sam Smithing it now. *rolls eyes* We’ll see how the lad makes out. One thing I will say though, a /gay/ publicist will help with the general communication. He has potential with the celebrity now to do a lot of fucking up by accident if he says the wrong thing or does the wrong thing; it will be nice to have his words run through an experienced ear before they hit the ears of the public. Just sayin’ Maybe that’s why it was recommended to him. Put out those fires before they start.
Kevin Booker
GorgeousNotGeorge
@MascPride you have to monetize it now before you get injured and then what, speaking circuit, etc. He is no different than any person who has an opportunity. Look at the hero from France, doing Dancing with the Stars. It’s an opportunity. As long as he is not doing bad things and being honest about it. He can be himself then good luck to him. Social media created celebrity culture but if you start doing things just to be famous (ahem Reality TV) then its just garbage. Unfortunately, once you are out there, then everything you did from when you were born to present is always being scrutinized. I would happily not participate in such.
dcto
@GorgeousNotGeorge: Alek Skarlatos is a great example, he accepted on the advice of another enlisted contestant, for the same reason Gus steps up, awareness. I would sooner listen to either of these young men than most of the people who think they should be president. I love Ryan Lochte, but if E! we’re smart they’d have put Gus in front of their cameras.
CWM85
This seems to be the new way of coming out if your famous or sorta of famous. Announce it and keep talking about. Do the whole media circuit, mags, interviews. Being gay is something to not be ashamed of. But to make it like the most important about you is. Welcome to club of millions of out people. Now move on and go about your life.
drivendervish
That is an absolutely fascinating coming out story! Gus reaches puberty and starts to notice guys in speedos with big arms and shoulders. Drunken sleepover with a male friend turns sexual. This is Groundbreaking stuff! Maybe he should film a documentary about it because his story is soo much different from every other gay guy I know.
NateOcean
a “full inbox” ?
Is that what the kids are calling it these days?
NateB79
Oh great. I can’t wait to see the billion articles written about him. I guess the Tom Daley stock has dried up.
dcto
I wish Gus had been around to tell these stories when I was growing up, rather than all the people who literally & figuratively tried to beat the queer out of me (didn’t work). Going by all the “Shut the f*ck up!” comments, on gay & straight pages, those people still seem to be the sad majority.
Captain Obvious
This is starting to look like Tom Daley and Davey Wavey had a baby. Queerty, please.
Glücklich
Uh-oh. He’s growing on me. A little too kiddy in the face; I prefer him bearded.
@NateOcean:
Ha ha!
Aromaeus
His first sexual experience turned into a 5 year relationship? I envy him.
Russell Howes
Yawn
alphacentauri
@Captain Obvious: LOL very true.
CWM85
Why can’t famous people just acknowledge they’re gay and move on? Like isn’t there more important things about you than your sexual orientation? These stories of first kiss, when you knew and what body you like or your own vanity is really unnecessary… shut up already.
redcarpet30
@Aromaeus: I know right? Would have made my 20’s a lot easier had that happened.
redcarpet30
I warned him that the thirsty queens were coming for him! He should have been prepared for that.
fpcinnyc
WOW! Why is everyone being so snarky? He’s telling his tale and if he has a manager and a publicist and a trainer who cares? He’s living his life and telling his story. He’s not forcing anyone to listen or care. Me? I’m happy for him. I have two nephews who came out recently and this kind of stuff helps them- along with a few lectures from me.
dcto
@CWM85:@CWM85</a@CWM85: Follow yr. own advice pls?
lauraspencer
@dcto:
What brand?
What is Julia Roberts’ brand? Brad Pitt’s?
He is a skier and a good one. I’m so annoyed by all these Kardashian type people who are so starved to be famous. Enough. What is Michael Phelps’ brand? Isn’t he the most celebrated Olympian of all time?
Brian
Gus makes some very touching comments about his realizations as a young man. They’re very good insights into how many of us developed.
dcto
Exactly! That’s how celebrities are commoditized in our material, mass marketing world. Sadly, it leads to people thinking morons are eligible for president. Sports Illustrated referred to Gus as being ” boy band popular” after Sochi, any smart business person would build on that. Fame can be lucrative, look at the empire Michael Jordan has built post-NBA. Joan Rivers made the most money of her career selling jewellery on QVC, Jessicas Simpson & Alba are rich from endeavours beyond singing & acting. Fame can also educate, do you remember press following Princess Di to mine fields? Gus makes full use of all he has, on & off the slopes, isn’t that success? He’s also on this blog a couple times a week ‘CAUSELOOK@HIM!!!!!
sportsguy1983
At least he can admit he is being vain, i.e. a narcissist seeking attention
danonce
From what i heard this guy was a fame whore. He dumped his long term boyfriend so that he could get into the “business” and date C or Z-list stars. This is what his ex boyfriend wrote on his instagram:
“I am waiting for the day when telling people you are “gay” is not a media worthy piece of information. There is no difference between gay people and non gay people. What makes people amazing and unique is the way they treat others. Being gay is something that says nothing about an individual’s personality, the actions they make are what sets them apart .
After being with @guskenworthy for many years, I have learned he is a self obsessed monster and actually the biggest pile of shit on the planet. He is also my favorite and I will always have so much love for him even though we don’t see much of each other anymore. Love you Gussy and lots of kisses from Jake and Mishka. Also, you were not fooling anyone. Any man who knows the entire soundtrack to the Broadway musical “wicked” is not bringing in the ladies, unless it’s for a themed dinner party.”
The guy called out how ridiculous that one could easily get media’s attention for just coming out of closet. And Gus’s actions after that set them apart. Also he threw shade at Gus for trying to be hotter and “manlier” to get women’s attention.
Captain Obvious
@dcto: Yes and we all swooned over him collectively for like what 3-5 articles by now? And he’s been on the frontpage how many times now? It’s getting old fast.
If he really wants a career in entertainment then he should learn what “overexposure” is.
dcto
@Captain Obvious: Actually, no, he’s getting back to skiing after a major injury. Part of the goal of coming out is to fulfill his lifelong dream of finally medalling @ X games.
dcto
@danonce: Bitter exes are always the best reference. Robin must be a masochist that he suffered such a monster for 5 yrs.
danonce
@dcto: Are you his manager or something? lol. Fame and money change everyone, that’s what i wanna say. He could live a happily simple life with his boyfriend and two dogs but he chose a different path. But who am i to judge?!
dcto
Or something, specifically a fan. Gus has been a star since 16, when he posted a YouTube that got him a sponsor,turned pro & was predicted by those in the biz as future champ, which he has been 5X. Now he’s a globe trotting celebrity millionaire cereal box/cover boy @ 24. Why would he settle for a simple life @ age 19, esp. w./someone who thinks he’s a self-obsessed pos?!
danonce
Nobody knows who he is before the coming out including me. Seeing his pics on instagram i can’t help but think he is really self-obsessed.
dcto
@danonce: Gus gave me puppy love @ Sochi (which, as he points out, is real for puppies. And this old queen). His Instagram is gorgeous, mostly because of his photography. I was elated when I heard it was Gus who came out. Of course, I also cried all the way thru the closing ceremonies @ the Gay Games in ’94, so what do I know? xo
danonce
@dcto: You need help, seriously.
Craig Bankert
I can think of 1 reason. Lol
dcto
@danonce: Thanx! Not from u, though. Do u have Gus’s #?
Captain Obvious
@dcto: Girl, stop. You’re this worked up over some little kid? Really?
Rimmington
We a very vane shallow culture.
SeeingAll
Oh..let him ham it up a little bit. Even if he’s being a bit of an attention-whore. At least he really did achieve stuff in life (rather than JUST being gay) so he’s still a good example for others to know about.
lauraspencer
@CWM85:
I agree with your comment.
Where has he been the past year and change since the Olympics? He comes out and now uses it as an opportunity to cash in on celebrity. He was a talented skier and didn’t get much attention, but let’s now be the talented gay skier who had a boyfriend for 5 years and didn’t come out. Let’s hire a publicist to release photos at an AIDS benefit with Cohen and Cooper. Wait a few days and release photos teasing the actor boyfriend.
Did any of us receive pay days for coming out? Probably not. This is what annoys me about “celebs” like Gus, Anderson, Lance, Ricky, Gaiyken. They all come out and make money off of coming out. You should come out because it is the right thing to do and not because it is a paycheck.
dcto
Since when has coming out become a swimsuit competition? It’s supposed to be about acceptance & support, not judgement & criticism. There is more hypocritical thoughtless gay bashing here than on many straight pages. Gay people should know first hand that others’ opinions do not trump our lives’ experience. Especially when those opinions are petty & hateful.
dcto
@lauraspencer: fyi Recovering from a broken femur & torn meniscus in March is where he’s been this past year.
moldisdelicious
you know something. there are MANY gay men that have become household names because of their personalities and SKILLS instead of running around the world announcing that they’re gay and getting naked on instagram. this guy is striving to be a household name as that “gay guy” instead of “that skier”. i never heard of dude prior towards this site and other gay news sites putting him out there like “he’s gay”. i’ve seen many olympians get recognition and etc. dude and his publicist need to try much harder.
cabe
The one thing that struck me is the fact that he is getting dick pics in his inbox. WTF? i am so tired of this hyper-sexualized gay nonsense, It’s pathetic and sad and reason #1 why the right wing doesn’t think we deserve marriage equality. They think we are sex deprived sluts and I guess…we are?
Ken Overholt
I have no idea who Gus Kenworthy is and I have zero interest in how he realized he was into guys. You give gays a bad name by publishing this kind of vapid drivel.
dcto
@cabe: Yes, the $100 billion global porn industry is entirely due our hyper-sexualized gay nonsense. Gawd forbid it prevent the right wing from gifting us marriage equality. Ever hear of Anthony Weiner?
dickrichard
@Captain Obvious: Can you guys please quit the nagging and the cynical comments: Yes, there’s probably not anything groundbreaking or revolutionary about his coming out story, and yes, at least 50% of the attention he gets these days is because of his shirtless pictures.
But Gus is still an openly gay athlete, which is something that unfortunately is still rare, and definitely something we should appreciate no matter how privileged he has been in his life, and no matter how “boring” his experience with coming out has been.
The man won silver at OL in Sochi last year and is (very) openly gay. What more do you guys want?
Should he only tell his story if he was considering suicide, went on a drug induced binge for 6 months, had a wife and three kids, and then recovered from alcoholism before finally deciding to come out?
You guys are a truly jaded bunch!
Patrick Crawford
Omg no one cares
dickrichard
What’s up with this weird reverse closeting/bullying/slut shaming that we throw at gay celebrities these days: “shut up; we don’t care that you’re gay, in fact no one cares at all, gay or straight”, “I bet he’s a big ol’ bottom”, “nobody even knows who this guy is”, “does he do anything but show off his body these days”, “he’s not that hot”, “I bet he’s super vain” and so on.
The day gay marriage is legal everywhere in the world, and homosexuality is not a taboo, is the day that lgbt celebs should stop talking about their sexuality!
lauraspencer
@dickrichard:
It’s not the coming out that’s the issue. Congrats on that. Millions of gay men have done that.
The issue is the desperate need to then parlay coming out and using his sexuality for fame.
If Gus were using his skiing abilities for fame I would understand that. That is talent he worked on for many years. Similar to Michael Phelps, Mary Lou Retton, Dorothy Hamill, Mark Spitz, etc.
It seems that Gus is getting attention and marketing himself as gay (which we all are) and the LOOK AT ME attitude with his actor boyfriend, party with Cooper & Cohen and shirtless pics. Was anyoned talking about him two months ago as a skier? NO. Did he have a bit of attention after the Olympics for skiing? YES.
He came out a couple weeks ago and that should have been it. It now seems he wants to be celebrated for something that most of us have done.
As for people saying that there aren’t many gay athletes…seriously? How many more does it take for people to stop being so shocked about a gay athlete?
Greg Louganis, Martina Navaratilova, Billie Jean King, Dave Kopay, Michael Sam, Jason Collins, Robbie Rogers, Billy Bean, Esera Tualo, John Amechi, the gay boxer who is all over this site, Amelie Mauresamo, Sheryl Swopes and these are off the top of my head without even googling.
I can name more gay athletes than gay CEOs, Politicians, Scientists. Let’s get our priorities in order guys.
Masc Pride
@GorgeousNotGeorge: What are “bad things”? Is anything really “being honest” in a culture where overexposure and force-feeding are the default marketing strategies? You said reality stars are garbage (totally agree), but they aren’t really that different from Gus here. Everybody’s monetizing before their 15 minutes fade…and it’s all annoying. It’s all garbage. I think a lot of gay celebs have a sincere desire to help, but it’s also mixed in with some self-serving motivations as well.
dcto
@lauraspencer: Actor boyfriend?! According to which gay gossip website, Gus hasn’t said so. Celebrity Out is still Out, despite your disapproval & condescension, it’s not gay for pay. Every athlete you name had to come out, Gus joins an illustrious long line in his youth & at the top of his game, hopefully with more to come.
dcto
Days after coming out, Gus again got a lot of positive mainstream media coverage by his response to a troll inquiring if he was the woman in his relationship. With one tweet, this kid did more to educate than probably anyone here on this page has or will. Be as old & jaded & critical & cynical as u like, he hasn’t done this for u, he’s done it for him & for every kid he used to be who is still struggling. If it seems mundane because you’ve been there, done that, that’s not the point. Gus articulates a universal experience, and is trying to walk who ever WANTS to listen – you’re NOT being forced – to walk through the process of coming out with him. Anyone who doesn’t support him can & should follow the own advice – SHUT UP & MOVE ON!
dcto
@lauraspencer: Two months ago he was recovering from knee surgery, so no, not a lot of skiing.
dcto
@lauraspencer: Since you resent pay days for coming out so much, your cheque is in the mail.
lauraspencer
@dcto:
This gay gossip website….here’s the link…
http://www.queerty.com/photos-is-this-gus-kenworthys-mysterious-older-boyfriend-yes-20151109
lauraspencer
@dcto:
I never felt the need to be paid. I did it for myself and my future happiness and mental health.
If you insist though, please make it retroactive and with interest.
dcto
@Patrick Crawford: So u don’t care twice?
dcto
@lauraspencer: This says it all…u think ripping off Perez Hilton qualifies as a credible news source. Do u have any idea what happened in Paris yesterday? Or not till it reaches the cover of People?
lauraspencer
and here are more gay athletes that I googled…
Victor Cruz – Boxing
Megan Rapinoe – Soccer
Kwame Harris – Football
Brittney Griner – Basketball
Darren Young – Wrestling
Tom Daly – Swimming
Glenn Burke – Baseball
Kerry Rhodes – Football
Brain Boitano – Skating
Matthew Mitcham – Swimming
Rudy Galindo – Skating
Diana Nyad – Swimming
Bob Paris – Body Building
Ian Roberts – Rugby
Ian Thorpe – Swimming
Johnny Weir – Skating
Can someone please give me a list of CEOs, politicians, scientists?
dcto
@lauraspencer: Johnny Weir?! Who knew? Sorry, on this page the only acceptable response is, “Who cares?”
CWM85
Dcto is obviously hired by Gus management. Girl you need to calm to fuck down!
dcto
@CWM85: Wrong again. Just an Olde Queen who wishes I’d been as brave at his age as he is now. Times change, the queer bashing has just gone online now.
dcto
@CWM85: ps Still refusing to take yr. own advice, I see…
GayEGO
@Stache: Right on!
GayEGO
It is up to Gus Kenworthy to handle his own issues and so far he is doing OK.
lauraspencer
@lauraspencer:
It was posted on Queerty. I don’t read Perez Hilton.
dcto
@lauraspencer: Or attributions.
lauraspencer
@dcto:
Queerty is no more credible than Perez Hilton so not sure what attribution has to do with it. These are blogs. Not respected sources of journalism.
enlightenone
@Brian: “They’re very good insights into how many of us developed.”
“Insights” are what we don’t know! Guess you were speaking about yourself?
Click bait and relevance = Yawn.
Captain Obvious
@dickrichard: Excuse you, dick. I congratulated him on the coming out article, talked about his prettiness a few times, looked at his Instagram once or twice, and even defended his older boyfriend.
18 articles later I’m asking why we’re getting a daily dose. You’re the one nagging me by choosing to whine about what I’m posting, I can post whatever I want under an article, you don’t have to agree. If you choose to reply to me DIRECTLY then you’re the one starting something.
Get over yourself. No one asked if you agreed with my opinions. I am always my authentic self and do not care who here agrees or disagrees with me. I’m not looking for internet friends. My opinions will not change or waver no matter how much you bitch about it.
Have a seat to the left.
enlightenone
@dickrichard: “The man won silver at OL in Sochi last year and is (very) openly gay. What more do you guys want?”
Came OUT BEFORE SOCHI and at the Olympics MEANINGFUL TO LGB YOUTH IN RUSSIA and here in the States! No, just some sappy puppy rescue story that HIS DUMPED BOYFRIEND (shoved in the “closet”) who actually made happen.
enlightenone
@dcto: “…Gus again got a lot of positive mainstream media coverage by his response to a troll inquiring if he was the woman in his relationship. With one tweet, this kid did more to educate than probably anyone here on this page has or will.”
There’s a pic of you next to the phrase: dick whipped!
dcto
@lauraspencer: You cite them like they are credible eg online RUMOURS of actor boyfriend, & thus your no credibility. Anyone who wants to get to the day when Out is no longer news? Stop HATING those who come out. I wish I had a daily dose of Gus, apparently so do the 300,000+ people who subscribe to his Instagram, that’s not counting twitter + Facebook. Young ‘uns share their lives online today, Gus’s life is worth sharing & celebrating. The rest of u? Be as indifferent as u like, but stop offering your self loathing queer bashing hate as “just my opinion”. Like punching someone in the head & saying, “It’s just my fist.. “
CWM85
Dcto old queen. Please sit down. We all are entitled to our opinion and queerty is overdoing it on this guy. Its enough already… get over yourself dcto. Are y out and alias of giancarlo?
Dayle Michael
Yeah I had no idea who this was either and I want the five minutes of my life back spent reading the article
Frank Leavitt
Why do you guys follow this page then? This is absolutely NO different from the other articles they post. Nothing against them or you, it just should not come as any suprise.
lauraspencer
@dcto:
You don’t know how to read. I have congratulated him on coming out. Now it’s time for him to ski and not milk being gay for a pay day and fame. Skiing should be what makes him famous, but I have a feeling that he realizes that isn’t going to be his meal ticket so he is lining up a career as a gay-lebrity. Ask Michael Sam how that went.
lauraspencer
@CWM85:
I was thinking the same thing about the alias 🙂
dcto
Love you, Gus. No alias.
David Martinez
Who?
Adam Nagel
He’s so hot!
dcto
#letthehatershate
Saint Law
@Brian: “in to how many of us developed.”
Says the geriatric whose testes never descended.
Daggerman
..OMG! what a lucky guy. Just a one night stand turns into a 5 year relationship! Somethings are so unreal…he’s so hot as one already commented.
trell
Coming soon to Queerty:
“Gus Kenworthy talks about the first time he had his nappy changed”
“Gus Kenworthy and his secret vice……Banoffee Pie!”
“Gus Kenworthy reviews Justin Bieber’s new album”
“Gus Kenworthy has major wardrobe malfunction in mankini photoshoot for AIDS awareness. Pics here (SFW)”
“Gus Kenworthy is the new editor in chief of Queerty. Site will change domain name to Gussty”
Seriously guys. Enough with Gus Kenworthy coverage. It’s getting boring.
dcto
@trell: So sad the internet has no other pages to read..
dcto
@lauraspencer: Would respond, but can’t read..
dcto
@lauraspencer: Where did u congratulate him? Not here, you criticize him 4 having a publicist, tell him to stick to skiing & go downhill (pun) from there. You’re right, I can’t read your congratulations because it doesn’t exist.
LuckyboyLA
@fpcinnyc ‘Why so many snarky comments?’ Are you kidding? He’s young, accomplished, sexy, Out.. A Big Gay Dart Board for men who never learned to accept and love themselves. Doesn’t take much more than a Psych 101 class to identify them by their posts.
trell
@dcto:
Sorry if I offended you, Gus x