If Jackson Carter is lucky, heâll be known across America as a huge loser: The 21-year-old Utahn is the first openly gay contestant on NBCâs The Biggest Loser, which returns for its 14th season on Sunday, January 6.
âI think the biggest thing for me, not being accepted by my peer group and fitting in, I became a people-pleaser and never took care of myself,â Carter tells the Salt Lake City Tribune. âI put everyone elseâs needs before my own. [I am now] aware of it and can try to fix it.â
He admits facing emotional issues on Loser can be more grueling than running on a treadmill for an hour. âThe hardest work [on the show] is not the workout,â he says. âYou have to deal with people who have shut themselves off from their emotions. I donât want to do that one on one, let alone 22 million on one.â
While it appears Carter is the first queer competitor, heâs certainly not the first Friend of Dorothy to appear on Loser: Trainer Jillian Michaels, who returns to the show after two seasons away, came out as bisexual several years ago. Her replacement, Cara Castronuova, is dating lesbian rapper God-des. And while DILFy Bob Harper doesnât discuss his personal life, his sexuality is something of an open secret.
The Biggest Loser returns to NBC on January 6 at 9pm
vklortho
I know it isn’t as big as a lot of these contestants have to lose, I used to be 230 lbs and managed to get down to the 160s. It can be really hard to find the push you need to get the ball rolling on weight loss. With the possibility of friends and family who are insensitive to your weight loss needs or who can unintentionally create an environment prone to temptation, I can understand how someone can stay trapped at a high weight forever. I started watching The Biggest Loser last year and I will continue again this year and I will be wishing the best for Jackson.
Spike
I’m guessing that Chaz Bono is holding out until they do a celebrity Biggest Looser so she can cash in a couple 100K for loosing a few 100 lbs.
MikeE
@Spike: your comment is offensive on so many levels:
first off: crass and cruel for “joking” about Chaz Bono’s weight. it’s none of your business.
secondly: for referring to Chaz as “her”. Chaz is a man. Or in your world is there no “T” in LGBT?
MikeE
@Spike: and speaking of big losers: the word is L-O-S-E-R. One single “O”. Same goes for “L-O-S-I-N-G” a few pounds.
“Loose” is more like your lips… too loose to hold in your foul comments.
jackpapa
Alright JACKSON man! You have made a great life decision. Those of us who have made similar decisions (I lost 60 pounds and started body building 2 years ago) applaud you, support you, and are with you every step, tear, and pump of the way. Go for it! Face your fears and other emotions knowing that your brothers and sisters are ready and waiting to work out with you at any gym you choose. Proud of you already, man.
AEH
I had no idea Bob Harper was Dorothy’s BFF. I never got a vibe from him; I actually thought he was yet another straight douchebag who sleeps with his female clients.
MaisonC
I don’t think this is first gay guy on the Biggest Loser. And @MikeE – Chastity Bono or Chaz is not a man. She only had her breasts removed. She doesn’t have a penis. This making her still a woman.
mcflyer54
Maybe the first open gay person but absolutely not the first gay person. And I’m not counting either Bob or Jillian.
keerintailor
I went to high school with this kid he was an amazing funny loving person when I heard he was going to be on the biggest loser I was exicited and flat out told my boyfriend we are going to watch it no matter what so proud of you Jackson
biguy
good luck Jackson!
the other Greg
Never seen this show but this makes me curious enough to check out how Jackson does.
balehead
They must have got him from all the whiners on “morning goods”….
joshfries
There was a contestant on season 1/2 that was gay. A guy… Don’t remember his name… I just remember him saying that the gay community wasnt welcoming of larger men.
joshfries
Got the info! Matt Kamont was on season 1 of the show. Openly gay. http://www.realitytvworld.com/realitytvdb/matt-kamont/person-268
I started watching this show then and Ive lost 100 pounds… so I remember him. đ
Tony
@MikeE: Well said!