QUESTION

What do I do with the guilt of feeling like I’m not being honest with my teammates and friends about my identity?

Answer

"I would say if there's a part of you that could maybe tell your teammates or your friends about your identity, tell them your truth, I think that it's really empowering and really liberating. I think it could potentially strengthen those relationships, and I also think that it could potentially affect the way you perform in a positive way.

For me, the year after I came out was my best season to date. Nothing had changed with my training or my approach. I was just simply competing as myself and being honest and authentic and not being forced to compartmentalize a part of my life, and it reflected it in how I performed. That being said, if you don't feel like you're in a situation where you can safely and comfortably tell people, you don't owe anything to your coaches, you don't owe anything to your teammates, you don't need to tell them what's going on with you.

It's completely up to you, it's your decision. You are entitled to privacy, and if you feel like you could share it, I think it could be a bold, incredible step for you, but if you don't, it's on your terms, it's on your timeline. And you can do it whenever you feel is safe to do so. But I think there's a lot of power that can from it. Good luck either way!"

Gus Kenworthy
He/Him

Gus Kenworthy is an Olympic medalist, actor and queer rights advocate.