Olympic freeskier Gus Kenworthy recently opened up about his past experiences with secret relationships and how they resonate with a storyline from the new rom-com series, “Heated Rivalry.” In a candid interview with The New Yorker, Kenworthy reflected on how the show’s character Shane Hollander, who navigates a public romance alongside clandestine relationships, parallels his own life.
More than ten years after publicly coming out as gay, Kenworthy revealed that he found a unique reflection of himself in the episodic drama. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen myself reflected onscreen like that, in such a substantial way,” he said. His candid reflection draws attention to the complexity of navigating both romantic expectations and personal identity.
The connection to rumored romance with pop superstar Miley Cyrus is particularly poignant for Kenworthy, who described her as his own “Rose,” referencing the character from the series. “As much as I kind of wanted it—because that’s the person you would want to be with if you’re straight, someone successful and beautiful and talented—it’s not the same as when you’re with a guy,” he remarked.
Kenworthy’s thoughts highlight the difficulties many LGBTQ+ individuals face when reconciling their public persona and private desire. This poignant connection not only sheds light on the challenges of being an openly gay athlete but also emphasizes the evolution of representation in media, which has the power to foster greater acceptance and understanding within society.