The Queer Family Podcast | S16 EP2 | Colton Underwood: From NFL and Bachelor Star to Proud Gay Dad

Jaimie welcomes Colton Underwood, former NFL player and Bachelor star, to discuss his journey from playing football to embracing his identity as a gay man. Colton shares his struggles with internalized shame, his unique coming out process, and how the COVID-19 pandemic changed his life. He opens up about his ongoing surrogacy journey with his husband, the importance of being intentional in building a family, and the steps they are taking to ensure their future children know they were made with love. Discover Colton's plans, aspirations, and advocacy for LGBTQIA family building. To get a deeper understanding of Colton's inspiring journey and insights into queer family planning, listen to the full episode. Stay tuned for more incredible stories and discussions from The Queer Family Podcast. 🏳️‍🌈Thanks to ⁠California Cryobank (code LOVEISLOVE),  ⁠⁠⁠and our ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠ supporters. 🏳️‍🌈Interested in advertising? Check out our packages ⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠ 🏳️‍🌈Key Takeaways:🏳️‍🌈  Journey to Authenticity: Colton shares how growing up in a conservative, religious background and being an athlete complicated his understanding and acceptance of his identity. Life on The Bachelor: Colton discusses how participating in The Bachelor was a form of conversion therapy for him, aimed at solidifying a straight identity. Mental Health Struggles: Colton talks about his battles with anxiety and depression, leading to a period of substance abuse before he was able to come out and seek help. Queer Family Planning: Colton takes us through the detailed steps he and his husband are taking to build their family via surrogacy, including the search for an egg donor and a surrogate. Advocacy and Awareness: Colton emphasizes the importance of visibility and education around queer family building, aiming to break down misconceptions and foster broader acceptance. 🏳️‍🌈Quotes:🏳️‍🌈 “By the time I figured out that I was attracted to men and I was gay, it was too late. It was already ingrained in me that was a sin, it was not okay for a football player and an athlete to be gay.” Colton Underwood "Growing up, I just didn't see representation for myself." Colton Underwood "The Bachelor for me was a way to try to really change me. It was my version of conversion therapy." Colton Underwood "My journey will help people... I had physical connections with men in a very shameful way." Colton Underwood 🏳️‍🌈About The Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈 Colton Underwood is a former NFL player, reality television star, and mental health advocate. He gained fame through his participation in three seasons of the reality show The Bachelor. Colton made headlines when he came out as gay after struggling with his identity for many years. Since then, he has been an active voice in the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly focusing on mental health and queer family building. Colton is married and is in the process of building a family through surrogacy. He also hosts a podcast focused on fertility and family planning. 🏳️‍🌈Resources mentioned in the episode:  Visit https://www.cryobank.com/ and use promo code LOVEISLOVE for a free level 2 subscription to their donor catalog, or you can apply it to a level 3 subscription for a discount. Daddyhood Podcast: ‪@DaddyhoodPodcast‬ Colton's podcast focused on fertility and family planning:    / @daddyhoodpodcast   PEP!: Jaimie’s daughter’s Pride Merchandise shop. All proceeds will go to The Trevor Project: https://www.bonfire.com/store/pep-1/ 🏳️‍🌈We want to hear from you! 🏳️‍🌈 Call us and leave a voicemail or text: 646-470-1840 Email: thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com IG/Twitter/FB/TikTok/YouTube: @thequeerfamilypodcast Website: https://www.thequeerfamilypodcast.com/ Instagram:   / thequeerfamilypodcast   Facebook:   / ovariestalk   TikTok:   / thequeerfamilypodcast   YouTube:    / @thequeerfamilypodcast   🏳️‍🌈Order the #ITOCT book Amazon, IndieBound, Audible🏳️‍🌈 https://amzn.to/3F9qRUc 🏳️‍🌈Buy our merch here🏳️‍🌈 https://bit.ly/TQFPmerchandise 🏳️‍🌈Edited by Jerson Barajas. Theme song: Tiffany Topol\ Logo art: Daneen Stevenato🏳️‍🌈 🎙️ Episode Chapters: 0:00 Colton Underwood's Journey from NFL Star to LGBTQIA Advocate 4:11 Empowering Kids to Support LGBTQIA Rights Through Creative Projects 6:47 Colton Underwood's Journey to Authenticity and Queer Family Advocacy 10:47 Navigating Identity, Faith, and Football as a Closeted Gay Man 16:45 Colton's Journey from Shame to Authenticity 22:44 California Cryobank's Support for LGBTQIA Families 24:18 Coming Out, Finding Love, and Planning a Family 27:44 Navigating Family Planning and Genetic Considerations in Queer Parenting 34:06 Navigating Family Building and Surrogacy Challenges 43:31 Colton Underwood Discusses Pride and Representation #coltonunderwood #daddyhoodpodcast