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Biggest Loser trainer Bob comes out in US show

Biggest Loser trainer Bob Harper tells a contestant: "I knew I very long time ago that I was gay."

2013-11-28_0953Bob Harper, one of two original trainers on The Biggest Loser in the US, has come out as gay on the show.

Harper, who reprised his role in the first Australian season in 2006, had come out privately at the age of 17 but never spoken publicly before but decided to encourage contestant Bobby Saleem in the current US season.

“I haven’t talked about my sexuality on this show ever,” Harper explained. “And now, meeting Bobby, I really do believe this is the right time. I want to show Bobby that he doesn’t have to live in shame.”

On the show, Harper told Saleem, “I’m gay. I knew I very long time ago that I was gay.

“When I came out — when I was 17 years old — it was one of those things where I realised that there was going to be so many obstacles, but being gay doesn’t mean being weak. And being gay doesn’t mean that you are less than anybody else. It’s just who you are.”

US fans of the show then began to show their support through social media.

Source: US magazine

20 Responses

  1. Any good role modeling is welcome and for every 1 of Bob or Bobby there are hundreds if not thousands who struggle to come out in any way shape or form.

  2. Please don’t get me wrong, because from Bobby’s perspective its great that he wants to come out to his family & even more great that he has someone like Bob there to support & encourage him,

    I just find it a shame that there is still a ‘need’ to come out to friends & family. I mean straight people don’t have to acknowledge their sexuality, its just who they are. Why can’t it be the same for us gays & lesbians? I am gay man who in my 40’s now has never had to utter the words i’m gay to any of my family or friends. If they spend time getting to know me & accept me for who I am not what I am, then they soon figure it out. Much like everyone else does with straight people.

    We are personalities, not sexuality’s.

    It’s about accepting human life, for life its as simple as that. The sooner people accept that, the sooner it won’t matter & we will find that equality for all…

  3. I feel the only folks that find matters such as this as ‘newsworthy’ are the god-botherers and their flock. Pell and Abbott would be right at home.

    Interesting sign outside the Gosford Anglican Church said “Jesus had 2 dads, and he turned out ok”.

  4. Huh, I thought he was already out! Good on him, though 🙂 Love him! Its great that he and Jillian Michaels can openly discuss their lives now without hiding who they are.

  5. I actually am surprised that not everyone knows this…. I thought he came out ages ago, didn’t realize he hadn’t. We knew that Jillian is gay too.

    I’m not sure why ten doesn’t screen TBL US anymore, they used too..

  6. It is very important that the media including David publish these cases of ‘celebrities’ coming out not only to help other gay people but also as a matter of public record.

  7. @David Knox, please don’t ever feel the need to defend what you post… this is your blog! 😀

    Anyway, I can’t believe he’s 48?! He looks 10 years younger! Good on him though, not only for coming out, but for also encouraging Bobby to be himself too.

  8. I’m pretty sure this was well known a few years ago. I seem to recall him discussing it in an interview – I remember watching it, but I can’t for the life of me remember what TV show. I want to say Ellen’s talk show, but I can’t be 100%. Anyway, good on him and hopefully it helps others.

    1. J Bar: I look forward to the day this isn’t newsworthy because it means visibility is no longer required. If you look to the comments by our Governor General this week about youth suicide, I think you will find it is not yet the case. Thanks.

  9. Surprised that people still feel the need to hide their sexuality? Or that those who identify as anything other than straight are still battling self-esteem issues and feelings of shame? No, I’m not surprised. I’m mad as hell.

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