US star Paulie Calafiore speaks openly about his sexuality
The big picture
- Paulie Calafiore reveals his bisexuality and is relieved to finally be able to speak out in hopes of inspiring others who are going through the same experience.
- He thanks the generations before him who paved the way for LGBTQ+ people to embrace their identities.
- Known for appearing on reality TV shows, Calafiore considers his rivalry with Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio a badge of honor.
Before his departure from the second season of The challenge: United States, Paulie Calafiore had briefly hinted at repressing his sexual identity due to his athletic background – which he says requires him to be the “world’s greatest alpha”. Now the 34-year-old reality star is making things clear once and for all and reveals in an interview GLAAD’s Anthony Allen Ramos.
“I’m bisexual; I’m sexually flexible,” the TV personality said, adding that it feels good to “finally be able to talk about it.” [it]”While he admittedly felt guilty for taking too long to come out, Calafiore shared that he also had to completely change his perspective. Then he finally realized that “there might be other people going through it.” [the] exactly the same.”
“Maybe that’s what they needed to hear and see to do it themselves,” he added. “Maybe there’s a younger version of me somewhere that can see this and that.” [says] “You know what, I don’t have to pretend that I am.” [way] because I’m an athlete.’ So if I can inspire or motivate just one person, then I feel like I’m doing justice.”
I commend the generation that paved the way for him to embrace his true self
Coming out felt like a “huge burden” fell off Calafiore’s shoulders, but it wouldn’t have been possible for him without the generations before him paving the way for others to embrace their identities. After coming out publicly and following his interview with GLAAD, the reality star performed Instagram said he was delighted to share the truth, which he has long suppressed.
“Right now, I haven’t even had the opportunity to process so many emotions. My heart bleeds with gratitude. My soul burns with humility. I’m so sad I left early but I’m so happy to be able [to] show you another level of myself and my journey. To all the new friendships I’ve made, to all the old friendships that have been repaired. I love you all and can’t wait to show you how much stronger I’m coming back. “The support is so nice,” Calafiore wrote on Instagram.
Paulie Calafiore’s Reality TV Story
Born Paul Ryan Christopher Calafiorethe television personality has also appeared in a number of reality shows including season 18 of Big Brother And ex on the beach Season 1. He later participated in different iterations The challengeincluding Final Reckoning, war of the Worldsand the latest The Challenge: USA 2, where he finished third. He lost to Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio, who he considers a “badge of honor” to fight with him.
“I take it as a badge of honor that people wanted to vote for me as someone who can get bananas out,” he said gold derby. “If Johnny and I have ten eliminations it could go either way. We’re a pretty good match, both in terms of what we’re good at and what we’re not good at. There is definitely mutual respect on the part of the competitors.”
The challenge: United States airs Thursdays on CBS. You can watch Calafiore’s interview below.
