Heated Rivalry is one of the most talked about television shows right now, and its impact goes beyond the screen.
Hockey player Jesse Kortuem recently shared a post on social media coming out as gay and credited Heated Rivalry as part of his inspiration.
While Korteum never played in the NHL, he competed as a defenseman and center in several leagues. He ultimately left the sport due to fears that he could not continue to be involved in hockey as a gay man.
In an interview with Out magazine, Kortuem shared how the massively popular Crave original series inspired him to come out publicly.
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“I know many closeted and gay men in the hockey world are being hit hard by Heated Rivalry‘s success,” he said. “Never in my life did I think something so positive and loving could come from such a masculine sport.”
In his coming out post shared across his social media platforms, Kortuem shared how the show’s success had a significant impact on him.
“I am a private person. Those who know me best know that I don’t share much if anything publicly on social media, but lately, something has sparked in me (ok – yes credit to #HeatedRivalry). I realized it is finally time to share a journey I have kept close to the vest for a long time,” he wrote.
Kortuem also reflected on rejoining the sport as an adult after leaving it behind as a teenager, while still struggling to reconcile his identity as both a gay man and a high-level athlete.
“While I was out to many people around me in my life at that point, I still could not bring myself to be fully out on my adult hockey teams. On the outside, I was still a top-tier player. On the inside, I was still that kid in Minnesota hiding,” he said.
Kortuem concluded the post with an uplifting message to fellow closeted athletes.
“I want to speak to the athletes out there who are still in the closet or struggling to find their way,” he wrote. “I want you to know that there is hope and you’re not alone. There is a life and a deep happiness waiting for you on your path. You will get through this, and it is going to be okay.”
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