Julianne Hough Is Opening Up About Her Journey of Coming Out

Julianne Hough has spoken frankly about her changing understanding of her sexuality, and how it has shaped her life and relationships.

Now 36, the Dancing with the Stars host’s latest comments came on The Jamie Kern Lima Show podcast this month as she reflected on her experiences since coming out as ‘not straight’ in 2019.

“Coming out is one of the most vulnerable and empowering things that you can do,” Hough shared during the podcast.

She emphasized that her journey is not about fitting into labels such as straight, gay, bi, or queer. Instead, she explained, “I think I’m just learning what love is, and I love people. It’s more about the connection with individuals rather than their gender.”

Hough Recalls Coming Out To Her Husband And Family Members

In a 2019 interview with Women’s Health, Hough first publicly discussed her sexuality, revealing how she came out to her then-husband, NHL player Brooks Laich. “I told him, ‘You know I’m not straight, right?’ And he was like, ‘I’m sorry, what?’ I responded, ‘I’m not. But I choose to be with you.'”

Reflecting on this moment, Hough described how her openness led to a deeper connection with Laich. “There’s a safety with my husband now that I’m unpacking all of this,” she noted. “There’s no fear of voicing things that I’ve been afraid to admit or that I’ve had shame or guilt about because of what I’ve been told or how I was raised.”

Following the release of the Women’s Health article, Hough expressed gratitude for the support she received from her family, friends, and fans during an interview with Extra.

“I feel really lucky, and a lot of people who don’t have the platform or the support that I have aren’t that lucky,” she said, acknowledging the privilege she holds. “So I just want to say I’m super grateful for my family, my friends, and the support from all my fans that I’ve had. But also to spread that … to the people who don’t have that kind of support. That would be my wish.”

Hough and Laich, who married in 2017, finalized their divorce in 2022. Despite their separation, Hough has remained reflective about their relationship.

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Speaking On Acceptance And Understanding Of Self

Speaking with Dax Shepard on the Armchair Expert podcast, she admitted, “We’ve definitely accepted what happened, but we’re sad that it didn’t work out because I’ve only dated great human beings.” She added, “Our relationship and our marriage was exactly right, and the end of it is right too. We both have regrets that it didn’t work out because I don’t think we had the maturity to come together.”

During her recent conversation with Jamie Kern Lima, Hough also reflected on how her relationship with Laich allowed her to explore and heal from past experiences.

She mentioned that during the time they were together, particularly when they were doing long-distance, she found herself sacrificing her own needs for the sake of the relationship.

“I would go back and forth to DC every other week, and I stopped taking care of what I wanted to do,” Hough recalled. “I wouldn’t put myself on tape for auditions anymore, and I went very much into the season of ‘relationship.’ And it went into that extreme.”

Through these experiences, Hough has gained a deeper understanding of herself and what she desires in life and love. Her journey continues to inspire many as she navigates the complexities of love, identity, and personal growth.

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with Julianne Hough right now. Come back here often for all Julianne Hough spoilers, news, and updates.

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