Coming Out Colton

Coming Out Colton is a groundbreaking docuseries that debuted on Netflix in 2021. The series chronicles the deeply personal journey of Colton Underwood, a popular public figure who first gained fame as a contestant on the reality TV show The Bachelor.

For those who are familiar with The Bachelor franchise, Underwood's storyline won't be entirely new. He was "the virgin Bachelor," a former professional football player and a self-professed romantic looking for love, who eventually became The Bachelor in the show's 23rd season. However, what sets Coming Out Colton apart is that it delves into an entirely different, highly personal aspect of Underwood's life. It explores his journey of coming out as gay to his family, his friends, and the public.

The series takes us through various emotional stages that Underwood experiences, from fear and sadness to liberation and resilience. It encapsulates the struggle of living in the public eye, grappling with identity, and coming to terms with one's truth. Moreover, it highlights the strength it takes to publicly share something so introspective and transformative.

In Coming Out Colton, viewers witness Underwood's interactions with his family and friends as he reveals his truth. The docuseries presents an honest and often raw depiction of those conversations and the reactions to them. Although not everyone responds in the same way, each person's reaction is deeply human, laden with surprise, concern, confusion, acceptance, and ultimately, support. The series underlines the idea that the journey to acceptance is multifaceted, invoking a broad spectrum of emotions at different times.

Also significant is the show's inspection of the impact Underwood's coming out has on his religious faith. Raised in a Catholic family, his faith plays a central role in his life and identity. The series presents a balanced perspective, showing how religious beliefs can sometimes complicate personal acceptance and the acceptance of others. At the same time, it shows the healing power of faith and how it can eventually pave the way for acceptance and understanding.

Coming Out Colton unflinchingly showcases the difficulties of coming out and attempting to reconcile one's truth with societal norms and expectations. The series also captures Underwood's efforts to use his platform to make a difference for others grappling with their sexuality, thereby adding a wider narrative to his personal story.

There is a strong focus on mental health in the series as well, with Underwood candidly discussing his struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts. The docuseries makes it clear that mental health is a crucial aspect of his journey, highlighting the importance of support systems and professional help.

The series also follows Underwood as he embarks on his journey in the gay community, navigating new experiences, and learning more about everything from relationships to LGBTQ+ history and culture.

Fortunately, Underwood's journey doesn't take place in a vacuum. Netflix was wise to surround him with a diverse group of LGBTQ+ mentors, individuals who have experienced their journeys and are willing to share their wisdom and insights with Underwood. It's in these interactions where viewers are likely to learn a lot - not only about Underwood’s experience but more broadly about the complexities of coming out in today's society.

Being a reality TV figure, Underwood's announcement and the subsequent Netflix series drew both praise and criticism. Some applauded his bravery for coming out and assumed the role of an unintended figurehead for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly within the context of popular reality television. Others argued that his conversion into a Netflix series risked trivializing or commodifying the coming out process. However, whatever one's opinion might be, Coming Out Colton starts a conversation and provides a high-profile platform for important and ongoing discussions about self-acceptance, sexuality, family dynamics, religion, and mental health.

In summary, Coming Out Colton serves as a notable addition to the genre of personal transformation docuseries, managing to tread the tricky line between celebrity reality TV and significant social commentary. The series gives viewers an intimate insight into an individual's journey of self-discovery and acceptance, while also shining a light on the broader complexities, triumphs, and challenges of coming out.