Former “Bachelorette” Gabby Windey comes out as queer
Denverite Gabby Windey is perhaps best known for dating oodles of men as the titular star of “The Bachelorette.” But this week the former Denver Broncos cheerleader revealed she’s done dating dudes and is now seeing a woman.
Windey joined the hosts of “The View” Wednesday morning to share the news, which she was inspired to do after spending much of 2022 in the spotlight on shows like “The Bachelorette” and “Dancing With the Stars.” On Instagram, the 32-year- old announced she’s been seeing comedian Robby Hoffman for three months.
“Because people know me and have kind of related to me on the previous shows and I really appreciate them — literally ‘ Dancing with the Stars’ is fan and vote based, it was so tangible to see how many cared about me,” said Windey, who landed in second place on her season. “Knowing how much people really care, I just want to be honest. I don’t want to live and not be living my full truth.”
Windey starred on “The Bachelorette” and at the end of the show got engaged to contestant Erich Schwer. The two separated shortly after filming wrapped.
On “The View,” Windey characterized her newfound sexuality as a “whisper in me that just got louder and louder.” She said she struggled with and navigated through some shame associated with being attracted to a woman, but is now out and proud.
“Honestly, I was nervous coming here, but it feels like a huge weight lifted off being able to talk about it publicly,” Windey said.
That’s not to say there aren’t adjustments on the horizon. Windey said her family took the news well, but she expects they will need some time to adapt. As for the public, she hopes they’re happy she’s finally found a loving and supportive partner.
“I think that’s really the big takeaway … . Obviously it’s about sexuality, but it’s also the person I met. She is so special, she makes me feel so safe, so loved, like a love that I always wanted going on these dating shows,” Windey said.
Windey is not the first “Bachelor” alum from Colorado to come out as queer. Former star Colton Underwood came out as gay after his season — even creating an original Netflix series about his experience called “Coming Out Colton” — and recently married his partner, Jordan C. Brown.