Former America’s Next Top Model contestant Marvin Cortes has come out as bisexual.
Taking to Instagram, the 28-year-old opened up about his sexuality in a heartfelt 11-minute video.
“I want to let you know that I’m coming out as openly bisexual.” he began. “I’ve been in love with both men and women and I’ve been proud to be apart of the gay community in my personal life and now I want to share publicly.
“I just want to say thank you for your support. I’ve never been happier and I look forward to living a more authentic life and sharing that with you.”
Cortes went on to say that, in the past, he was uncomfortable talking about his personal life because wanted to “delay” his family’s reaction.
“It’s something that is very personal or it’s something that you don’t really talk about. If you’re my family and watching this, I just hope that you don’t look at me any differently,” he said.
“I don’t want it to feel like I’ve been lying to you all, because whenever I’m around my family I’m just myself. I’m not thinking about who I’m hooking up with… I never wanted my sexuality to be a factor.”
He also said that even though his family’s values and viewpoints can come across as “ignorant”, he still respects them.
“I know it’s going to be hard for them to accept if I don’t fit the traditional Hispanic values that I have been taught. I know it’s very difficult for my family in particular because there is no one in my family that is gay,” he explained.
Being my authentic self. Proud to be a part of the LGBT community.
Full Video : https://t.co/TonQU9VyO8 pic.twitter.com/UmI5mZnC9B— Marvin Cortes (@MarvinCortes1) August 1, 2021
Later on in the video, Cortes gave advice to other LGBTQ+ individuals that may come from a conservative household.
“I know that it’s hard. I know that it feels like you’re alone and I know that it feels like you were born into a world that specifically has targeted you to feel less than. But you are not less than, if anything you’re better,” he said.
He ended his video by thanking his fans and telling his LGBTQ+ followers to channel any pain or anger into something that will “make them successful.”
Before coming out, Cortes competed in the 20th season of the popular model competition. He made history on his season when he became the first male model to snag a runner-up spot.
Cortes isn’t the only former ANTM contestant to come out as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Back in June, Lio Tipton came out as queer and non-binary in an emotive Instagram post.
“Hi. My name is Lio. my pronouns are they/them. I am proud to announce I am queer and I identify as non-binary,” they said.
We can’t wait to see Cortes live in his truth!
Watch his full coming out video below or here.
View this post on Instagram
Related: Crazy Stupid Love star Lio Tipton comes out as non-binary in heartfelt post.
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