Personal trainer Jillian Michaels
returns to The Biggest Loser on Sunday as the reality series
features its first openly gay contestant.
Michaels, 38, quietly came out gay
earlier this year following the birth of her son Phoenix to her
partner Heidi Rhoades and the adoption of 2-year-old Lukensia from
Haiti.
The adoption process took years to
complete but Lukensia came home in May, the same week Rhoades gave
birth.
Remaining closeted “had to change”
Michaels said during an appearance on Larry King Now.
“I made that a priority,” Michaels
said. “And I feel very strongly about it. And I wish I could have
maintained that, but having kids – first of all I don't know how I
would have explained the materialization of a newborn boy. … And
then with that said, I never want my kids to grow up and think that
I'm ashamed of our family. So, I realized that I had no choice.”
The 14th season of the
weight-loss competition will also include for the first time an
openly gay contestant.
Jackson Carter, a 21-year-old student
from Layton, Utah, told the Salt Lake Tribune that he came out
at age 14 and has been overweight for most of his life.
On coming out, Carter, who was bullied
for his sexuality and weight, said: “It can be scary and really
hard to come out, but if you feel like you're ready, then it's a
personal choice. If you're not comfortable to tell people, then you
don't have to.”
“The sad truth is it's not always
safe, so find some supporters that you can trust,” he
added.