Gay kiss on TV at the Winter Olympics

Gus Kenworthy proudly announced that his boyfriend, actor Matt Wilkas, is in Pyeongyang cheering him as he competes in the slopestyle at the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Also in a sign of change from NBC in dealing with gay athletes, the network showed the couple kissing before Gus competed and the commentators referred to Matt as Kenworthy’s boyfriend. 

“It’s something I was too scared to do for myself,” Gus said after his competition. “To be able to do that, to give him a kiss, to have that affection broadcast to the world, is incredible. The only way to really change perceptions, to break down barriers, break down homophobia, is through representation. That’s definitely not something I had as a kid. I never saw a gay athlete kissing their boyfriend at the Olympics. I think if I had, it would’ve made it easier for me.”

Gus wrote in Twitter: "My Seoul mate! So happy to have my bf, my family and some amazing friends here in Korea to cheer me on! Tomorrow's the big day (tonight for y'all in the US) and win or lose I just wanna thank you all SO much for your support and encouragement. I wouldn't be here without you."

Unfortunately, Gus ended with him struggling with two injuries and missing a medal in the men’s freestyle slopestyle. He competed despite a broken thumb and a hematoma (blood clotting) of his hip that he said made it difficult to even walk. 

Proud of you Gus!!!

Gus with his partner Matt Wilkas