Colton Underwood, known for his time on The Bachelor and The Traitors has embarked on a new chapter in his career. Following a tumultuous period that included backlash and death threats, Underwood is now focusing on advocacy and education through his new docuseries Because of You and his second memoir Dear Bishop: A Letter To My Son.
The reality star’s journey has been marked by significant personal growth and a commitment to using his platform for positive change. His latest projects reflect his dedication to supporting and educating the LGBTQ+ community, particularly regarding family-building options.
Because of You: A Deep Dive into LGBTQ+ Family-Building
Because of You set to debut on Monday, July 13, on Underwood’s Instagram page, explores the complexities and challenges faced by gay families in having children. The docuseries features conversations with experts and real-life stories, aiming to provide valuable information and support to the LGBTQ+ community.
Underwood describes the project as a full-circle moment reflecting on his decade-long career in reality TV. I’ve been doing this about 10 years, so to find a way to incorporate my family and blend all of my words together is pretty great he shared. The series addresses the uncertainty and misinformation surrounding LGBTQ+ families, a topic close to Underwood’s heart.
The docuseries delves into the emotional and logistical aspects of family-building, emphasizing the importance of preparation and support. Underwood advises, It’s a very long, hard, emotional journey, no matter the resources you have. You have to be ready and truly prepared. It’s similar to coming out. Start small and lean on people who you know are in your corner 100 percent. Finding people who you can trust is so important.
Dear Bishop: A More Authentic Narrative
In his second memoir, Dear Bishop: A Letter To My Son Underwood offers a more authentic and personal account of his life as a father. Unlike his first memoir, The First Time: Finding Myself and Looking for Love on Reality TV which focused on his journey on The Bachelor and denied rumors about his sexuality, Dear Bishop provides a candid look at his experiences and growth.
Underwood acknowledges the need to revisit his first memoir, stating, I was asked to redo my memoir since I said I wasn’t gay in the first one. Until you come out, you don’t fully understand it. You have this internal shame and internal homophobia, even after coming out. I can only continue to try to do better and learn from where I went wrong in my past.
The memoir serves as a creative way for Underwood to share his life with his audience while maintaining a level of privacy. He emphasizes that his public journey, including his coming out, has been a process of self-discovery and growth. Whatever you’ve seen on television is true and it is me, but I am a very simple guy. I like to touch grass, I love spending time with my family, and that is the truth behind the entertainment of it all.
Advocacy and Personal Growth
Underwood’s advocacy work extends beyond his new projects. He has been vocal about the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ families and the importance of accurate information. His experiences on reality TV, including the backlash from The Traitors have shaped his commitment to advocacy and education.
Despite the ups and downs of his career, Underwood remains focused on his role as a husband and father. He finds joy in the simplicity of family life and uses his platform to inspire and educate others. I like to laugh at myself. At this point, I feel like I have pretty thick skin and can do that he shared, reflecting on his journey of self-acceptance and growth.
