Olympian Rebecca Adlington’s ex-husband Harry Needs comes out as bisexual on Father’s Day
Harry Needs has come out as bisexual (Instagram)
Harry Needs, the ex-husband of Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington, has come out as bisexual in an Instagram Q&A with fans.
Needs, who is self-isolating with Adlington and her boyfriend Andrew Parsons so he can see his daughter Summer, told fans that he had spent much of his life “avoiding” talking about his sexuality in the Q&A yesterday (June 21).
When asked about his sexuality, Needs replied: “This is a question I’ve avoided everyday of my life so far, mainly because I strongly dislike labels despite not knowing a solution to avoid them.
“But if I had to answer I would [tell] people that I’ve always been bisexual.”
Harry Needs, the ex-husband of Rebecca Adlington, knew he was bisexual since he was 13-years-old.
Needs said he decided to come out publicly to mark Father’s Day, Pride Month and Men’s Mental Health Awareness Week.
“I couldn’t waste an opportunity as gold as that,” he said.
He said he knew he was bisexual since he was 13-years-old but met Rebecca when he was 17 and “started that journey” with her.
If I had to answer I would [tell] people that I’ve always been bisexual.
“Although all my friends and family know, I’m only sharing this side of myself to everyone now in hope that I can help others,” he said.
“Once I was married to Becky, there was no need for me to publicly share my sexuality but I hope my journey can inspire many others to be true to themselves.”
Needs said his sexuality had nothing to do with his split from Adlington and said he would not be going into any detail about the reasons behind their divorce.
He offered advice to a bisexual person thinking of coming out to their family in the Q&A.
In a subsequent post, Harry Needs gave a shot out to bisexual dads everywhere, writing: “Never stop creating ourselves, we all deserve happier times. In honour of Pride, special shout out to all the bisexual dads out there, I see you, I hear you, I feel you.”
Later, Needs offered advice to a bisexual fan who is trying to come out to their family.
“Anyone that truly loves you will [accept] you for who you are,” Needs replied.
“It can unfortunately take some time to adjust in some cases, but the respect you will have for yourself will be far greater and outweigh any negativity you receive.
“I think sometimes you can overthink it, because it’s of such a personal and emotional importance… but my advice is to embrace it, share it and be your true self.”
