Arts & Entertainment

Colton Haynes officially comes out

‘Arrow’ actor opens up about his sexuality

Published

10 years ago

May 6, 2016

Mariah Cooper

(Screenshot courtesy of YouTube)

Colton Haynes publicly confirmed his sexuality in an interview released on Thursday and says he’s happier than he’s ever been.

Rumors about the “Arrow” star’s sexuality began in January when a photo shoot featuring a then-underage Haynes kissing another man circulated. Although Haynes did not completely confirm he was gay, he didn’t deny the allegations.

“Was it ever a secret?” the 27-year-old actor responded to the speculation on Tumblr.

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Haynes admits he wasn’t ready to come out after the incident. Instead, he checked into rehab for anxiety, a condition Haynes has battled his whole life.

“It was a complete shock. I wasn’t ready to be back in the headlines. I should have made a comment or a statement, but I just wasn’t ready,” Haynes says. “I didn’t feel like I owed anyone anything. But I felt like I was letting people down by not coming forward with the rest of what I should have said.”

“People want you to be that GQ image that you put out, but people don’t realize what it’s like to act 24 hours a day. I’d go home and I was still acting,” Haynes continued. “People who are so judgmental about those who are gay or different don’t realize that acting 24 hours a day is the most exhausting thing in the world.”

Now after some time, Haynes says he is “healthier and happier than he’s ever been.”

Related Topics:Arrow Colton Haynes Entertainment Weekly

Up Next

Ryan Murphy show ‘Feud’ follows Bette Davis-Joan Crawford rivalry

Don't Miss

May events galore planned for D.C.

FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM

Sports

‘Heated Rivalry’ stars to participate in Olympic torch relay

Games to take place next month in Italy

Published

16 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Staff reports

(Photo courtesy of Crave HBO Max)

“Heated Rivalry” stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie will participate in the Olympic torch relay ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics that will take place next month in Italy.

HBO Max, which distributes “Heated Rivalry” in the U.S., made the announcement on Thursday in a press release.

The games will take place in Milan and Cortina from Feb. 6-22. The HBO Max announcement did not specifically say when Williams and Storrie will participate in the torch relay.

Bars & Parties

Here’s where to watch ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ with fellow fans

Entertainers TrevHER and Grey host event with live performance

Published

18 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

(Photo by New Africa/Bigstock)

Spark Social Events will host “Ru Paul’s Drag Race S18 Watch Party Hosted by Local Drag Queens” on Friday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m.

Drag entertainers TrevHER and Grey will provide commentary and make live predictions on who’s staying and who’s going home. Stick around after the show for a live drag performance. The watch party will take place on a heated outdoor patio and cozy indoor space.

This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Bars & Parties

‘Queer Eye’ watch party set for Friday

DC Center to host event

Published

18 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Members of the cast of 'Queer Eye' speak at an event at Crush Dance Bar in August. (Blade photo by Michael Key)

The DC Center is hosting a watch party for an episode of the 10th and final season of “Queer Eye,” which was filmed in D.C. The screening will be held on Friday, Jan. 23 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Center.

The screening will last 45-55 minutes, with community time both before and after the episode. Drinks and snacks will be provided and organizers promise a “surprise or two.” For information on tickets, visit the DC Center’s website.