Julianne Hough Reflects on ‘Vulnerable and Empowering’ Coming Out Journey

Dancing with the Stars‘ Julianne Hough has recently shared insights into her personal exploration of self-discovery and sexuality. In a new conversation on The Jamie Kern Lima Show podcast on Aug. 27, Hough opened up about the experience of coming out as “not straight” and how it has shaped her perspective on love and relationships.

The 36-year-old dancer and actress, who first revealed her sexuality in a 2019 Women’s Health interview, described the act of coming out as “one of the most vulnerable and empowering things that you can do.”

During the podcast, Hough elaborated on her understanding of attraction and love. “I think for me, it was very much like — it’s not about being straight or gay or bi or queer. It’s more about, ‘I think I’m just learning like what love is and I love people and I don’t know what I’m attracted to, but I choose you,’” she explained.

Hough’s search for understanding has led her to a more inclusive and expansive view of love and attraction. She shared, “I was starting to see people and seeing their hearts and seeing their beauty and their essence coming through in a way that I was like, ‘Wow, I love people.’ And I don’t know if it’s a sexual attraction or a ‘this’ attraction, but I’m just seeing people. And that was such a beautiful revelation too.”

The Dancing with the Stars co-host first publicly addressed her sexuality in an August 2019 interview with Women’s Health. At the time, Hough was married to NHL player Brooks Laich and described how her coming out had deepened their relationship. She recounted telling Laich, “You know I’m not straight, right?” to which he responded with surprise. Hough clarified, “I’m not. But I choose to be with you.”

This revelation, according to Hough, created a new level of intimacy and honesty in their relationship. “I think there’s a safety with my husband now that I’m unpacking all of this,” she explained in 2019, “and there’s no fear of voicing things that I’ve been afraid to admit or that I’ve had shame or guilt about because of what I’ve been told or how I was raised.”

Despite the initial strengthening of their bond, Hough and Laich’s marriage ended in divorce. The couple separated in 2020, briefly attempted reconciliation, but ultimately finalized their divorce in February 2022.

Hough’s openness about her sexuality and struggles has resonated with many. Following her initial coming out, she thanked fans, friends, and family for the support she received. In an August 2019 interview with Extra, she acknowledged her privileged position: “I feel really lucky, and a lot of people who don’t have the platform or the support that I have aren’t that lucky. So I just want to say I’m super grateful for my family, my friends and the support from all my fans that I’ve had. But also to spread that … to the people who don’t have that kind of support. That would be my wish.”