Quick Read
- Former hockey defenseman Jesse Kortuem publicly announced he is gay after years of hiding his identity.
- The athlete credits the popular TV series ‘Heated Rivalry’ for sparking his decision to share his journey.
- Kortuem struggled with fear and the perceived conflict between his sexuality and the ‘tough, masculine’ image of hockey.
- A turning point came in 2017 when he participated in the Sin City Classic, a gay hockey tournament.
- His coming out aims to inspire other closeted athletes, affirming that there is room for everyone on the ice.
In a deeply personal and poignant announcement that has resonated far beyond the ice rink, former hockey defenseman and center Jesse Kortuem has publicly come out as gay. His decision, shared on social media, marks the culmination of a decades-long journey to reconcile his profound love for hockey with his true identity, a path he credits the popular TV series «Heated Rivalry» with helping to illuminate.
Kortuem’s revelation on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, quickly garnered attention, offering a powerful narrative of self-acceptance inspired by a fictional romance that mirrored his own unspoken struggles. As he eloquently put it, «Lately, something has sparked in me (ok – yes credit to #HeatedRivalry). I realized it is finally time to share a journey I have kept close to the vest for a long time.»
The Silence on the Ice: A Decades-Long Struggle
For Kortuem, like many athletes, the rink was a sacred space. «In hockey, there is nothing like hitting the ice after the Zamboni leaves behind a fresh, smooth sheet of ice,» he wrote on social media, a sentiment echoed in reports by TheWrap. Yet, this pristine surface, a symbol of potential and freedom for others, represented a different reality for him. «But for me, it is the sound of a place where I felt I had to hide.»
Growing up in Minnesota, often dubbed the «StateOfHockey,» sports and competition weren’t merely pastimes; they were integral to identity. As the youngest of four boys, Kortuem was immersed in this culture from an early age. He loved the game, but this love was overshadowed by a «persistent fear» of his sexuality being discovered. The internal conflict was profound: «I wondered how I could be gay and still play such a tough and masculine sport. To my younger self, that identity could never be revealed. I did not think those two worlds could occupy the same person, let alone the same locker room.»
The societal landscape of the 2000s offered little solace or positive representation, making coming out feel like an impossibility. At 17, Kortuem made the difficult decision to walk away from his high school team, severing ties with the brotherhood of hockey friendships he had cultivated for years, for a myriad of unspoken reasons.
Years later, while living in bustling cities like New York and Atlanta, he found himself drawn back to the ice, playing at a high level. On the surface, he remained a top-tier player, but internally, he was still «that kid in Minnesota hiding,» as quoted by AOL. The locker room, a place of camaraderie for his teammates, remained a fortress for his secret. «Like many closeted athletes, revealing who I truly was to my team would change everything in an instant, their opinion of me, could bring negative attention to the team with the ‘gay player,’» he shared. «So I never took the chance. I spent every week in a locker room with guys I respected, yet I still did not feel safe enough to tell them who I truly was.»
A Paradigm Shift: Finding Community and Authenticity
The struggle to reconcile these two halves of his life reached a breaking point in 2017. It was then that Kortuem decided to take a leap of faith, signing up last minute for the #SinCityClassic, a gay sports event held annually in Las Vegas, with the hockey tournament sponsored by the #LABlades. This decision, seemingly a last-ditch effort, proved to be a pivotal moment. «This tournament would prove to be a paradigm shift,» he stated, as reported by Out Magazine.
At the Sin City Classic, Kortuem met a diverse group of guys from across the U.S. and Canada – the «Las Vegas Boyz» – who were not only passionate hockey players like himself but also openly gay. This experience was transformative. «From that moment forward, [my] life has never been the same,» he recounted. It was the first time he truly felt a sense of belonging, a space where his athletic prowess and his identity could coexist without fear.
His return to hockey was solidified by joining The Cutting Edges Hockey Club, where he participated in their Winter Classic in Sun Peaks, BC. There, he notably wore a jersey that represented both his sport and his community, a symbolic act of unity. «It felt like a bridge being built over a gap I had lived with for decades,» he added, reflecting on the profound sense of peace and authenticity he finally found on the ice.
‘Heated Rivalry’s’ Unforeseen Impact on Real Lives
While Kortuem’s personal journey was long and arduous, the catalyst for his public announcement was a modern cultural phenomenon: the TV series «Heated Rivalry.» Based on the «Game Changers» book series, the show follows two hockey stars, played by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, as they navigate a secret romance that spans years. The series has quickly garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, already securing a Season 2 renewal from Crave and HBO Max.
The impact of «Heated Rivalry» on Kortuem, and many like him, was profound. «I know many closeted and gay men in the hockey world are being hit hard by ‘Heated Rivalry’s success,» he explained to Out Magazine. «Never in my life did I think something so positive and loving could come from such a masculine sport.» The show provided a mirror, a narrative that validated experiences many believed were unique or impossible within the hyper-masculine environment of professional sports. Kortuem admitted to struggling for weeks to articulate his emotions, fearing the potential impact on team dynamics, but ultimately found the courage to embrace his truth.
A Message of Hope and Happiness
Jesse Kortuem concluded his powerful statement with an uplifting message, not just for himself, but for countless others still navigating similar internal battles. «I want to speak to the athletes out there who are still in the closet or struggling to find their way,» he urged. His coming out has been met with an outpouring of support, including «beyond grateful» positive comments from past and high school teammates.
His story is a testament to the idea that authenticity not only liberates the individual but also enriches the community. Standing on the ice at Sun Peaks, Kortuem found his peace and reaffirmed a crucial truth: «There is room for all of us on the ice.» His final words resonate as a beacon of hope for those still searching for their path: «There is a life and a deep happiness waiting for you on your path.»
Jesse Kortuem’s brave decision to come out is more than a personal triumph; it underscores the profound influence of media representation and the power of community in fostering authenticity. His journey from silent fear to public pride, catalyzed by a fictional narrative, highlights a crucial truth: that the strength and spirit of sport are amplified, not diminished, when all participants can truly be themselves. His story serves as a beacon, reminding us that real-world change often begins with the courage to share one’s truth, creating ripples of acceptance far beyond the rink.