Chris Appleton Details Coming Out to His Former Partner and Kids

by

Content warning: This story discusses suicidal ideation 

Chris Appleton is reflecting on a difficult chapter. 

The well-known hairdresser, known for styling the locks of Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande, recently shared his journey of coming out as gay when he was 26 years old to his ex-partner Kate Katon and their two children, Billy (now 22) and Kitty-blu (now 20).

Chris confided during the August 6 episode of On Purpose with Jay Shetty that he felt as though he might cause harm to those he had built his life around, expressing that their nine-year relationship, which included two children, was incredibly enchanting. He admitted that he had believed he had everything worked out in his life with Kate.

Chris had previously described their family’s typical daily routine that mirrored traditional household life, unaware of his own sexuality. However, when he acknowledged he was gay, everything fell apart for him.

“I really loved her,” he explained. “I didn’t want to be gay. I didn’t want to be different.”

For Chris at 44 years old, acknowledging his real sexuality was like finally taking a deep breath, but this understanding was swiftly replaced with profound embarrassment. In his own words, “It was a journey.

Despite sharing his feelings with his partner boosting Chris’s confidence, he conceded that the most challenging aspect was revealing it to his children.

He stated, “My role as a father was to shield my children from harm, so they would never experience the humiliation that I felt. In essence, it seemed like a malady, like cancer, and I wanted to excise it. It was as if I thought, ‘If only I could eradicate it, then I could be a good father.’

Chris recalled feeling “selfish” in the moment coming out to his kids. 

Chris remembered that they had been concerned when they realized he was upset. Suddenly, he felt as though he had disrupted their lives. He felt like he had let them down since his role was to safeguard them. And if anyone were to harm them, he would defend them. However, in this instance, it was him causing the harm.

Following the events, Chris departed from his family’s residence promptly, as he was overwhelmed with intense feelings of embarrassment, which later led him to contemplate suicide.

He expressed that it would be preferable for them to have a deceased father rather than a gay one, he stated. So, he acquired some painkillers, a bottle of liquor, and checked himself into a hotel. He ingested the pills and drank the alcohol. He contacted Kate and apologized for the distress he had inflicted.

Amazingly enough, I thought my hero, Chris, wouldn’t make it past that harrowing ordeal where they tried to take his life. But here’s the twist – he not only lived, but something profound inside of him transformed into something even more extraordinary. I can’t help but feel a surge of hope and admiration knowing that my idol overcame such adversity.

Chris mused, “I found myself contemplating the idea, ‘Could I simply accept myself for who I am – gay?’ It’s a path I’m unsure about and uncertain of its outcome, but I know it must offer something superior to my current situation.

Approximately two decades on, Chris’s prediction has been validated. In his own words, he reflects, “I believe I am in a favorable position.

Keep reading for more stars who have shared their coming out stories…

The Dance Moms alum didn’t give it a second thought when she came out in a 2021 Instagram story. 

In an interview with People in October 2023, she shared, “At age 17, I revealed my identity, but it wasn’t until later that I realized how significant that moment was.” She continued, “Back then, I didn’t grasp why it felt so terrifying.

She acknowledged the presence of much positivity, love, and acceptance, but there was also an abundance of negativity. Regrettably, she did suffer losses, yet they hold little significance for her. If she indeed lost some followers or acquaintances, it wouldn’t matter to her because staying true to herself is more important.

While the “Flowers” singer was never a big fan of labels, she came out as pansexual in 2016.

For years, I’ve found it challenging to grasp my own identity, both in terms of my gender and sexual orientation. In an interview with Variety back in October 2016, I confessed this struggle. The label ‘bisexual’ never felt quite right for me because it still seems to categorize me in a box. Instead, I choose not to define people based on their gender; I simply see individuals as who they are without such constraints.

She added, “Additionally, I’ve always viewed my nipple covers and such as non-sexual items. It wasn’t until around the fifth or sixth grade that my perspective began to change. My initial romantic involvement was with a woman.

For Matt, revealing his true identity to his traditionally religious and conservative family signaled the beginning of a fresh chapter in his existence.

Sharing this with my family is a massive milestone,” the former star of White Collar, who has three children with husband Simon Halls, expressed to OUT Magazine. “I see my life as split into two parts: before I came out to my parents, and after. The choices I made, and the way I lived, changed dramatically, it’s like day and night.

The singer known for “Good Luck, Babe!” admitted that she doesn’t always exude the same level of confidence and ease as one might think. Her upbringing in the Midwest significantly influenced this aspect of her personality.

She confided in Rolling Stone that she had initially been apprehensive towards openly gay individuals due to her upbringing, but later understood why some dislike flamboyant homosexuality. She explained, “It’s associated with femininity, and unfortunately, there is a lot of misogyny in the world. Things like that make you think, ‘Wow, this is truly messed up.’

She went on to say, “It required a great deal of ‘unlearning,’ and there are still aspects I struggle with, which is why I sometimes feel uneasy about being gay. I don’t understand why this continues to be a challenge for me, but it does – and I guess I just have to acknowledge that.

Previously featured on The Bachelorette, the alum appeared on an episode of The View and disclosed that she is in a serious relationship with Robby Hoffman, the comedian she married in January 2025.

In the August 2023 episode, she explained that she had been maintaining a certain level of privacy as the situation was larger in scope and required a more extensive discussion, since she’s in a relationship with another woman.

She went on to say, “A quiet voice within me seemed to grow stronger and stronger, though I wasn’t quite sure how to recognize it at first. There was an underlying sense of embarrassment associated with it, so I had to find my way past that shame: what is this feeling, where does it originate?

In January 2024, the actress famously known for her role in “Mean Girls” publicly announced that she identifies as a lesbian, during an episode of “Saturday Night Live.” Her friends were instrumental in helping her make this important decision.

A few months later, she shared with Billboard that the people surrounding her were primarily nonbinary individuals, transgender friends, and lesbians. She admitted, ‘I feel so content in your presence, and I find myself wanting to identify as a lesbian when I’m with you all.’

The former late-night host officially came out as queer on the last day of Pride month in 2024. 

She announced on her June 2024 Instagram post, surprising absolutely no one, that she was using Pride Day as an opportunity to reveal her identity, proudly donning a shirt bearing the word “Queer.

She said, “Take pride in your uniqueness, tiny ones! I do the same!” Then, with anticipation, she exclaimed, “I can’t wait to encounter discrimination for a fresh reason!

As a die-hard admirer, I can tell you that even before she bravely announced her queer identity, the ex-Disney Channel darling was secretly battling nerves about openly embracing her sexuality in the public eye.

For years, she’s been subtly indicating her sexuality while feeling apprehensive about openly declaring it,” she shared with Gay Times in May 2021. “Last year, I released a lyric video for ‘We Belong.’ It featured line drawings of people falling in love…The couples depicted were male and female, and that was an unexpected moment for me.

In an interview, she mentioned that when her song was released, many people perceived it as a powerful LGBTQ+ anthem. She found herself in a situation where people assumed she was using ambiguity in my work (queerbaiting). To clear the air, she went live on Instagram and shared, “Folks, I feel it’s important to clarify something. Although I may not have explicitly said it, I identify as queer. I want to express this part of myself through my music because it’s a significant aspect of who I am.

The “Heart Attack” singer came out as non-binary in a 2021 Instagram post.

In her caption, she expressed that each new day presents us with another opportunity and chance to shape ourselves as we desire. She’s grown and evolved before many of you over the years, revealing the highs, the lows, and all the shades in between. Her life has not only been a personal journey but also one lived for those behind the cameras, her audience.

Today, I’m thrilled to reveal more about my personal journey – I am pleased to announce that I identify as non-binary and will start using they/them pronouns from hereon. Demi, who now prefers she/her pronouns, previously expressed this. This decision follows a significant amount of self-exploration and healing. I’m on a journey of growth and discovery, and I don’t claim to be an authority or spokesperson in this matter. Revealing this to you now adds another layer of vulnerability for me.

Despite having been in a relationship with singer Hayley Kiyoko since 2018, this Bachelor alum chose not to make their sexuality public until four years into their relationship. Though it felt strange when they eventually came out, they recognized the importance of sharing their truth openly and saw the positive impact it had.

She shared with TopMob News in June 2022, “I came to understand that this issue transcends my personal experience and relationship, for if it encourages even a single person to embrace their feelings comfortably or bravely regarding who they choose to love, then it’s much more profound than just me and my apprehensions.” Reflecting on the heartwarming feedback she’s received, she finds it deeply moving to grasp the far-reaching impact of something as intimate as falling in love and expressing that love.

Three years following his family’s understanding of his identity at the age of 15, Troye divulged his personal narrative in a YouTube video. Looking back, this act of disclosure was triggered by a significant turning point in his life.

In an interview with People in February 2022, he shared that he was on the verge of finalizing his record deal, eager to take control of his artistic expression. He expressed his desire to keep the reins, fearing that others might strip him of this creative freedom. He longed to socialize at gay clubs, meet new people, and write sincere and authentic love songs.

The star from “Selling Sunset,” who’s wedded to artist G Flip, emphasizes the significance of putting yourself first.

In Chrishell’s words to TopMob News, she expressed that if someone genuinely cares for you, your joy should take precedence over their convictions. She emphasized the importance of not molding your life according to others’ expectations, as it belongs uniquely to you and there is only one chance to live it.

The individual popular on TikTok, known for his openness about being gay during his time at an all-boys high school, utilizes this platform to inspire others to embrace their true selves confidently.

In an interview with TopMob News in October 2022, Chris stated that his identity might be a topic of debate based on the audience. To address this, he aims to use his platform to demystify and promote acceptance for this aspect of his identity.

Read More

2025-08-06 20:17