Rebecca Adlington’s ex-husband Harry Needs publicly comes out as bisexual
‘This is a question I’ve avoided every day’: Rebecca Adlington’s ex-husband Harry Needs publicly comes out as bisexual during fan Q&A
- Harry, 28, took to Instagram to reveal he felt ready to address his sexuality
- He revealed the news when a fan asked him about his sexuality during a Q&A
- Harry said he has previously avoided the question because he ‘dislikes labels’
- The personal trainer said his family and friends already knew he was bisexual
- He insisted it didn’t factor in the breakdown of his marriage to Rebecca
- The couple met when Harry was 17 and married in 2014 – splitting two years later
- They welcomed their five-year-old daughter Summer in June 2015
By Charlotte Dean For Mailonline
Published: 17:01 EDT, 21 June 2020 | Updated: 18:04 EDT, 21 June 2020
Rebecca Adlington’s ex-husband Harry Needs has come out as bisexual.
Harry, 28, took to Instagram to reveal that he felt ready to publicly address his sexuality after previously ‘avoiding’ the question ‘every day of his life so far’.
The personal trainer discussed his bisexuality during a question and answer session on his Stories, when a fan questioned what his sexuality is.
Coming out: Rebecca Adlington’s ex-husband Harry Needs has come out as bisexual
He 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 people that I’ve always been bisexual #ahh.’
Harry told fans that he has known about his sexuality since the age of 13, but never previously felt the need to publicly address it after meeting Rebecca, 31, aged 17.
He told fans that being bisexual wasn’t a factor in the breakdown of their marriage.
Open: Harry, 28, took to Instagram to reveal that he felt ready to publicly address his sexuality after previously ‘avoiding’ the question ‘every day of his life so far
Explaining why he picked Sunday to come out, Harry wrote: ‘Today is #fathersday #pridemonth and the last #mensmentalhealthawareness week. I couldn;t waste an opportunity as gold as that.’
Harry shared a collage of images of himself and the daughter he shares with Rebecca, Summer, alongside a lengthy caption about Father’s Day.
‘Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there that embody the duty to inspire, teach, care and love their children the way they all children deserve too be loved.’
Golden: Explaining why he picked Sunday to come out, Harry wrote: ‘Today is #fathersday #pridemonth and the last #mensmentalhealthawareness week. I couldn;t waste an opportunity as gold as that’
Blended family: Harry has been spending lockdown with his ex Rebecca and their daughter Summer
‘I can burst with excitement sometimes over how proud I am to be Summers dad, and I will cherish every single moment with this kid until my very last breath.
‘For any dads out their who made mistakes along the way (because we all have), grow beyond it, fix it and never stop trying to be that inspiration, role model and super hero.
Harry finished the post by giving a shout out to other bisexual dads, and wrote:
‘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.’
I hear you: Harry shared a collage of images of himself and the daughter he shares with Rebecca, Summer, alongside a lengthy caption about Father’s Day
After sharing the news with his fans, Harry followed up by answering any other questions his followers had about his sexuality.
One person queried whether he and Rebecca spilt because of it, and he said: ‘This is a question I already anticipation people asking, and I’m definitely happy to share the truth. @beckadlington and I, NEVER got divorced because of my sexuality.
‘Becky is an absolutely incredible supportive friend, and has been from the start and always will be. I will also NEVER share the details as to why me and Becky went our separate ways, I hope you can respect that.’
Honest: After sharing the news with his fans, Harry followed up by answering any other questions his followers had about his sexuality
Harry admitted he has been ‘content’ with his sexuality for years but said that it can feel ‘confusing’ to begin with, before adding he was there for anyone struggling.
He added: ‘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… I’m always here to anyone who wants to reach out.’
The father-of-one also revealed that his friends and family were previously aware of his sexuality, he wants to share with his Instagram followers in the hope of helping.
Helping hand: The father-of-one also revealed that his friends and family were previously aware of his sexuality, he wants to share with his Instagram followers in the hope of helping
Love is love: A further post revealed that his family are ‘fully supportive’ of his choices as he said that they stand for equality in many aspects of life
A further post revealed that his family are ‘fully supportive’ of his choices as he said that they stand for equality in many aspects of life.
Harry also revealed that he has previously enjoyed long-lasting relationships with both sexes, as he added that he has ‘treasured’ every one.
He finished by saying: ‘I’ve been very fortunate with all the people I’ve crossed paths and grown with.’
Harry also offered advice on coming out to loved ones, and said: ‘Anyone that truly loves you will accept you for who you are.
‘It can 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. Start a conversation. It’s as simple as that.’
Harry and Rebecca have remained on good terms following their split and are currently locked down together during the coronavirus pandemic.
Rebecca recently shed light on co-parenting Summer with ex Harry after isolating together with her boyfriend Andrew Parsons and his friend Michael Gunning.
In a new interview with HELLO!, the Olympian said her daughter with her former husband has ‘loved’ spending rare quality time with them both, gushing: ‘She gets the best of both worlds!’
Family first: The Olympian and her former husband, 28, were isolating together with her boyfriend Andrew Parsons and his friend Michael Gunning (pictured)
The award-winning swimmer credited the coronavirus lockdown for forming a solid routine, with their little girl spending three days each at their respective homes.
Rebecca said: ‘She goes to Harry’s for three days, she comes to mine for three days. We have co-parented really well and found our routine. She gets the best of both worlds!’
The media personality said she felt ‘bad’ at the start of lockdown because Summer struggled with leaving school as a only child, but has since adapted to ‘spending quality time with mummy and daddy.’
The athlete explained: ‘Normally we’re such in a rush, we pick her up from school, take her to tennis or swimming, for the first time she’s spent real quality time with us.
‘We’re not going anywhere, we just sit and chat and laugh or just dance, snuggle. We used to do bits of that at the weekend, but this is quality time.’
In good company: The award-winning swimmer has said her daughter has ‘loved’ spending rare quality time with them both
Healthy co-parenting: The athlete credited the coronavirus lockdown for forming a solid routine, with their little girl spending three days each at their respective homes
It was recently claimed she invited Harry to temporarily move into the home she shares with Andrew, so he can be closer to their daughter.
They split in 2016 after 18 months of marriage, and Rebecca went onto reveal she was dating the property manager in 2018.
Sources told The Sun that Harry also brought along his close friend, competitive swimmer Michael, 26, to move into the house, and despite it seeming odd from the outside, they’ve been getting on well.
Impressive: The blonde beauty also revealed her kid has followed in her footsteps by taking up swimming, and recently revealed she’s been missing the sport
They said: ‘Their arrangement is very amicable and they’re doing what’s best for Summer.
‘They still get on really well despite their split, so why not? And Harry’s friend Michael is close with the others too.
‘They’re all really enjoying each other’s company and, what with their shared interest in swimming, it was a no-brainer.’
Harry shared a glimpse of the new domestic set-up in a selfie with Rebecca, their daughter, Andrew and Michael last month, writing: ‘Couldn’t wish to be stuck at home with a better bunch of people, so glad my bestie had a birthday to remember.’
Michael – himself a competitive swimmer – also appeared on MTV’s The Bi Life in 2018.
MailOnline has contacted representatives for Rebecca for comment at the time of publication.
Going strong: Rebecca confirmed her romance with property manager Andrew in December 2018
