Hockey player inspired by Heated Rivalry to come out as gay - Forum

Jonathan Tovell

Jan 15, 2026

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Jesse Kortuem shared a post today coming out as gay, being inspired by new hit show Heated Rivalry to share the news.

"I know many closeted and gay men in the hockey world are being hit hard by Heated Rivalry's success," Kortuem told Out.com. "Never in my life did I think something so positive and loving could come from such a masculine sport."

Check out Kortuem's full statement in Out.com's article below.

"On the outside, I was still a top-tier player. On the inside, I was still that kid in Minnesota hiding," the player wrote in his coming-out statement.

www.out.comHeated Rivalry inspires real-life hockey player to come out as gay"On the outside, I was still a top-tier player. On the inside, I was still that kid in Minnesota hiding," the player wrote in his coming-out statement.

Have you watched Heated Rivalry? What do you think of its impact?