The Bachelorette’s Gabby Windey Admits She Was Surprised She Fell for a Woman but Sees a Future with ‘My Girl’

That surprised Windey, 32, too.

The Viewco-hostSunny Hostinsaid she “didn’t see that twist coming.”

Windey then shared how and when she came to the realization.

“I was trying to make the relationship work afterBachelorette,” Windey began, referring to her engagement toErich Schwer. “And then I had finally had time to settle in L.A. and I think it was always a whisper in me that just got louder and louder and I didn’t really know to pay attention to it.”

Gabby Windey coming out post

The reality star admitted that, at first, she felt a bit ashamed about liking a woman.

“When this happens, there’s some shame, obviously, surround it,” Windey said. “So I think had to a little bit navigate through the shame. Like, what is it? Where’s it coming from? But ultimately, like I said, I always just want to kind of do me, do what I want, figure it out later.”

Now, Windey said of her identity, “I’m proud.”

Co-hostJoy Beharasked Windey if she only plans to date girls going forward.

“I think so,” Windey responded. “I think it’s just my girl… she’s the best.”

TheDancing with the Starsseason 31 runner-up said she felt she owed it to herself, her girlfriend and her fans to be honest.

“Knowing how much people really care, I just want to be honest,” Windey said. “I don’t want to like, live and not be living my full truth. I don’t want to do that to myself. I don’t want to do it to my girlfriend. I don’t want to do it to other people who really care about me and feel like they know me.”

Windey also wanted people to hear her life update directly from her.

THE BACHELORETTE - 1903 Gabby and Rachel enter a crucial week of getting to know their men, full of exciting guest appearances2 the largest group date in Bachelorette history and shocking revelations that may have lasting consequences. First up, Rachel and one lucky guy are treated to a day of Hollywood glitz and glamour by TV host Karamo Brown, featuring a big-screen glimpse into each others lives set to the music of composer Matt White. Then, Gabbys one-on-one is crashed by her biggest fangrandpa Johnwhich begs the question, will her date be able to fit in with the family? Later, the remaining 19 men head to a pristine Pasadena palace for the largest group date in Bachelorette history, and legendary photographer Franco Lacosta helps the ladies envision their futures through his lens. Capping off the evening, the group will head to SoFi Stadium for a night of romance that takes an emotional turn when several men reveal shocking news to Gabby. Finally, after a rollercoaster week, the Bachelorettes make a decision at the rose ceremony that will alter the course of their journeys for the rest of the season; but when not all goes as expected, Gabby and Rachel are left to question everything on an all-new episode of the The Bachelorette airing MONDAY, JULY 25 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EDT), on ABC. (Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Images) GABBY WINDEY, ERICH

Windey also said that she hadn’t told her her ex Schwer, 30, about her new relationship prior to coming onThe View.

“Love you with my entire heart and soul,” Windey’s co-BacheloretteRachel Recchiawrote.

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Another former Bachelorette,Kaitlyn Bristowe, wrote that she “needed this love story!!”

Becca Tilley, who is dating singerHayley Kioko, commented, “We love a girls girl,” and Kioko, 34, wrote, “Summer’s for the girls.”

Windey also received support from GLAAD, the world’s largest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization.

source: people.com