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Grey's Anatomy's Hot Gay Doctor Just Came Out in Real Life!
"As a gay guy myself, tonight's episode was so special to me," said Jake Borelli.
Just a few months ago, it was announced that Grey's Anatomy would feature their first openly gay surgeon, Dr. Nico Kim, in its fifteenth season. And now, the romances are already getting steamy over at Grey-Sloan Memorial Hospital!
On last night's episode, Dr. Kim (Alex Landi) and surgical intern Levi Schmitt (Jake Borelli) shared a kiss in a hospital elevator.
After the episode aired, Borelli publically came out as gay in a moving Instagram post.
"As a gay guy myself, tonight's episode was so special to me. This is exactly the kind of story I craved as a young gay kid growing up in Ohio, and it blows my mind that I'm able to bring life to Dr. Levi Schmitt as he begins to grapple with his own sexuality this season on Grey’s Anatomy."
The 27-year-old continued:
"His vulnerability and courage inspire me every day, and I hope he can do the same for you. To all of you who feel like little Levis out there, know that I do too, that you are seen, and that we're all in this together. And to everyone who has supported me over the years, I can't thank you enough, and I love you more than all the stars..."
The actor has been out for nearly a decade but had to talk to his friends and family about coming out publicly.
"My dad said, 'When you have a truth about yourself and you finally have the courage to speak up and share that truth, a weight gets lifted,'" Borelli told Entertainment Weekly. "I knew in that moment this is the right thing to do. This is bigger than me."
The Ohio native understands the importance LGBT representation can be. He recalls staying up late to watch Degrassi and how it helped him come to terms with his sexuality. "I finally felt seen and understood from a piece of art. I’ve had so many comments from fans of the show who are finally feeling seen by this story, and I just want to let them know that I feel seen too. I’m right here with you and we’re all in this together."
Borelli hopes his story can help other LGBT people find strength and inspiration. "This is not just coming out for me. This is about speaking your truth and being authentic and really being vulnerable. For people who are watching, I hope it can inspire them to tell their truth, whatever that may be. It doesn’t have to be about being gay. It’s just about being honest."
Welcome to the family, Jake!
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
