Paulie Calafiore is officially family.
The Challenge: USA star first hinted that he identifies as bisexual during an episode of the show, before his emotional elimination in episode three.
“I came through athletics, so that forced me to repress who I was, sexually,” he shared with his co-star Tori Deal. “I didn’t know if I was attracted to women, attracted to men, or if it was just like an energy thing. I’d be like, ‘I need to prove that I’m the most alpha human in the world.’”
Following the episode, he took to X (formerly Twitter) to elaborate further. “Returning to
The Challenge was an unexpected rollercoaster in many ways,” he wrote. “I didn’t expect to leave so early, for starters (lol) - but even better, I didn’t expect to make so many friends, repair relationships and reveal such personal attributes about who I am and my sexuality.”
Finally, Calafiore confirmed that he identifies as bisexual during an interview with GLAAD’s Anthony Allen Ramos. “I am bisexual,” he shared. “I feel good about finally being able to talk about this.”
“I almost felt guilty that it’s taken me this long,” he elaborated. “And I really had to change my perspective and be like, ‘Well, you know there might be other people that are going through this exact same thing… and maybe this is what they needed to hear and what they needed to see in order to do it themselves.’”
“Maybe there’s a younger version of me somewhere who gets to see this and [says], ‘You know what? I don’t have to pretend to be this because I’m an athlete,’” he added.
Following the interview, Calafiore again took to social media to share how he’s feeling after coming out. “So many emotions right now I haven’t even had a chance to process. My heart is bleeding with gratitude. My soul is burning with humility. I’m so sad I had an early exit but I am so happy that I was able to show you another layer to myself and my journey,” he wrote. “To all the new friendships I’ve made, to all the old friendships repaired. I love all of you and I can’t wait to show you how much stronger I come back. The support is so beautiful.”
In response to the post, his girlfriend of five years, fellow Challenge alum Cara Maria Sorbello, wrote, “Always by your side.” in support.
Welcome to the family, Paulie!
