Hockey Player Jesse Kortuem Comes Out as Gay, Finds Acceptance on the Ice

Kortuem's personal journey challenges stereotypes and opens a conversation about LGBTQ+ inclusion in hockey.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:52am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a hockey player in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors, conceptually representing the breaking down of barriers and stereotypes in the sport.Kortuem's courageous coming out story challenges traditional notions of masculinity in hockey and opens the door for greater LGBTQ+ inclusion in the sport.Las Vegas Today

In a courageous move, hockey player Jesse Kortuem has publicly come out as gay, crediting the podcast Heated Rivalry as a catalyst for his decision. Kortuem's story challenges long-standing stereotypes about masculinity in hockey and opens a much-needed conversation about inclusivity in the sport.

Why it matters

Kortuem's story highlights the internal struggle many LGBTQ+ athletes face in reconciling their identity with the perceived macho culture of traditional sports like hockey. His openness about his journey provides hope and inspiration for other athletes still in the closet.

The details

Growing up in Minnesota, the 'State of Hockey,' sports were a core part of Kortuem's identity. But as a young teenager, he carried a secret that felt at odds with the masculine culture of the sport. In 2017, Kortuem reached a breaking point, considering either staying closeted or quitting hockey altogether. However, a turning point came when he attended the Sin City Classic, an annual gay sports event in Las Vegas, and met a group of gay hockey players. These friendships helped Kortuem move past the closeted athlete persona and find peace, though he admits it's still a work in progress.

  • Kortuem publicly came out in a Facebook post in April 2026.
  • In 2017, Kortuem attended the Sin City Classic in Las Vegas, a pivotal moment in his journey.

The players

Jesse Kortuem

A hockey player who publicly came out as gay, crediting the podcast Heated Rivalry as a catalyst for his decision.

Heated Rivalry

A podcast that Kortuem cited as a catalyst for his decision to come out publicly.

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What they’re saying

“I am a private person, but lately, something has sparked in me—yes, thanks to Heated Rivalry—and I realized it's time to share a story I've kept close for far too long.”

— Jesse Kortuem, Hockey Player

“From that moment forward, my life has never been the same.”

— Jesse Kortuem, Hockey Player

“This is my story, but I share it for the athletes still in the closet or struggling to find their way. There is hope. You're not alone. There's a life and deep happiness waiting for you. You will get through this, and it's going to be okay.”

— Jesse Kortuem, Hockey Player

What’s next

Kortuem's story has sparked a broader conversation about LGBTQ+ inclusion in hockey, and many are hopeful that his openness will inspire more athletes to feel comfortable being their authentic selves on the ice.

The takeaway

Kortuem's courageous decision to come out as gay challenges long-held stereotypes about masculinity in hockey and provides a message of hope for other LGBTQ+ athletes struggling to reconcile their identity with the perceived culture of their sport.