Gus Kenworthy makes history at Winter Olympics with gay kiss on live TV

In one kiss, screened live on TV, Gus Kenworthy has broken down barriers.

The US freestyle skier kissed partner Matt Wilkas at Pyeongyang before competing at the Sochi Olympics.

Screened live on NBC, it was shown in the US and around the world.

Commenters referred to the actor as his boyfriend and even showed supporters waving rainbow flags.

Gus Kenworthy on the historic gay Olympic kiss

‘It’s something I was too scared to do for myself,’ Kenworthy said after the competition.

‘To be able to do that, to give him a kiss, to have that affection broadcast to the world, is incredible.

‘The only way to really change perceptions, to break down barriers, break down homophobia, is through representation.

He added: ‘That’s definitely not something I had as a kid.

‘I never saw a gay athlete kissing their boyfriend at the Olympics.

‘I think if I had, it would’ve made it easier for me.’

Prior to the event, Kenworthy spoke about how proud he was to have his partner there.

Matt Wilkas on the historic kiss

And while Kenworthy didn’t get a medal, likely due to breaking his thumb in practice this week, he is still a part of history.

‘It’s good that it’s televised because it normalizes it more,’ Wilkas told Time.

‘I would imagine it would be a huge moment for a young gay kid to see an awesome athlete so open and proud of himself and not caring what anyone thinks of his sexuality.’

Following up success in Sochi

While this may be Gus Kenworthy’s second Olympics, it is his first as being an openly gay athlete.

Winning a silver medal in Sochi, he said he felt ‘horrible’ about being closeted at the Russian Games.

He came out in 2015, and has become a high profile star. And with this kiss, he has made history.

(H/T Outsports.com)

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