Simran Joshi
Celebrity Hairstylist Chris Appleton Reveals Coming Out Struggle When He Was 26
Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, who works with stars like Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian, spoke candidly on Bethenny Frankel’s podcast on Nov. 14th on Just B about coming out as gay at age 26, having two young children with ex-partner Katie Katon. “I think coming out later in life, it was extremely hard because I had two kids,” Appleton explained.
“I had a partner I’d been with for, like, 9 years, I thought I had it all figured out. Everyone else also thought I had it all figured out.”
Appleton said he always felt somewhat at war with the outside world. “Hair was the first time I ever had the feeling of being good at something. I was dyslexic, so I didn’t fit into the group,” he said, remembering how he was bullied in school because people suspected him to be gay. Through it all, Appleton said coming out “is essential for living their truth”.
Appleton’s Relationship with Ex-Partner Katie Katon
Though it was difficult to deal with his identity while raising children, Appleton says that Katon was super supportive of him in that process. “She was absolutely fantastic, incredibly supportive,” he says while talking about their ongoing relationship although they are separated from each other.
They both remain close to each other despite their separation. “I think you had to mourn a part of someone that you had to let go,” Katon said when Appleton reflected on his journey. This understanding between them has helped foster a strong, supportive friendship.
Apples to Apples Appleton also shared a touching experience recalling finding again a video of his first photo shoot. “I was like, ‘I don’t know, I just remember him, I remember that guy. I was straight, I had two kids, I thought I had it all figured out,’ ” he said. “She was incredibly supportive,” he emphasized, showing the enduring trust and connection they still share.
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