How a Fierce Rivalry Became the Unexpected Catalyst for His Bold Coming Out Story

The American television drama Heated Rivalry – about two male professional ice hockey players in a secret relationship – has become the first viral show of 2026.

For most viewers, it is entertainment to be talked about at work or online. For Jesse Kortuem, it hit deeper.

Born, raised and still living in Minneapolis, he grew up with skates on his feet and loved ice hockey – but stepped away from the sport at 17 as he felt he would not be accepted because of his sexuality.

More than two decades later, watching Heated Rivalry inspired Kortuem to come out as gay, believing it shows attitudes within the sport have shifted for the better.

His Instagram post has since gone viral, leading to a “very surreal” start to the year.

“I’m just so grateful for where my life has ended up,” he tells BBC Sport. “To finally have that relief… to bring 110% of myself into the locker room. Something was speaking to me through the show – I had to let something out.

“Then that release was shared with the entire world. For the first couple of days, it was shocking, but now it is humbling – people have reached out to say it inspired them to have the conversation with their parents. I’m honestly speechless.”