What is Katie Thurston's sexuality? Inside 'The Bachelorette' star's LGBTQ+ controversy
Katie Thurston made quite the splash with her entry in Matt James' 'The Bachelor' when she gifted him a vibrator. Even though her bold side raised eyebrows, Thurston has always been confident of her choices. But does that always serve her well? Let's find out.
In May 2021, one of Thurston's posts on social media came under fire. She was kissing fellow 'Bachelor' alum Casandra Suarez in the photo, which drew a lot of flak. Her followers dubbed the move as "queer baiting," US Weekly reported. A few hours later, when the hate grew out of control, Thurston removed the post and issued an apology on her Instagram stories.
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"To my followers: I’ve removed my most recent post after realizing how many people from the LGBTQ+ [community] I hurt," the Washington native wrote and added: "I am so sorry. I’ve read the comments and better understand why my post was offensive. I will continue to learn from my mistakes. I want to always be an ally and today I’m sorry I let you down."
Fans were unforgiving with some even commenting on her sexuality, which she defended in one of her comments on the now-deleted post."I did not intend for this picture to be a statement about my sexuality. This is simply a friendship post. I've never spoken publicly about my sexuality nor am I doing so with this picture. Nothing but love for everyone," she wrote under one of the threads only to delete it later. 
While chatting with Rachel Lindsay and Becca Kufrin on 'Bachelor Happy Hour', Katie shared how she has always been open-minded about sex. “It wasn’t some agenda that I had coming on to the show. It’s just who I am and who I’ve been this whole time. It wasn’t until after the fact that I realized how big of a deal it was — which excites me because I do believe it’s 2021 and women should be comfortable talking about their sexuality," she said and added that she appreciates those who are comfortable talking about it.
Meanwhile, Thurston will have 30 men try and impress her over a course of weeks. By the end of dates and tasks, she must decide who deserves the final rose. Previously, MEAWW reported that Greg Grippo and Blake Moynes are the two suitors who feature in her Final Four list.
'The Bachelorette' Season 17 premieres on ABC on June 7, Monday at 8/7 c. For more information, check your local listings.