Bachelorette’s Gabby Windey Reveals How She Realized She Was a Lesbian
Gabby Windey, best known as a lead on The Bachelorette, recently opened up about her journey to discovering her sexuality. In a candid conversation on the In Your Dreams podcast, Windey shared how she came to realize she was a lesbian, reflecting on her past relationships, emotional milestones, and the pivotal moments that led her to embrace her identity.
- Gabby Windey shared that she always had an “inkling” about her sexuality but didn’t fully explore it until later in life.
- Her journey included emotional connections with friends and a growing disconnect in relationships with men.
- Windey found clarity after experimenting with dating both men and women on the dating app Raya.
- She met her now-wife, Robby Hoffman, shortly after deciding to fully embrace her identity.
- Windey’s story highlights the importance of self-discovery and challenging societal expectations.
Early Indications of Identity
Windey revealed that she had always felt a “whisper” suggesting she might be queer. Growing up in a community with strong Christian values, however, she didn’t immediately pursue these feelings. During her time as a nurse, she formed a close friendship with a lesbian colleague, marking her first emotional attraction to another woman. Despite this, she didn’t consciously think of herself as gay at the time.
Disconnect from Traditional Expectations
When Windey transitioned from nursing to becoming a cheerleader for the Denver Broncos, she found herself surrounded by hyper-heteronormative environments. “At the end, all my friends were getting married and having babies,” she explained, “but I wasn’t clicking with the guys.” This disconnect became more pronounced after her stint on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, where she got engaged to Erich Schwer. The relationship ended months later, leading Windey to question what she truly wanted.
A Turning Point in LA
After moving back to Los Angeles, Windey began exploring her sexuality more openly. Encouraged by a gay friend, she attended LGBTQ+ events and started dating women through the app Raya. Her first date with a woman was eye-opening, though she admitted she wasn’t immediately ready for the dynamic. “I needed someone to take control,” she noted, alluding to her future partner, Robby Hoffman.
Meeting Her Forever Partner
Windey’s life took a meaningful turn when she met comedian and writer Robby Hoffman outside a bar. The two hit it off, and their relationship blossomed quickly. By August 2023, they were publicly confirming their relationship, and in March 2025, they tied the knot. Of her wife, Windey said, “Robby’s my forever,” emphasizing the happiness and fulfillment she’s found in their partnership.
What This Means for You
Gabby Windey’s story is a powerful reminder that self-discovery is a journey, not a destination. For those questioning their own identity, her experience underscores the importance of patience, exploration, and surrounding yourself with supportive individuals. It’s never too late to follow your heart and live authentically.
FAQs
- How did Gabby Windey realize she was a lesbian?
- She reflected on emotional connections with women and a lack of fulfillment in relationships with men, eventually exploring dating women.
- Who is Gabby Windey’s wife?
- Gabby is married to comedian and writer Robby Hoffman, whom she met in 2023.
- What role did her environment play in her journey?
- Growing up in a Christian community and working in heteronormative spaces delayed her self-discovery but also helped her recognize what didn’t align with her true self.
- What advice does Gabby’s story offer to others questioning their identity?
- Take the time to explore, be patient with yourself, and seek out supportive communities that allow you to grow authentically.
- When did Gabby publicly come out?
- Gabby publicly confirmed her relationship with Robby Hoffman in August 2023.
