Josh Seiter, a 37-year-old former contestant on The Bachelorette, is facing intense scrutiny and criticism following her recent announcement that she is transgender.

Seiter, who came out in May, said she has received death threats and experienced significant backlash.

“Ironically, I’ve found that the far left and the LGBTQ community have been some of the most vitriolic and mean towards me throughout all of this,” Seiter told The Daily Mail. “I haven’t been met with acceptance, tolerance and open arms like the left loves to preach about.”

The Chicago resident, who previously worked as a male stripper and maintained an OnlyFans account, is no stranger to controversy. Last summer, her Instagram account was hacked, resulting in a false announcement of her death.

Seiter’s decision to keep her facial hair while transitioning has drawn criticism and skepticism about the authenticity of her gender identity. She has also faced pushback for expressing her desire to use women’s restrooms and be treated traditionally on dates.

Despite the negativity, Seiter remains committed to being open about her journey. “I didn’t want to live a lie,” she explained. “I found all of the relief in telling my loved ones. No relief ever comes from telling strangers.”

Raised in a strict Born Again Christian family in Urbana, Illinois, Seiter said she always felt different but lacked the vocabulary to express her feelings as a child. Her coming out has strained some family relationships, including with her eldest brother, from whom she is now estranged.

Seiter, who describes herself as a Libertarian, emphasized the importance of open dialogue and free speech. “We live in a democracy in America where you have freedom of speech and it’s okay to disagree with people,” she said. “I love that. I’m always going to encourage it.”

For others considering coming out, Seiter advises managing expectations and doing it for personal reasons rather than external validation. “If you come out wanting something in return, you’re going to be disappointed,” she cautioned. “Do what makes you happy.”

Despite the challenges, Seiter remains active on social media and continues to engage in public discussions about her transition and experiences.

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Lauren Ramsey

Article by Lauren Ramsey

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