Julianne Hough Reflects on Sexuality Journey: "I'm Just Learning What Love Is"

Julianne Hough, the former *Strictly Come Dancing

judge and host, has opened up about her evolving understanding of her sexuality, almost five years after revealing she is "not straight."

The 36-year-old, who has since returned to the *Strictly

stage as a co-host, spoke candidly about her journey on the *Jamie Kern Lima Show* podcast, stating that coming out is "one of the most vulnerable and empowering things that you can do."

"It's not about being straight or gay or bi or queer," Hough explained. "It's more about, I think I'm just learning like what love is and I love people and I don't know what I'm attracted to, but I choose you."

The *Grease Live!

star first publicly addressed her sexuality in a 2019 interview with *Women's Health*, where she recalled telling her then-husband, Brooks Laich, "You know I'm not straight, right?"

"He was like, 'I'm sorry, what?'" Hough continued. "I was like, 'I'm not. But I choose to be with you.'"

Hough and Laich subsequently divorced in 2022 after almost five years of marriage. However, reflecting on their relationship, Hough shared a poignant perspective, stating that it was "the greatest thing that could have happened to me at that time."

She explained that she needed a sense of safety and stability, describing it as a "little girl feeling" seeking a "father figure" role in Laich. "He provided such a beautiful foundation for me to be a little girl," she said.

Despite their separation, Hough maintains that she and Laich remain "very important, special people" in each other's lives, noting their mutual respect and growth during their time together.

"We shared a really powerful season together," she concluded. "I know that I also brought a lot of things to his life that he shared with me also, and so it has definitely felt like a mutual respect and love and period of growth for both of us."