GK Barry, known for her appearance on I’m A Celebrity and her presence on TikTok, opened up about her childhood experience with religion.
The 25-year-old, whose real name is Grace Keeling, shared why she moved away from her religious upbringing during a candid conversation with Reverend Richard Coles on the show.
The two struck up an unexpected friendship, which led to Grace revealing her thoughts on faith and sexuality.
The Turning Point in Her Religious Journey
Grace recalled attending a religious camp as a child, where she was told by men not to engage in sex before marriage.
Even at just 13 years old, she vividly remembers thinking, “Well, that’s not gonna happen. I see my future and it involves scissoring now.”
This moment marked the beginning of her distancing herself from religious teachings.
As she and Reverend Richard delved into their discussion, Grace asked if it was difficult for him to balance being gay and holding a religious position.
Richard, with a lighthearted response, confessed that he had never felt anxiety about whether God approved of his sexuality.
He even mentioned, “Sometimes I look at documents from the early church, or the church of the middle ages and I just think – so gay.”
Unexpected Friendship with a Reverend
Grace also reflected on how her relationship with Richard had become one of the most unexpected yet meaningful connections she’s formed in the jungle.
She admitted, “I came into this jungle, maybe not knowing who I would gel with or who I would be close with… but, he is honestly… I think he might be my favourite person in here.”
Their camaraderie was clear, and when Richard was asked about the most interesting person he’d met, he humorously replied, “I think I’m looking at her.”
A Subtle Dedication to Her Girlfriend
Earlier in the show, Grace had also opened up about her relationship with Lioness footballer Ella Rutherford.
Grace shared a touching tribute to Ella with her campmates, revealing a small “E” painted on her fingernail where a wedding ring would typically go.
The gesture was a sign of her affection for the Ipswich footballer, with Grace explaining that she had asked her manicurist to paint the letter before heading into the jungle.
Coming Out and Her Parents’ Support
Grace took the opportunity to share more about her journey with her parents and her relationship with Ella.
Though Grace had never formally told her parents about her sexuality, they had been aware of Ella’s name, as Grace would casually mention her.
It wasn’t until her parents visited her in London and saw them together that Grace finally admitted, “Oh, she’s my girlfriend.”
Grace’s parents were supportive, saying, “Whoever you end up with, we do not care, boy or girl, as long as they’re not a d*ck.”
The End of a Long-Term Relationship
Before her relationship with Ella, Grace had been in a long-term relationship with fellow TikTok star Billy Hunt.
The two were introduced by Gogglebox star Joe Baggs, and Grace fondly remembers how their connection began at a party: “Billy was the only straight man there, I launched myself at him, and it’s been history ever since.”
However, the couple broke up last year, and Grace has since embraced her new identity.
Speaking openly about her sexuality, she stated, “I don’t like men anymore. I will never go back to a man. God forbid.”
She expressed how happy she felt in her new relationship, saying, “I feel like I’ve got spring in my step. I feel like I’m glowing. It’s the lesbian glow. I’ve got it.”
Grace’s journey of self-discovery and her openness about her identity have been a significant part of her story, and her candidness continues to resonate with her fans.
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