Gio Benitez Opens Up About Coming Out in Candid Podcast with Husband Tommy DiDario

For the first time since the launch of his husband’s podcast, Good Morning America Weekend host Gio Benitez became the featured guest on"I've Never Said This Before With Tommy DiDario," offering a rare and deeply personal look into his experiences growing up gay, navigating the pressures of coming out, and finding authenticity both in private and in the public eye . The interview, which marks Benitez’s first long-form conversation in this format, has resonated widely in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

During the episode, DiDario posed a poignant question: what would Benitez tell his younger self, especially during those formative and challenging years in his twenties? Benitez’s response, “It’s all going to be OK,” was delivered with conviction and empathy, echoing the anxieties felt by many queer youth who fear that their identities might limit their futures .

Benitez went on to describe the profound impact of remaining closeted until the age of 24, reflecting on the emotional burden and the societal signals that suggested being open about his identity could hold him back professionally and personally. “You think about all the worries you have growing up… You spend so much time in your head thinking about that,” Benitez shared, capturing the isolation often experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals who feel unable to share their truth .

He highlighted the importance of acknowledging and nurturing the “little kid inside”—the younger self who lived through fear and hope, and who remains an essential part of one’s ongoing journey toward self-acceptance.

Benitez’s discussion with DiDario is notable not only for its candor but also for its broader significance in the ongoing narrative of LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media. As one of the most visible openly gay journalists on national television, Benitez’s story underscores the progress that has been made, while also illustrating the lingering challenges faced by LGBTQ+ professionals .

The couple’s own public journey—from their engagement in Paris in 2015 to their wedding in Miami in 2016—has been closely followed and celebrated by many in the queer community. Their openness about their relationship, bolstered by moments like this podcast interview, provides much-needed visibility and affirmation for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking to see their lives and loves reflected in public figures .

The timing and tone of Benitez’s podcast appearance come at a moment when conversations about LGBTQ+ inclusion, mental health, and self-acceptance remain urgent. His reflections on internalized fear and societal expectations serve as a reminder of the emotional labor that many queer individuals still face, even as visibility and acceptance continue to grow.

The podcast, hosted by DiDario, has previously featured a diverse range of guests who share untold stories and explore facets of their identities often left unexamined in the public sphere. However, this episode’s personal nature—and the couple’s dynamic—brings a unique intimacy and authenticity that has drawn acclaim from listeners and LGBTQ+ advocates .

Benitez’s advice to his younger self, and to listeners who may be struggling with similar issues, centers on reassurance and hope: that coming out, while difficult, does not diminish one’s potential or worth. Instead, embracing one’s truth can be a source of strength and connection.

The visibility of LGBTQ+ journalists like Benitez is significant in a media landscape that continues to grapple with issues of diversity and representation. By sharing his personal story on a platform co-created with his husband, Benitez not only offers comfort to those on similar journeys but also challenges lingering stigmas about what it means to be LGBTQ+ in public life .

His presence on Good Morning America Weekend, as well as his willingness to talk about his experiences, signals a broader shift toward authenticity and inclusion in media organizations, encouraging others within and outside the industry to embrace their identities.

In the wake of the podcast episode’s release, responses from LGBTQ+ community members and allies have been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for Benitez’s openness and the couple’s ongoing commitment to advocacy and representation. Their story, far from being a singular narrative, echoes the broader experiences of countless individuals who navigate the complexities of identity, family, and society.

By bringing these conversations into the mainstream, Benitez and DiDario contribute to a culture of acceptance and support, reminding listeners that progress is not just measured by policy or visibility, but by the everyday moments of courage and compassion that shape lives.

As the conversation around LGBTQ+ inclusion continues to evolve, the significance of storytelling—particularly from those who have lived through and overcome adversity—remains paramount. Benitez’s interview serves as both a testament to personal resilience and a call to action for continued advocacy, visibility, and empathy.

For listeners and readers alike, the message is clear: every story matters, and every voice has the power to inspire change.