Adam Rippon officially has a boyfriend
(adaripp/instagram)
Sorry, guys – Adam Rippon has revealed he has a boyfriend.
The US figure skater won America’s hearts during the Winter Olympics with his A-grade sass, and attracted hundreds of suitors after constantly dropping hints in interviews about how single-and-ready-to-mingle he was.
Well, apparently it worked.
Rippon’s boyfriend is not Sally Field’s gay son… or the TV host who asked him out in a live interview… or the viral drag queen Elsa who suggested the pair hang out on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
The figure skater posted a shirtless selfie to Instagram with the man of the moment, the Finnish-born Jussi-Pekka Kajaala.
Rippon wrote: “Good boys Finnish first”.
Speaking to PEOPLE, Rippon revealed that he met his beau on Tinder.
He explained the pair have been “been talking for the past seven months” before they recently “started to hang out a little bit more.”
They made it official in the past few weeks.
Jussi-Pekka Kajaala
Rippon added: “It’s fresh! I’m fresh.”
He quipped: “Now that I’m even busier, I thought it was a better time [for us] to hang out.”
Rippon had to fend off date requests left and right after the Olympics, having had a rather public advance from actress Sally Field on behalf of her gay son.
The pair actually did later meet up, though Rippon added that they’re likely to just be friends.
Rippon is now working with LGBT charity GLAAD on a youth engagement campaign.
(Getty)
Speaking with Ellen DeGeneres earlier this month, the activist said: “I’m working with GLAAD’s youth engagement program and you know this is so important because we’re reaching these kids and they’re becoming activists in their community. When I was young, to have somebody out there that I could’ve looked up to, it would’ve made a world of difference, and it would’ve changed my life.
“When I was young, I had a goldfish named Princess Diana, and that should have been the writing on the wall for me.
“I also had a goldfish name Diaria, spelled diarrhea, for balance. It’s a family name.
“But to have these young kids going out there and changing the world. This is something that I need to be a part of.”
“It is really important for the youth out there to have somebody, and have a face on television and sports and every area, and say that there are gay people everywhere, and know you’re not alone.
“One in five kids today identify with some sort of LGBTQ identity. That’s one in five. Right here, we’re two for two.
“So look to your left. Look to your right. And if nobody’s gay, you’re probably the one!”
(YouTube/theellenshow)
It was also announced that Rippon will join Britney Spears onstage at the 29th Annual GLAAD Media Awards on April 12.
The pair have previously tweeted their adoration for each other.
During the Olympics, Britney tweeted: “Hey @Adaripp…. I just wanted let you know that I am a fan, I am not in denial, and that you are THE MOST FUN!! Keep making us all smile at the #WinterOlympics and good luck today ✨⛸.’
He responded: “I could feel you on the ice with me @britneyspears. I now have an OVERWHELMING desire to post Instagram fashion shows, google stock imagines of corn, and paint on the balcony of my dorm in the Olympic village. Thank you for not being in denial, LOVE YOU.’
(Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Speaking to Rippon, Ellen said: “I love you so much. I don’t know what I’m going to do with you, but I’m doing something with you.
“I want you to do something on the show. You’re fantastic, and we want to be the first to make a donation to your fundraiser.”
The talk show host surprised the athlete with a $10,000 donation to the cause.
Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD, said: “This year America fell in love with our LGBTQ Olympians, and Adam Rippon stood out in that esteemed crowd with his activism, passion, humor, and willingness to always be himself.
“Adam is a champion who will accelerate acceptance for LGBTQ youth and inspire them to achieve their dreams while proudly living their truth.”
