Sawyer Hemsley Comes Out as Gay in Candid Instagram Post

Alright, let’s get one thing straight—coming out in 2024 shouldn’t still be headline news, but here we are. Sawyer Hemsley, the 33-year-old co-founder of Crumbl Cookies, took to Instagram on August 25 to share that he’s gay, and surprise, surprise, the internet is both applauding and side-eyeing the move. Because of course it is. Welcome to the club, Sawyer. It’s called “being a public figure in America,” and it’s full of both love and judgment.

Now, if you’re not familiar, Hemsley is one-half of the duo behind Crumbl, the wildly successful cookie chain that started in Logan, Utah, back in 2017. Alongside his cousin Jason McGowan, he turned a sugary idea into a nationwide phenomenon. But behind the frosted facade of success, he’s been quietly navigating a personal journey that, until recently, he wasn’t ready to share with the world.

In his Instagram post, Hemsley explained that the decision to come out wasn’t made lightly. He cited online speculation about his sexuality that he felt could be “harmful,” prompting him to take control of his own narrative. “Instead of letting others write my story, I want to share it in my own words,” he wrote. “Over the past few years I’ve come to understand and accept that I’m gay.”

He also opened up about the emotional toll of reconciling his identity with his upbringing. Hemsley grew up in Southeastern Idaho, served a mission in Mexico for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and clearly carries those values with him. “I grew up with values and beliefs that I still deeply love and respect, which made this journey more complicated,” he said. “I remain grateful for my foundation, even as I’ve worked to embrace this truth about myself.”

Let’s be real—this kind of vulnerability doesn’t come without risk, especially in a state like Utah, where conservative values still hold weight. But Hemsley approached it with a mix of courage and caution, acknowledging that some might have questions or judgments. Still, he remained hopeful: “I’m hopeful that kindness, empathy, and love will lead the way as others take time to understand the importance of living authentically.”

And guess what? The kindness came. Fans flooded the comments with support, with one user writing, “Well said, and welcome to the family!” Another chimed in, “I love you and am so proud of you! Forever grateful to call you my friend. love is love is love!!!!!”

Of course, Hemsley isn’t the first public figure to come out in recent years. The article also highlighted a few other notable names, including a Dance Moms alum who came out in 2021 and a Flowers singer who identified as pansexual back in 2016. Each story is unique, but they all share a common thread: the struggle to be seen and accepted for who they truly are.

So where does this leave Sawyer Hemsley? At the intersection of personal truth and public life. He’s still the same entrepreneur who built a cookie empire, but now he’s doing it with a little more honesty—and hopefully, a lot more peace.

And that’s today’s dose of reality. You’re welcome.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! Online, Utah State Magazine
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