Since joining “HGTV Design Star” in 2006, David Bromstad has made no secret of the fact that he identifies as gay. “I was like, ‘I’m not playing it straight. I’m playing it me,'” he said on the “HGTV Obsessed” podcast while discussing his decision to come out of the closet early into the competition. “And that was so liberating. Usually, TV will either break you or make you, and that made me because I was now being my authentic self and being celebrated by the network by being that person. And that was the start of everything.” Before letting the world know about his sexual identity, Bromstad had already come out as queer to his family and friends back when he was 22 years old. Speaking to Room Fu in 2017, Bromstad expressed his desire to be recognized for his personal and career achievements rather than simply for his sexuality.
“I’m David Bromstad… I’m a designer and an artist and I just happen to like boys,” he said. “It’s not the other way around. It’s not, ‘I’m David Bromstad and I’m gay.'” He added, “It’s not something that defines you. It’s just something that you are.” Of his sexuality, Bromstad said, “I’m not some flaming queen, and I’m not the butchest thing in the world either. I’m kind of teetering on this little ledge of fabulousness that people seem to really enjoy.” Additionally, Bromstad has been open with fans about his dating life and relationship status.
