Christian Wilkins has opened up about why he never ‘came out’ to his dad Richard Wilkins

HE’S the youngest son of Richard Wilkins. But 24-year-old Christian has opened up about why he never came out to his father.

THE youngest son of Channel 9’s entertainment guru Richard Wilkins has revealed why he chose not to ‘come out’ about his sexuality to his famous father.

Christian Wilkins, who goes by the name “Prince Wilkins” on social media, has made a name for himself at VIP events for showing off his unique style while walking the red carpet.

But the 23-year-old says his confidence comes from a place of insecurity and low self-esteem, and that accepting his sexuality was difficult — especially in his teenage years.

This article is based on extracts from the Balls Deep podcast series, a production by news.com.au. For the full episode with socialite Christian Wilkins, listen to the podcast below. You can subscribe to Balls Deep on iTunes.

Speaking with news.com.au podcast Balls Deep— a series of interviews with men talking about the topics they don’t normally discuss — Wilkins said he never felt like he fit.

“I have always had issues with self esteem,” he explained.

“There was a phase when I didn’t like the fact that I was gay. It was very hard for me to articulate [problems] because I didn’t really understand them completely.

Richard Wilkins’ son Christian said his confidence comes from a place of low self-esteem.

“I think I am very confident but I think that confidence comes from having low self-esteem. I have come to a point now where I do really like myself … but when I was younger … I was a weird, arty gay kid that didn’t really fit in.

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“It was a long time before I had any romantic interest from people, and I think that played with me a lot.

“I put on this mask of confidence and it became this real deal after a while.”

Richard Wilkins with his youngest son Christian. Picture: Supplied

Christian, who says he’s never come out to his dad because he was “never in”, said the pressure for people to reveal their sexuality to the world isn’t an announcement he ever wanted to make publicly.

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“I have never said to either of my parents I am gay,” he said. “I just don’t think there was ever this assumption that I was necessarily straight or that I needed to say something.

“I remember a few years ago one of my dad’s friends said to me one night that dad wanted me to come out and that he wanted me to say that I was gay to him.

Christian Wilkins said he never felt the need to come out to his dad, Richard. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images.

Christian Wilkins with his dad, Channel 9’s entertainment guru, Richard Wilkins. Picture: John Feder/The Australian.

“The next Monday I went in to his office and shut the door. I was a little bit annoyed because I didn’t really think that was something that he [Richard Wilkins] should want.

“I said to him, ‘why do you want me to come out?’ And he turned to me and said, ‘honestly I don’t know what you mean? If you feel the need to come out then I’m here and I want you to know that I love you, but you don’t need to do anything for me’.”

Following the announcement of Australia voting Yes to marriage equality, Richard Wilkins shared a heartwarming message while on set of Today.

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Richard Wilkins opened up about his son Christian following Australia's 'yes' vote for marriage equality.

At the end of a segment, Wilkins stopped the show and stared straight down the barrel of the camera to give a message to his “beautiful boy”, Christian.

“It was a significant day yesterday for Australia, which has of course resonated around the world — and it was also a very profound day for my family,” he said through tears.

“My son Christian has been a passionate advocate for marriage equality.

“To see the joy and relief on his face yesterday made me very happy and extremely proud of my beautiful boy.

“It feels to me like we all grew up a little bit yesterday. I love you very much darling, very proud. Thank you.”

Christian Wilkins, who works as a model and social media editor at Channel 9. says he has an open dialogue with both of his parents.

Christian said he had very open dialogue with both of his parents, and that neither expected him to say the words “I am gay”.

“If you need to come out or you want to come out, then come out but you shouldn’t have to,” the part-time model said.

“I truly was never in, and I never felt the need to say ‘I am gay’ when reporters asked, because it was never an issue for my family or my friends.

Christian Wilkins said he has always been supported by a close group of friends and family.

Richard Wilkins with his son Christian.

“I am really, really proud of my dad. To be his son, follow in his footsteps is a huge honour and not something I’m ashamed of. I love my dad, I love my mum and I love my family. I am not at all embarrassed or want to break out from that.”

Listen to Christian Wilkins' full interview now on Balls Deep. Listen to and download it on news.com.au or iTunes.

Originally published as Christian Wilkins has opened up about why he never ‘came out’ to his dad Richard Wilkins