Big Brother’s Tahlia Opens Up About Hiding Her Sexuality From Her Catholic Nonna
Image: Image: Channel 10
Big Brother housemate Tahlia has shared why she never told her beloved Nonna she was gay, opening up about the fear of disappointing her grandmother and the regret she felt after her death.
In a deeply personal conversation aired on Friday evening, Tahlia reflects on growing up with a strongly Catholic grandmother whose hopes for her future made coming out feel difficult.
“She literally would tell me that she’s praying that I find a man,” Tahlia says, recalling how she would respond: “Oh, maybe one day.”
Behind that answer was a fear that being honest could affect a relationship she treasured.
“I didn’t want to disappoint her because she’s so strong in her beliefs.”
“I never could have that conversation with her”
Tahlia entered the Big Brother house alongside her older brother Ryan, with the pair initially tasked with keeping their sibling relationship secret from their fellow housemates.
However, a commonality they both share is that both siblings are also gay.
The Victorian housemate works across horticulture, gardening and support work, and has a long-term girlfriend, Charlotte.
Speaking to Big Brother, she explained that her Nonna’s acceptance of Ryan’s sexuality had not eased all her own worries about coming out.
“She knew about Ryan and she took it well, but because there’s only me and one other girl in our family, I felt like she would have been so disappointed.”
For Tahlia, that fear meant leaving an important part of herself unspoken.
“I never could have that conversation with her.”
Her account captures a painful uncertainty that can accompany coming out to someone you love: knowing how much they care, while fearing that sharing more of yourself might change things.
“I know like how much she loves me and I was just scared that that would change if I told her.”
The conversation she wishes they had
Since her Nonna’s death, Tahlia has been left wishing she had given herself the chance to be fully known by her.
“When she passed away I felt like I should have just told her because I was keeping a part of me from her for so long.”
“I really just loved her so much.”
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Since entering the house Tahlia has fast become a fan favourite with audiences, however this week could see her time cut short.
Tahlia is up for eviction alongside five other housemates, including her brother Ryan as well as Matty, Phoebe, Anita and Kyrah.
Come Sunday evening the housemate with the fewest votes to save could find themselves heading home, meaning Tahlia and Ryan could potentially be split up.
Tune in to see who will survive the eviction this Sunday at 7pm on Channel 10.
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