Garret Callouet’s appearance on the latest season of Netflix’s The Circle brought a spotlight to authenticity, self-acceptance, and representation, especially within the LGBTQ community. As a proud queer man, Garret’s journey transcended the typical gameplay, offering a powerful voice for inclusivity and self-love in a world often dominated by societal expectations. His participation in The Circle wasn’t solely about competing; it was about showcasing his true self and encouraging others to do the same.

Photography Credit: @samart_h

Motivation: Using the Platform for Change

When asked what motivated him to join The Circle, Garret revealed that it was the show’s positive portrayal of contestants—without the typical reality TV drama—that drew him in. “I trusted myself and the work that I’ve done to get where I am,” he said, confident in his ability to handle the pressures and potential backlash. For Garret, the experience was more than a game. It was an opportunity to share his story as an LGBTQ advocate, with the hope of inspiring others, particularly younger queer individuals who may be struggling with their own identities.

Embracing Vulnerability as Strength

A core strength Garret brought to The Circle was his willingness to be vulnerable and embrace every aspect of his personality, both serious and playful. He openly discussed his journey as a queer man, emphasizing that reaching a place of self-acceptance was not easy. “I’m very comfortable with who I am now,” Garret shared, “but it wasn’t always that way.” His honesty about overcoming societal pressures—both as a queer individual and regarding body image—resonated with many viewers, particularly within the LGBTQ community.

Garret didn’t shy away from embracing his quirky, lighthearted side, offering viewers a glimpse of his authentic self. Reflecting on one of the more playful moments in the show, he said, “I hope people see that it’s okay to embrace the silly, the goofy, the levity, the weird. Like, there’s a clip where we did the zombie party, and I was zombie crawling on the floor, and Michelle goes, ‘Garret, are you good?’ I cried, laughing so hard.” By celebrating the lighter, fun aspects of his personality, Garret demonstrated that vulnerability isn’t just about sharing challenges but also about celebrating the joy that makes us unique. His message to viewers, especially those in the LGBTQ community, was clear: it’s okay to be yourself, no matter how unconventional that may look.

Leading with Empathy: Overcoming the Odds

Garret’s strategy in The Circle was centered around empathy and building genuine connections. However, he faced a significant disadvantage—joining the game later than the original eight contestants. This put him at a competitive disadvantage since the early players had more time to form alliances and build trust.

“It’s funny because I’ve always said I wanted to be part of the original eight,” Garret reflected. “James was the winner of Season 3, and off the top of my head, he’s the only one I can remember who came in late and won. But outside of that, it’s always an original eight who ends up winning.” Despite this challenge, Garret remained focused on forming authentic relationships, knowing that his empathetic approach could still resonate with others, even when the odds were against him.

Advocating for the LGBTQ Community

Garret’s time on The Circle wasn’t just a personal journey; it was also an opportunity to advocate for LGBTQ visibility. “If just one person was affected in a positive way by seeing me on the show, then that was enough for me,” he said. His openness aimed to remind people, particularly LGBTQ youth, that embracing one’s authentic self is the most powerful thing they can do.

He also encouraged embracing every part of one’s personality, no matter how unconventional. “I hope they see it’s okay to embrace the silly and the weird. Society often pressures us to conform, but I believe in exploring every interest, no matter how quirky. I like to think I’m the person I needed back then, and I’m grateful for all the challenges that led me to this moment. Ultimately, I want people to be unequivocally supportive of themselves and their unique traits.”

Garret’s candid discussions about body image and mental health also shed light on issues that disproportionately affect LGBTQ individuals, particularly queer men. By openly addressing these challenges, both on and off the show, Garret sought to break down stigmas and encourage others to seek help when needed.

Life Beyond The Circle: Fitness with Purpose

While Garret’s time on The Circle showcased his authenticity and empathy, his work outside the show continues to amplify these values. As the Director of Curriculum for Barry’s United Arab Emirates, Garret lives in Dubai and manages fitness operations across several locations, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Qatar. His role goes beyond teaching fitness classes—he mentors, develops, trains, and hires new instructors, all while promoting a healthy relationship with fitness, food, and body image.

Garret is passionate about ensuring that fitness is seen as a privilege and an enjoyable experience, steering clear of societal pressures around disordered eating and body image issues. “I want trainers to understand the privilege and enjoyment of working out,” Garret explained. To him, fitness should be a fun and rewarding way to explore one’s limits, not a punishment or a means to conform to societal norms. This philosophy aligns with his message on The Circle—to embrace authenticity and reject societal pressures, whether in self-expression or physical health.

In his work in the fitness industry, Garret stays true to the values he displayed on the show: empathy, inclusivity, and a commitment to helping others feel confident in their own skin. Just as he sought to create meaningful connections on The Circle, Garret uses his platform in the fitness world to help others develop positive, sustainable relationships with their bodies and well-being.Garret Callouet’s journey on The Circle is a testament to the power of authenticity, empathy, and self-expression. Whether advocating for LGBTQ visibility on a global platform or helping others redefine their relationship with fitness, Garret’s influence extends far beyond reality TV. His message remains clear: embracing who you truly are—quirks, strengths, and vulnerabilities alike—is the most transformative act of self-love.