Raised in Orland, Indiana, Southworth currently resides in Los Angeles.[5] He announced he is gay on Wednesday, April 16, 2008, stating, "This has been a long time coming. I’m in a place where I’m at peace with my faith, friends, family and more importantly myself. I know this will end my career in Christian television, but I must now live my life openly and honestly with everyone. This is my reason for doing this." The story was covered by The Huffington Post, PerezHilton.com, The Advocate, and Fox News Channel.[3][4][6][7]
After coming out, Southworth was named one of Instinct's "Leading Men of 2008". Southworth has advocated for LGBT rights with the Soulforce Q "2008 Equality Ride".[8][9] In 2010, Southworth was the opening act for gay Christian singer Ray Boltz on his "Living True: The Tour".[10] In 2020, Audity[11] launched Yass, Jesus!,[12][13] an LGBTQ and faith affirming podcast, with Southworth and actor Daniel Franzese as the hosts. The show aims to help others see the queer and trans narratives in the Bible through storytelling and comedy. Yass, Jesus! is produced by Ross Murray and Meredith Paulley.
^Giles, K. Darnell (2008). Beaudoin, Lynn (ed.). What Did Jesus Say?: Why the Bible Does Not Condemn Homosexuality. Los Angeles: A Project GBC Publication. p. 218. ISBN978-1-4404-7898-7.
^ abMcAlister, Allen (June 1, 2009). "From the ashes". Out & About. outandaboutnewspaper.com. Archived from the original on July 20, 2011. Retrieved November 16, 2009.