Michelle Deighton, the most recent contestant eliminated on the UPN reality show America’s Next Top Model came out as bisexual a few episodes into the competition. She answers a few of our questions about that, her career as a wrestler, and what her plans are next.

AfterEllen.com: Were you planning to come out as bisexual on the air?
Michelle Deighton: I didn’t plan it, it never entered my mind ahead of time. But when I did finally say something, got it off my chest and out in the open, it really helped my confidence.

AE: Did your parents already know about this, or were you coming out to everyone at the same time?
MD: I was kind of coming out to everyone, at that point. My parents weren’t too happy about it, but we talked about it, and although they’re not really accepting of it all the way yet, they’re really supportive of who I am, which I really appreciate.

AE: What kind of reactions have you had from other people to coming out?
MD: I've had people come up to me on the street—it’s really surprising when they recognize me—and tell me it was really awesome that I did that, and that’s been really nice.

AE: How did the other contestants take the news? On the show, it seemed like they were pretty accepting; was that an accurate depiction of how they reacted?
MD: It was accurate. I was pretty floored they took it so well, that Brandy was like “Oh, I’ve had fantasies myself” and the girls were joking about it. I was amazed they took it that well. They were just like “Oh, okay.” That helped me a lot in coming out. And it was so great to finally talk to someone about it.

AE: Did not being out have something to do with your self-confidence issues?
MD: I think hiding that I was bisexual made me hide a lot of other feelings, as well. In coming out, I was able to express all of that and be myself, so that helped my self-confidence I started to love myself for who I was, and that helped a lot.

AE: Do you feel like you have more self-confidance?
MD: Absolutely. In the beginning, I didn’t even think I deserved to be there, and by the end, I felt like I was worth it. It really helped me to work on my self-confidence

AE: What was it like watching the episodes on TV?
MD: Really amusing. Especially that the girls freaked out over the “flesh-eating virus.” That was hilarious.

AE: In the first episode, they dyed your hair platinum blonde. Have you gone back to being a brunette now?
MD: Actually, I wanted to have red hair, but I died it myself, and it came out kind of pink and purple. So I’m back to blond now.

AE: What are you doing now?
MD: I'm actually getting ready to do a wrestling show. I have three more lined up.

AE: How did you get into wrestling?
MD: About a year and half ago, I went to a friend's wrestling show and really liked it. So I got into the training program, and really ended up enjoying it. I ended up being the first female champion of my federation, which made me really happy.

AE: How did you get into modeling?
MD: As a little kid, I used to joke around about it, but when I turned 14, I really decided to get serious about it and I told my parents about it.

AE: Now you're moving to New York to pursue modeling full-time?
MD: Yes, on June 1st. I don’t have any jobs lined up or a place to stay yet (laughing), but that will work itself out.

AE: Would you do America's Next Top Model again if you had to do it over again?
MD: In a heartbeat. I loved the outcome, and I gained so much self-confidence.