Eric Rutherford has opened up about his ex-boyfriend who committed suicide because he felt he had “aged out of the community”.
The 51-year-old IMG model joined psychotherapist Matthew Dempsey on his YouTube channel to discuss what it means to be a “daddy” and during their conversation – which was mainly light hearted – Rutherford opened up about his friend who committed suicide.
After confessing he had always been attracted to older men – despite now dating someone 17 years younger – Rutherford spoke about dating a 42 year old when he was 20 and although they ended, they remained friends until his untimely death.
He said: “When I was 20, I dated somebody who was 42.
“It was probably the first big love of my life. Which actually ended up being a sad story.
“We broke up, but we remained friends for many, many years. He actually committed suicide, because he felt that he had aged out of the community.
“[He was in his] 60s maybe. He was wildly accomplished. Good-looking guy. Incredible friends.
“He felt invisible in this community and the culture. He wasn’t wanted.
“I, as a 51 year old, in certainly gay culture but in culture in general I am living my best life to the fullest.
“And I don’t have it all together by any means. And every day I still wake up, I’m curious. I want to learn more.
“I want to experience more. But I also embrace what I have done.”
Watch the full interview below: