Bob Harper comes out as gay, 'Biggest Loser' trainer's emotional TV confession inspires contestant Bobby Saleem, thanks Twitter fans for support [VIDEO]

On Tuesday's episode of the "Biggest Loser," personal trainer Bob Harper publicly came out as gay. The 48-year-old workout fanatic shared his emotional story with "Biggest Loser" contestant Bobby Saleem, who was struggling with accepting his own sexuality.

The popular fitness instructor revealed:

"I haven't talked about my sexuality on this show ever. And now, meeting Bobby, I really do believe this is the right time. I want to show Bobby that he doesn't have to live in shame...

I'm gay. I knew a very long time ago that I was gay. I think that when I came out, when I was 17 years old, it was one of those kind of things where I realized there were so many obstacles. But being gay doesn't mean being weak. Being gay doesn't mean that you are less than anybody else. It's just who you are."

Harper's words inspired Saleem, who said that he'd have a talk with his dad.

Saleem recently admitted on the show that he was gay, but had yet been able to tell his father about it.

Following the episode, Harper thanked fans for their love and support on Twitter:

@MyTrainerBob: "THANK YOU to everyone that supported my decision to talk about being gay w/ Bobby. I felt like it was appropriate & necessary. LOVE Y'ALL!!"