Towns is a prominent ally to the LGBTQ+ community, not a member of it. His support has been consistent and public throughout his career.
Otto described Towns’ gestures as “monumental” and “epic to the community” at the time.
In 2024, Towns was awarded the prestigious Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Trophy as the NBA’s Social Justice Champion, recognizing his advocacy work including his support for LGBTQ+ rights.#
The false rumors stem from a troubling pattern of online bullying rather than facts. Towns has been the target of so-called “zesty” memes a term used to mock his mannerisms, voice, and emotional expressiveness.
A Guardian essay explained this phenomenon as “the public policing of Karl Anthony Towns’ joy” and described how “queerness is projected” onto public figures who don’t conform to rigid masculine stereotypes.
This online harassment campaign has created an environment where baseless speculation about Towns’ sexuality flourishes, despite zero evidence supporting it.
Towns has been in a long-term, public relationship with Jordyn Woods since at least 2020. Woods has been a visible presence at his games and events throughout their relationship.
In July 2025, ESPYs host Shane Gillis made a joke about Towns, saying “Karl Anthony Towns is here, hey girl” while using a flamboyant tone. The joke was widely condemned.
Dan Le Batard called it “inconsiderate toward gay people,” noting it was based purely on “speculation that the NBA player might be gay.”
Karl-Anthony Towns is a straight man in a long-term, public relationship with Jordyn Woods who happens to be a vocal and genuine ally to the LGBTQ+ community.
In an era of rapid misinformation, it’s worth remembering: not everything that trends is true. And genuine allyship deserves recognition, not distortion.