The reality star was the first openly bisexual contestant on the ITV2 show and said she was "really upset" by the reaction.
Speaking on the Victoria Derbyshire programme she said: "In the villa I was so scared because I didn’t know what the outside world was thinking, what my family was thinking, what my friends were thinking.
"So I was really upset to be honest that they’d not supported me from my own community, who had probably felt those feelings, those nervous feelings of coming out."
She added: "Why can’t I be who I want to be? There’s nothing to be ashamed of, there’s nothing to feel bad about.
"You’re completely normal, and there’s so many people out there like you, just as long as you love you that’s all that matters."
Former glamour model Katie also said she her sexuality has been undermined by men.
She added: "They see it as a sexual thing. They think it’s entertainment for them."
Katie coupled up with the late Sophie Gradon on the show in 2016.
She also dated Danielle Whittaker and was seen spending time with former Geordie Shore star Chantelle Connelly.
Her ex Sophie was found dead at a house near her hometown of Newcastle on June.
Posting on Twitter at the time of her death Katie wrote: "I urge everyone to be kind to every person they meet and speak with on social media and in person a simple smile, a simple nice comment can make a difference.
"You really don't know the battles they go through every single day.
"The world has failed you beautiful."
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