The sequel to the reality show, The Ultimatum: Queer Love, premiered on Netflix in May 2023 and challenged the relationships of five couples to the fullest extent. Similar to the previous season, The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On in 2022, one individual in each couple aimed to get married while the other harbored doubts about taking the next step.
The participants selected fresh partners from the remaining members of the group and cohabited for a brief period. Upon completion of the experiment, the initial couples made the decision to either tie the knot or end their relationship. Queer Love's second season adhered to the same concept as the previous one, but with a cast primarily composed of LGBTQ+ women. Additionally, JoAnna Garcia Swisher replaced Nick Lachey and Vanessa Lachey as the host of the show.
During a POPSUGAR interview in May 2023, Swisher expressed that the most rewarding aspect of hosting the show was observing the genuine love shared between the participating couples. She was amazed by their vulnerability and willingness to fully immerse themselves in the tasks presented to them.
Sam Mark and Aussie Chau, a couple featured on the show, credit their experience for strengthening their relationship and deepening their love for each other. According to Aussie, Sam was one of the first people to question her gender identity, and their partnership has allowed Aussie the freedom to explore her gender identity and expression. Aussie notes that her partner's support has been crucial in this journey of self-discovery, and she feels fortunate to have found such an understanding and caring partner.
The couple is not in a rush to plan their wedding as they believe that their relationship is built on a deeper commitment than just getting married. Aussie also shared that only Tiff Der and Vanessa Papa from their Queer Love experience will be invited to their wedding. However, Aussie and Mildred Woody, who were temporary partners during the social experiment, are currently not on speaking terms. Aussie revealed that there is still some healing that needs to be done before they can reconcile.
Keep scrolling to see a status update on each couple from The Ultimatum: Queer Love:
Credit: Courtesy of Netflix
Which 'Ultimatum: Queer Love' Couples are Still Together? Lexie and Rae, Sam and Aussie and More
In May 2023, Netflix released The Ultimatum: Queer Love, a reality series that challenged the relationships of five couples to see if they could stand the test of time. Similar to the previous season, The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On in 2022, one individual in each couple was eager to tie the knot while their partner had doubts about marriage.
The participants selected new companions from the remaining members of the cast and cohabited for a period of time. Finally, the initial pairs had to make a decision whether they wanted to tie the knot or end their relationship. Unlike the previous season, season 2 of Queer Love featured a primarily female, all-LGBTQ+ cast, with JoAnna Garcia Swisher replacing Nick and Vanessa Lachey as the show's host.
During an interview with POPSUGAR in May 2023, Swisher expressed that the love between the couples was the highlight of her hosting experience despite the drama. She was moved by their vulnerability and willingness to embrace the challenges presented in the show.
Sam Mark and Aussie Chau, a couple from the show, have found their love for each other strengthened after going through the experience together. According to Aussie, Sam was one of the first people to question their gender identity, and this has allowed them the space to explore and figure out who they truly are. Aussie expressed gratitude for having a partner who supports them on this journey of self-discovery.
The couple is in no rush to plan their wedding, as their relationship goes beyond just tying the knot. Aussie expressed that their commitment to each other is much deeper than that. In terms of inviting former Queer Love alums, only Tiff Der and Vanessa Papa will be receiving an invitation. However, Aussie and Mildred Woody are currently not on speaking terms, as there is still healing that needs to take place on Aussie's end.
Keep scrolling to see a status update on each couple from The Ultimatum: Queer Love:
Credit: Courtesy of Netflix
Lexi and Rae
After their appearance in the Queer Love reunion, the duo went their separate ways due to difficulties in navigating changes in Lexi's lifestyle and unresolved issues from their past. Rae Cheung-Sutton explained that despite their initial success at the reunion, they were unable to reconcile their differences and ultimately reached an impasse.
On the heels of the reunion episode's release on Netflix, Lexi Goldberg introduced her relationship with photographer Kristin "Zanc" Zancanelli through TikTok and Instagram. According to Lexi, during a difficult period in her life, Zanc captured her in her reunion dress, resulting in images that brought a smile to her face even in her darkest moments. Lexi expressed gratitude for the way Zanc's photography made her feel and how it allowed her to see herself in a positive light.
"She has filled every crevice of my heart with boundless joy. With her, I feel at ease in my own skin, my own body, my own sexuality, and in anything I choose to wear. Every day, I wake up feeling as content as I appear in this photograph."
"I have finally found someone who not only fills my heart with the same love and happiness that I felt with Mal, but also brings a new level of intimacy to our relationship that we are both exploring," she revealed. "It's everything I always hoped for when my relationship with Rae came to an end - someone who can make me feel the way Mal did when we strolled around San Diego and referred to each other as wives."
Credit: Courtesy of Netflix
Sam and Aussie
"We are still a couple and taking our time before tying the knot," Aussie shared with Tudum in June 2023. "Right now, I am focusing on personal goals and that is my main priority, so the wedding planning is taking a back seat."
Credit: Courtesy of Netflix
Vanessa and Xander
Vanessa and Xander Boger called it quits after their respective trial marriages with Rae and Yoly Rojas. They both broke down in tears when they faced each other for the first time in a year at the reunion. However, Xander shared with Tudum in June 2023 that the emotional reunion didn't feel as genuine as it did initially.
Xander reflected on his lack of communication with Yoly for the past year, until she suddenly reached out to him just two weeks before the reunion. However, their relationship seemed to fizzle out quickly afterwards, leaving Xander feeling doubtful about Yoly's true intentions and whether they were aligned with his own best interests. Ultimately, the physical therapist recognized that their connection was not meant to last and that their timing was simply off, especially given that they were both single at the time.
Vanessa expressed to Tudum that although there will always be love between her and Xander, their current situation is a struggle. She hopes that in time, they can develop a friendship, but for now, it remains difficult.
Credit: Courtesy of Netflix
Mal and Yoly
After the experiment ended, the couple went their separate ways. Despite not speaking now, Mal acknowledged that her ex still holds a special place in her heart and considers her family. "Yoly is an amazing person who, like all of us, is doing her best," she remarked. On the other hand, Yoly stated that while she still cares for Mal, she is now prioritizing her own well-being.
"I have been in a string of relationships since I was 17," she shared. "I never really had the chance to spend time on my own. I was always with a partner, either at their place or mine. However, after the show, I have been living the single life to the fullest."
Credit: Simone Thompson/Netflix
Tiff and Mildred
Mildred revealed during the reunion that she and Tiff had experienced relationship issues, resulting in the realization that she could not envision a future with Tiff. Additionally, it was disclosed that Mildred had been arrested for throwing a picture frame and dog gate at Tiff during a heated argument.
"I didn't have any negative intentions towards [Mildred], but her onstage berating was like ripping off a huge Band-Aid for me," Tiff explained to Tudum. Tiff left the reunion early due to the incident. Tiff also commented that Mildred's behavior at the reunion was self-destructive, as she brought up topics that Tiff had not mentioned, such as her son and the arrest report. Tiff was taken aback by Mildred's openness about these subjects.
In a June 2023 Instagram post, Mildred shared her journey of learning how to use her voice and express discomfort after being in an emotionally abusive relationship. She emphasized the importance of remaining calm even in such situations, as it enables effective communication.