Unveiling the Ultimate LGBTQ+ Reality Dating Extravaganza!

The world of reality dating shows predominantly highlights heterosexual couples, but there have been a few series that have deviated from this norm. MTV's Are You The One? Season 8 is one such example, as it introduced an entirely LGBTQ+ cast, with contestant Kai Wes identifying as trans-masculine nonbinary. Sitarah Pendelton, the executive producer of the show, shared in an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2019 how the production team recognized the need for a shift.

"We wanted to ensure that our show remained relevant to our viewers and captured the ever-changing landscape of dating in today's world," she explained.

She further elaborated, "We have noticed that the younger generation approaches love, dating, and relationships from a unique perspective, unlike previous generations. As MTV, it is crucial for us to stay connected with our viewers and embrace the stories that resonate with them. Therefore, it only made sense for us to take this organic path and explore these themes in our show. If not us, then who?"

In contrast, the Bachelor franchise has maintained its focus on heterosexual relationships since its debut in 2002. Prior to the departure of longtime host Chris Harrison from Bachelor Nation in 2021, he shared his perspective on why a gay bachelor would likely not be pursued.

Harrison expressed his thoughts on the matter to The New York Times in 2014, stating, "The question is: Is it a good business decision? I recently spoke at U.S.C. and used this analogy to explain my point of view: Imagine you have been successfully making pizzas for 12 years, earning millions of dollars, and receiving widespread praise for your product. Then someone suggests, 'Hey, why not start making hamburgers?' The question arises: Why should I deviate from my proven and profitable business model by introducing hamburgers when I'm uncertain about their potential demand?"

Chris Coelen, the showrunner of Love Is Blind, has expressed reservations about the possibility of an LGBTQ+ season due to logistical challenges within the current setup. He emphasized that the show is not primarily focused on sexuality. However, there have been instances within Love is Blind and Bachelor Nation where LGBTQ+ contestants have openly discussed their sexual orientation. For example, Demi Burnett came out as bisexual during season 6 of Bachelor in Paradise, Jaimi King identified as bisexual on Nick Viall's season, and Alexa Caves from Peter Weber's season described herself as sexually fluid. On Love Is Blind, Carlton Morton came out as bisexual to his then-fiancée Diamond Jack and subsequently chose to leave the show.

Morton expressed regret over allowing his emotions to overpower him when he disclosed his bisexuality to his partner. Speaking to Women's Health in 2020, he admitted feeling overwhelmed with anxiety as he anticipated the potential consequences on their relationship. The fear of it crumbling before his eyes led him to engage in self-sabotaging behavior, possibly triggered by his partner's less-than-entirely positive reaction. While Love Is Blind has yet to delve into LGBTQ+ relationships, Netflix's second season of The Ultimatum, airing in May 2023, showcased a cast exclusively composed of queer individuals.

"The significance of being involved in a queer show... realizing that I never had the opportunity to witness such representation during my childhood, perhaps I would have discovered my true identity at an earlier stage [if I had been exposed to it]," shared Lexi Goldberg, a participant from season 2, during an interview with Pride.com in June 2023.

Discover the top reality dating shows that embrace LGBTQ+ representation as you scroll through:

Credit: Brian Bielmann for MTV

The Best LGBTQ+ Reality Dating Shows: ‘Finding Prince Charming,' 'Ex on the Beach' and More

Although the world of reality dating shows focuses overwhelmingly on heterosexual couples, there are some series that have challenged that norm.

Season 8 of MTV's Are You The One? showcased a diverse cast consisting entirely of LGBTQ+ individuals, with one notable contestant being Kai Wes, who identifies as trans-masculine nonbinary. Sitarah Pendelton, the executive producer of the show, discussed with Entertainment Weekly in 2019 how the AYTO production team recognized the need for a transformation.

"As the show had multiple seasons and considering the rapidly evolving world we live in, we felt it was crucial to stay in touch with our audience and accurately portray the current dating landscape," Pendelton explained to the media outlet.

The reality TV producer expressed, "We are fascinated by how the younger generation perceives love, dating, and relationships in a way that differs from previous generations. As MTV, we strive to reflect the experiences of our viewers and grasp the essence of these stories. It just felt natural for us to explore this path. It's like, why wouldn't we do it? If not us, then who?"

On the other hand, the Bachelor franchise has consistently focused on heterosexual relationships since its debut in 2002. Former host Chris Harrison, who parted ways with Bachelor Nation in 2021, shared his thoughts on why a gay bachelor was unlikely to happen.

Chris Coelen, the showrunner of Love Is Blind, a dating show on Netflix that focuses on weddings, has voiced concerns about the possibility of having an LGBTQ+ season. In a recent interview with Metro, Coelen mentioned that implementing an LGBTQ+ version of the show would present certain logistical challenges within the current format. He emphasized that Love Is Blind is not primarily centered around sexuality.

However, some LGBTQ+ contestants on shows like Love is Blind and Bachelor Nation have chosen to be open about their sexuality. For instance, during season 6 of Bachelor in Paradise, Demi Burnett bravely came out as bisexual. Similarly, Jaimi King, a contestant on Nick Viall's season, was open about her bisexuality, and Alexa Caves, from Peter Weber's season, identified herself as sexually fluid. On Love Is Blind, Carlton Morton also made the decision to come out as bisexual to his then-fiancée Diamond Jack, ultimately leading to his departure from the show.

Reflecting on this experience, Morton shared, "Looking back, I wish I had been able to control my emotions better. When I revealed my bisexuality to Diamond, it immediately triggered a wave of anxiety within me. I could see our entire relationship crumbling before my eyes, and I started to sabotage it because her reaction wasn't entirely positive." In a 2020 interview with Women's Health, he expressed his regrets about how he handled the situation.

Netflix's second season of The Ultimatum, which premiered in May 2023, made a significant impact by featuring an all-queer cast. Season 2 contestant Lexi Goldberg expressed the profound significance of being part of a queer show, acknowledging the absence of such representation during their own upbringing. In an interview with Pride.com in June 2023, Goldberg shared how witnessing LGBTQ+ representation as a child might have helped them discover their identity earlier.

Scroll through to see the best reality dating shows with LGBTQ+ representation:

Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

'The Ultimatum: Queer Love'

Season 2 of the Netflix dating series showcases a cast that is exclusively LGBTQ+ and predominantly female. The series revolves around five couples, each consisting of one individual eager for marriage and another unsure about making a lifelong commitment. As part of the show's concept, the participants have the opportunity to select new partners from the remaining group members and enter into a trial marriage.

Upon completion of the social experiment, the original couples are faced with the ultimate decision of either tying the knot or ending their relationship.

Credit: Brian Bielmann for MTV

'Are You the One?' (Season 8)

Every participant on the eighth season of the MTV dating series embraced their fluid sexuality. The diverse cast comprised of individuals who identified as transgender, non-binary, and cisgender, with many identifying as bisexual or pansexual.

The 16 singles attempted to find their “perfect matches” in order to win a $750,000 prize.

Credit: MTV

'Ex On the Beach'

In every season of Ex on the Beach, with the exception of season 1, there are LGBTQ+ cast members. This MTV series follows former reality television contestants as they coexist with their ex-partners.

During the first episode of season 5, David Barta publicly revealed his pansexuality. He expressed his desire to understand himself better and embrace his true identity. David opened up about the ongoing journey he had been on in the past year and a half, specifically exploring his sexuality. While he admitted that talking to guys was still relatively new to him, he confessed that his attraction towards men had always been present, but he had not been honest with himself about it.

Credit: Netflix

'Dating Around'

Netflix's inaugural dating series takes a unique approach by focusing on a single individual in each episode, who embarks on five blind dates before deciding whom they want to meet again for a second time. The show also aims to represent and include LGBTQ+ individuals in several of its episodes.

“The response I’ve received from viewers since being on the show has been incredibly rewarding. It's truly heartwarming to know that my presence on the show has resonated with so many individuals. By staying true to myself and embracing authenticity, I believe I was able to make a genuine connection with those who watched and shared similar experiences,” shared Charlotte Glaser in an interview with Go magazine, emphasizing the significance of representation in 2019.

Credit: Lovedown/YouTube

'Lovedown'

After coronavirus restrictions made dating nearly impossible in 2020, the UK series Lovedown embraced the new normal by focusing on virtual dates.

All the participants in season 2 belong to the LGBTQ+ community, such as drag artist Miss Orry and Kyle Elson, who was a finalist in the 2020 Mr. Gay England competition and is also known as "The Bionic Hairdresser."

Credit: YouTube

'Finding Prince Charming'

In the 2016 Logo series, known as the gay version of The Bachelor, interior designer Robert Sepúlveda Jr. played the role of the "Prince Charming" figure. Each episode featured the elimination of one suitor until only one man remained. Ultimately, hairstylist Eric Leonardos emerged as the winner. However, their relationship did not extend beyond the confines of the show, as Sepúlveda confirmed his single status in a video shared exclusively with We in March 2017.