7 Reality TV Men Who Had Gay Viewers Swooning

It was once thought that reality TV was just a fad and it would fade away like so many others did. Enter the World Wide Web and suddenly Reality TV had a sidekick named social media. Together they produced celebrities that we not only got to see on TV, but we also got to follow in their everyday lives.  Some of these parasocial stars, gay or straight, won us over either because of their personality or their open-mindedness. Let’s explore seven such influential people who inspired us to binge watch entire seasons of their shows and nourish our guilty pleasures.

Jay Starrett

From “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X” and “Survivor: Game Changers” Jay gave viewers someone they could relate to. He excelled in charm and vulnerability which went against the hyper masculine stereotypes most of these shows cast.  And let’s not forget he’s also a thirst trap.

Colton Underwood

We all have a coming out story, but Colton Underwood’s was done in the public eye. Some didn’t agree with that strategy, but you can’t fault his bravery. If he influenced just one person to be brave, it was all worth the hype.

Karamo Brown

The show might be called “Queer Eye,” but Karamo Brown made it about the heart. He low-key teaches people to use their emotional intelligence instead of going strictly on impulse. For gay people that can mean the difference between living in shame or an embracing an authentic life.

Wes Bergmann 

Wes Bergmann is a veteran reality star. From living with roommates on “The Real World: Austin” to competing in “The Challenge,” this brainiac accumulated a healthy gay following thanks to his allyship. 

Mark Long

With a reality TV career spanning over 30 years, Mark Long has become a legend in his own time. He found fame on the first season of MTV’s “Road Rules” as a hunky heartthrob and fierce competitor who wore revealing Speedos. Age has taken none of that sex appeal away and social media has extended his star power. 

Bretman Rock 

Gay and non-binary, Bretman Rock made a name for themselves adjacent to reality TV.  They’re most recognizable from their YouTube channel, but they did have their own network reality show in 2021. As a representative of the LGBTQ+ community they continue to inspire others to be unapologetically themselves.

Harry Jowsey 

Reality TV star Harry Jowsey gives a voice to the bisexual community. He’s dated both men and women in the past, but famously said, “label me gay” in an interview with Instinct Magazine . His openness about sexual fluidity is one of his most attractive traits.