The 12 best LGBTQ candidates for 'The Bachelor'
As a queer person, it's long been my dream to see my community represented in the lowest form of entertainment: The Bachelor.
On Wednesday, comedian Billy Eichner decided to rise to the challenge and offer himself up as fresh meat. "I actually do think it would be cool to do a gay season of The Bachelor," Eichner wrote, "and hey @BachelorABC, I'm single."
Eichner's tweet was met with non-ironic enthusiasm on Twitter. FYI, haters: The LGBTQ community likes trash corporate television like the rest of y'all. Just because it's heteronormative poison doesn't mean we're not on board! We, too, love passing fauxmances and manufactured drama between morons.
The time has come for queer and trans bachelor(ette)s to reclaim this cultural wasteland.
It's never been a better time for a queer bachelor. 2018 included multiple, painful queer breakups. And the Queer Eye guys showed the world they can be even more popular than the straights on streaming television. Even if you hate The Bachelor (highly understandable), queer representation matters, wherever you can find it.
Here are the queer and trans celebrities we believe are single (though of course these things can change) and could most benefit from a scripted romance:
1. Jonathan Van Ness
Jonathan Van Ness is one of those rare celebrities who's loved both by the normies and the radical queers alike. We all grieved for Jonathan after his relationship ended with soccer player Wilco Froneman this winter. Now we all hope for the same thing for him: the opportunity to go an ice-skating date with a big ol' gay bear on broadcast television.
2. Amandla Sternberg
Now that the arm wrestling posts have stopped, it's believed that queer couple King Princess and Amandla Sternberg has gone their separate ways. It's fine, it's not like we were depending on two 24-year-olds in the throes of young love for our personal happiness.
The Hate U Give star probably hates this show. We'd like to offer her the opportunity anyways.
3. King Princess
Listen, we're not taking sides in this breakup, okay? They're both very good on Instagram.
4. Hayley Kiyoko
Jesus might have been single, but "Lesbian Jesus" doesn't have to be. Just imagine the brutal take-down pop anthems she'll make when she inevitably dumps whatever silicone dud wins the show.
5. Trace Lysette
This Transparent star and trans advocate is far too good for The Bachelorette or anything on network television, but in the event she feels like dipping her toe into our disgusting lowbrow universe, we're here.
6. Laith Ashley
Single or not, it doesn't matter: Everyone [who is good] wants this trans model and activist to achieve maximum possible representation. The world is a far hotter place because of him.
7. Keiynan Lonsdale
He's here, he's queer, and he could theoretically be single. Please sign this actor-singer-beautiful-human up.
8. Janelle Monaé
Based on recent interviews, it no longer appears that she and Tessa Thompson are dating one another. And unfortunately for Janelle, no one is good enough to be at her level. It'll be cute to watch her lessers try.
9. Abbi Jacobson
Abbi Jacobson came out as queer earlier this year and frankly it's all I've been able to think about since. Someone please put her on the show so I can get back to my normal life, aka googling other queer celebrities.
10. Alia Shawkat
I can't think of anyone who would hate being on The Bachelor more than the incredibly talented and deeply, darkly funny Alia Shawkat. Still, good entertainment.
11. Nyle DiMarco
Male model Nyle DiMarco is rumored to be both single and kind. How rare a combination is that? Someone please find him love.
12. Billy Eichner
Billy Eichner runs a good goddamn show and is one of the few smart people on Twitter. Most importantly, he's big and famous and he offered to do it.
Sorry, Michelle Obama. For some kinds of change, we need more people who are high to stoop low. That's just how this country works.
Topics LGBTQ
Heather was the Web Trends reporter at Mashable NYC. Prior to joining Mashable, Heather wrote regularly for UPROXX and GOOD Magazine, was published in The Daily Dot and VICE, and had her work featured in Entertainment Weekly, Jezebel, Mic, and Gawker. She loves small terrible dogs and responsible driving. Follow her on Twitter @wear_a_helmet.
