Love Island USAis never short on drama, flirtations, betrayals, and steamy challenges are baked into its DNA. But Season 7 has something even more exciting: thereal potential for queer love stories to take center stage. From the moment fan-favoriteChelley Bissainthewalked into the villa and declared her sexual fluidity, it was clear this cast was ready to shake things up. And when new bombshellCierra Ortegakissed her during a challenge?Reality TVgold.
Despite heating up the room and our screens, the series still doesn’t seem to know how to navigate sexual fluidity, something that holds back certain singles from being their most authentic selves (and creating truly legendary episodes of television). But as moreLGBTQ+cast members are featured on the show, it’s clear the series needs to open the door to creating an inclusive space whereliterally anyone can fall in love — in the messiest way possible.
‘Love Island USA’ Is So Close to Perfect
WhileLove Islandis always stacked with a great cast of singles, few are as endearing as the current season’s Chelley. The young woman immediately stood out; not only does she spend her days as a high-level day trader, but she was immediately open about being sexually fluid, stating that she doesn’t let a person’s gender hold her back from loving them. What started as an intriguing introduction has only progressed into multiple episodes of Chelley acting as a hilarious voice of reason for this chaotic cast.
Even whenmired in messy love triangles withAce GreeneandAustin Shepard,she always made sure to keep her cool and exhibit a level of emotional intelligence that is far too rare on shows like this. But where she really cemented herself as a fan-favorite was in the latest episode when, after new bombshellCierra Ortegawas challenged to make-out with who she was most attracted to, the women locked lips to the shock of everyone watching. It was not only an amazing moment of reality television, but it could have also been the beginning of a potential relationship for the women, with Chelley’s fluidity and Cierra’s clear interest meaning this season could’ve had a same-sex pairing…now if only it was ready for that.
How ‘Love Island USA’ Season 6 Set a New Standard
The latest season of ‘Love Island USA’ was the best yet, but did it set the bar too high?
Despite having so many LGBTQ+ cast members, recent years sawLove Island USAcreators claim that it’s not feasible to allow same-sex couples in the show’s current format. Fans have called this out as being confusing; having new singles constantly enter the Villa means any gender imbalance from same-sex relationships will not only be remedied in a few episodes, but will cause even more drama as people fight harder for love.
The series seems to remember how amazing LGBTQ+-dating shows are,with programs likeThe Ultimatum: Queer Loveofferingample evidence that same-sex relationships in your typical dating setups creates television like watchers have never seen! Above all else, though, if the show wants to continue claiming to be a place where people can authentically search for love, then it has to give them the ability to actually do so. If there are actual romantic feelings, Chelley and Cierra should get the chance to pursue themwithout the show worrying about how their budding romance would impact the men.It would create great TV while being an amazing representation, which is why it’s clear:Love Island USAneeds to be fluid!
LGBTQ+ ‘Love Island USA’ Is What Audiences Need!
While Chelley is already an iconicLove Island USAislander,viewers can’t forget the other LGBTQ+ legends who paved the way.Stars likeKyra GreenandJohnnie Garciabrought important representation to earlier seasons, helping start the ongoing conversation around whyLove Islandneeds to be inclusive. Each of these cast members were vital to not only this show, but the genre, furthering the inclusivitymany shows have been fighting for yearsand adding more evidence to what so many fans have been wanting:Love Island,allowing same-sex couples! Once they do, the show will not only be an even more important part of the TV landscape, it will finally give every contestant the ability to really find their true love.
StreamLove Islandin the U.S. on Peacock.
Love Island USA
