Shock! Love Island USA proves queer Islanders aren’t ‘logistically difficult’ after all

Well, well, well. Would you look at that. As Love Island UK tries with all its might to preserve its heterosexualness, allegedly cutting out scenes where Islanders talk frankly about being bisexual in order to maintain the heteronormative edit, Love Island US is out here showing two of its female contestants discovering their connection and sexuality. And do you know what else? You might want to grab onto a hand rail for support or buckle yourself in when I tell you this, but nothing bad has happened to the show at all. The quality hasn’t declined, the Islanders haven’t been thrown into turmoil, the viewers are happy and we’re getting some naturally blossoming queer romance on a huge ‘straight’ dating show. Who’d have thought it! Well, I would have thought it. As would anyone with half a brain, and I hope ITV are shaking in their little telly boots. Kassy and Johnnie are changing the Love Island game.

Kassy and Johnnie

Kassy Castillo and Johnnie Garcia did not have this on their cards when they strolled into season five of Love Island USA. Kassy is a day one Islander, and Johnnie entered later as a Casa Amor bombshell. Both Kassy and Johnnie have been coupled up with men along the way of their Love Island journey so far. Kassy and a fella called Leo were coupled up, but at Casa Amor Leo started to get to know Johnnie whilst Kassy spoke to a man named Matia. Upon returning to the villa, Kassy learned that Leo slept with Johnnie and she was fuming. Since then, her and Johnnie bonded and then found themselves having an unexpected romantic connection which they’re now exploring. It’s gorgeous, tbh.

Love is more powerful than logistical difficulties

I think what really makes me grin with glee about this entire situation is that it just couldn’t have been planned, and it probably never would have been. Back in 2021, speaking to RadioTimes.com, ITV commissioner Amada Stavri said the show required contestants to have an equal choice when coupling up, but that producers are aiming for more diversity when the cast for this year’s show is announced.

“In terms of gay Islanders, I think the main challenge is regarding the format of Love Island,” Stavri said. “There’s a sort of logistical difficulty, because although Islanders don’t have to be 100 per cent straight, the format must sort of give Islanders an equal choice when coupling up.”

But you see, queer people exist. We exist everywhere. Try as you might with straight gatekeeping, I’m afraid you just can’t keep us out. We slip through the cracks, we’re omnipresent, and we deserve to find love on national telly as much as anyone else. Watching Kassy and Johnnie confess their attraction to each other and explore romantic connections feels not only rebellious against the very nature of the show, but simply euphoric. I’m so happy Johnnie got to go on the straightest show on television and come out of it, if nothing else, knowing she’s bi.

It remains to be seen if the show will see this as a way to move things forward, something that is long overdue.

@harrisonjbrock

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