Navigating the Waves of Inclusivity: How Below Deck Steers Towards Authentic LGBTQ+ Representation
For over a decade, Bravo's Below Deck franchise has captivated audiences, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the high-stakes world of luxury yachting.
Beyond the opulent charters, demanding guests, and breathtaking destinations, what truly keeps millions tuning in season after season are the compelling personalities of the crew. But beyond the drama and pristine white uniforms, Below Deck has quietly, yet powerfully, become a significant platform for showcasing and normalizing LGBTQ+ identities, sparking crucial conversations about diversity and inclusion within a traditionally conservative industry.
From its inaugural season, the show has, at times, served as a vital mirror reflecting both the slow progress and persistent challenges faced by queer individuals in professional settings.
It's a journey from tentative visibility to vibrant, unapologetic representation that continues to evolve with each new charter.
Early Currents: Pioneering Voices on Deck
When the first season of Below Deck aired, it introduced viewers to a world few had ever seen.
While the focus was largely on the novelty of superyacht life, one crew member subtly broke new ground: deckhand David Bradbury. As the show's first openly gay male crew member, David's presence, though not central to major plotlines, was a quiet but significant step. It was a rare opportunity for viewers to see a queer individual in a traditionally hyper-masculine role within the yachting world, prompting early discussions about the rarity of LGBTQ+ individuals in certain departments on board.
'Visibility is crucial on television.
And it just so happens that both individuals have worked with another history maker, Captain Sandy Yawn.'
However, no figure has been more instrumental in advancing LGBTQ+ visibility within the franchise than Captain Sandy Yawn.
As the commanding force behind Below Deck Mediterranean, Captain Sandy is not only one of the very few female captains in a male-dominated industry but also an out and proud lesbian. Her journey, including her public engagement and marriage, has shattered stereotypes, demonstrating that leadership and professionalism know no gender or sexual orientation.
Her unwavering pride in her identity sends a powerful message of empowerment to viewers and aspiring yachties alike.
Beyond the Azure: Confronting Industry Realities
While Below Deck has made strides in featuring diverse cast members, the show itself has often highlighted a stark truth: the yachting industry can still be a challenging environment for minorities, including LGBTQ+ individuals.
The series hasn't shied away from depicting uncomfortable realities, from subtle biases to overt discrimination, offering a nuanced look at the struggles behind the glamour.
The "Double Hard" Climb for Queer Yachties
Several cast members have openly discussed the additional hurdles they've faced.
Kyle Viljoen, a fan-favorite stew from Below Deck Med, candidly shared his experiences of being asked by employers to be "less feminine" on the job. Such discriminatory requests underscore the pressure many queer individuals feel to conform or mask aspects of their identity to advance in their careers.
Kyle's emotional and open nature on screen, especially regarding his sexuality, resonated with many, highlighting the systemic challenges gay yachties face in being taken seriously and achieving promotion.
The show also brought the issue of homophobia to the forefront in Season 8, when a chef's antiquated morals and homophobic remarks caused significant tension among the crew and ultimately led to her dismissal.
This incident, while distressing, served as a crucial moment for the show to address bigotry head-on and demonstrate that such behavior has no place on board.
Breaking Traditional Roles, One Role at a Time
The yachting industry has long been characterized by distinct gender roles, with deckhand positions traditionally dominated by men and interior roles by women.
Below Deck has actively challenged these conventions. Jennice Ontiveros on Season 2 broke barriers as the first female deckhand, opening conversations about gender fluidity in yachting roles. Similarly, Izzy Wouters, initially a stew in Season 8, transitioned to the deck, later coming out as a lesbian during the season's airing.
Her presence as a queer woman thriving in a male-dominated deck department underscored the often-tough journey for women and LGBTQ+ individuals to prove themselves in traditionally closed-off roles.
Shining Stars: Celebrating Openly LGBTQ+ Crew Members
Beyond the challenges, the series has also been a powerful platform for celebrating the resilience and talent of its openly LGBTQ+ cast members.
Their stories, both triumphant and vulnerable, have resonated globally.
A true standout has been Fraser Olender. Joining Below Deck as a 2nd Stew in Season 9, Fraser quickly ascended the ranks to become the franchise's first gay male Chief Stew in Season 11.
His diligence, professionalism, and engaging personality have proved unequivocally that sexual orientation has absolutely no bearing on one's ability to excel in a leadership position, manage a team, or deliver an exceptional guest experience. His journey exemplifies career progression and breaking ceilings within the industry.
Personal Journeys, Public Revelations
Many crew members have shared deeply personal moments related to their sexuality on camera, fostering a sense of connection and understanding with viewers:
- Tyler Walker (Season 10): In a deeply moving moment, Tyler came out as sexually fluid to his conservative South African parents during filming.
His vulnerability resonated with countless viewers facing similar family dynamics, illustrating the ongoing process of acceptance.
- Bruno Duarte (Season 5): Though his on-screen story focused on personal struggles, Bruno later came out and proudly married his husband, Alex, post-show.
His journey serves as a powerful testament to finding authenticity after the cameras stop rolling.
- Kyle Viljoen (Below Deck Med): Beyond his professional struggles, Kyle's charismatic "boatmance" with a charter guest, Frank Fay, culminated in a beautiful, pivotal on-screen kiss.
Moments like these, depicting genuine affection between same-sex partners, contribute significantly to normalization.
- Josiah Carter (Season 7): While not pursuing romance on board, Josiah offered a nuanced perspective on being gay in the yachting world, particularly grappling with the complexities of "party gays" versus professional conduct.
- Kate Chastain (Seasons 2-7): A fan-favorite Chief Stew, Kate briefly dated a woman, Rocio Hernandez, in a publicly documented relationship, adding another dimension to the show's exploration of sexuality.
The Ripple Effect: Beyond the Crew
The representation on Below Deck extends beyond the core crew.
The show has also featured openly LGBTQ+ charter guests, adding another layer of authenticity. From boisterous parties to heartfelt conversations, these guests offer a glimpse into diverse lives and experiences, further normalizing queer identities for a mainstream audience.
The interactions between crew and LGBTQ+ guests often lead to some of the most memorable and vibrant moments, reinforcing the idea that yachting, like life, is for everyone.
Charting a Course Forward: The Future of Inclusivity
While there is always room for improvement, Below Deck has undeniably emerged as a leader in reality television for its comparatively strong and increasing commitment to LGBTQ+ representation.
It has not only provided a platform for individual stories but has also sparked broader conversations about workplace diversity, discrimination, and the power of visibility.
As the Below Deck franchise continues to sail into new seasons and new spin-offs (like Below Deck Down Under), the hope is that this commitment to authentic, multifaceted representation will only deepen.
By showcasing the talent, resilience, and diverse experiences of LGBTQ+ yachties, the show not only entertains but also contributes meaningfully to a more accepting and inclusive world, one charter at a time.
Want to catch up on the journeys of these trailblazing individuals?
All Below Deck series and their spin-offs are available to stream on Peacock.