This is the representation needed!
Bravo has opened doors for true reality on their hit TV shows and The Valley has served as no exception. By casting a diverse friend group, Zack Wickham and his boyfriend Benji Quach are bringing authentic queer voices to the series by dishing on their modern and open relationship.
The couple has dated nearly three years as a long distance couple. Wickham is based in West Hollywood, while Quach lives in Toronto. With many miles keeping them apart, opening their relationship has created very healthy lines of communication.
"I've really enjoyed being able to show other sides of me that I didn't get to show at first. It's very important for visibility to show we're here and we're not going anywhere. I live my life very openly and I'm not hiding anything," Wickham tells Out.
Navigating open relationships on national television is no easy feat, but Wickham wants other couples to learn from his example and start having health conversations within their own relationships.
"As long as you are openly communicative with each other and it's hurting no one, you can set your own rules. We don't have to live in a heteronormative society. I'm glad I can talk about and inspire others to have open communication with their partner. Gays talk about our sex life in the first conversation of the first date. That's just what we do!"
The LGBTQ+ community has redefined what beautiful and loving relationships can look like, so Wickham has felt empowered to break down the exact formula that's worked in his situation thus far. However, he encourages all gay people to try different types of relationships to see what works best for them.
"We at different times are open or not open. The biggest challenge is the acceptance that there will be other people that will come into our relationship. If I want to know what's going on, you have to tell me. If I don't ask, I don't want to know. You have to set up your own rules and it'll develop on its own. Every single relationship is different."
The Valley airs Wednesday nights on Bravo. Fans can follow Zack Wickham on Instagram here.
