The 10 most iconic LGBTQ+ showmances on reality TV

We want even more LGBTQ+ couples on reality TV!

Reality TV hasn't always been welcoming or particularly kind to queer and trans cast members, and that was even truer when it came to LGBTQ+ relationships. Things have changed with the times, thankfully, with both new and established reality shows now featuring a wide range of relationships on television.

When it comes to well-established dating shows like The Bachelor and Love Island, there is still a huge resistance from producers to include queer and trans cast members. And yet, certain contestants have managed to sneak in same-sex relationships even in those franchises. In the meantime, networks have been producing more LGBTQ+-specific dating shows.

But even on reality shows not designed for romantic connections, queer people have found each other and fallen in love.

Scroll through to check out some of the most iconic LGBTQ+ showmances in reality TV history.

Ally Bross & Mack Fitzgerald (Destination X)

Neither of these two contestants thought they'd find love with another woman when they joined the geography-based reality show Destination X. Bross identified as straight, and even had a showmance with male contestant Shayne Cureton while filming. After the show ended, however, Bross and Fitzgerald began spending time together in Austin, Texas, where they both reside, and soon fell in love.

Sada Walkington & Nichola Holt (Big Brother UK)

Big Brother UK season one featured this couple who met on the show and started dating after it ended. According to the Irish Examiner, the two fell in love after Holt comforted Walkington after a breakup with her boyfriend. They later broke up.

Frankie Grande & Zach Rance (Big Brother)

When Frankie Grande and Zach Rance met while filming Big Brother season 16, Rance considered himself straight. The two formed a close connection on the show, and Rance said that he eventually developed feelings for Grande. They hooked up after the season ended, and Rance came out as bisexual.

Hughie Maughan & Ryan Ruckledge (Big Brother UK)

Maughan and Ruckledge were two contestants on the UK version of Big Brother season 17 in 2016. Maughan would go on to be the runner-up for the show. The two continued dating after the show and even moved in together, getting engaged. The couple split up in 2020.

Haley Grable & Brianna Murphy (Tampa Baes)

Reality TV fans who kept up with Tampa Baes on Amazon Prime Video had a blast getting to know this cast of queer women. The concept of the show was, on its own, pretty revolutionary... and one couple in particular, Haley Grable & Brianna Murphy, undeniably stood out among fans.

Manila Luzon & Sahara Davenport (RuPaul’s Drag Race)

The OG showmance of RuPaul's Drag Race was Manila Luzon and Sahara Davenport. Though they appeared in different seasons, they both talked about their long-term relationship and their deep love for each other. Unfortunately, Davenport passed away in 2012 at just 27 years of age.

Alaska & Sharon Needles (RuPaul’s Drag Race)

During her time on season four of RuPaul's Drag Race, Sharon Needles talked about her boyfriend, Alaska, who was also a drag queen. In the following year, Alaska was cast on Drag Race season five. During their time together, Alaska and Needles were considered the most popular Drag Race showmance ever. The pair split in 2013.

Vanessa Vanjie Mateo & Brooke Lynn Hytes (RuPaul’s Drag Race)

Drag Race producers tried for many years to make a showmance happen during the filming of a season. It took until season 11 for Vanessa Vanjie Mateo and Brooke Lynn Hytes to start some random kissy-kissy around the werkroom and admit that they were liking each other. That relationship didn't last very long outside of the show, but it was still an exciting showmance for fans to keep up with at the time.

Kori King & Lydia B Kollins (RuPaul's Drag Race)

Several Drag Race stars have caught feelings for each other, and the latest couple to emerge from the show comes from season 17. Kori King and fellow contestant Lydia B Kollins met while competing on the show and have continued their relationship post-competition. They confirmed their relationship at the Roscoe's Tavern Viewing Party for Drag Race season 17 episode 8.

Henry Southan & Jordan Sangha (Big Brother UK)

Southan and Sahnga met as contestants on Big Brother UK season 20 in 2023 and formed a surprise romance. The two were together for 16 months before calling it quits in April of 2025.

"It's incredibly sad, and we're both hurting, but we know it's the right step," Southan wrote on Instagram Stories at the time. "We're so grateful for the love and support you've shown us - thank you. Please give us some space as we figure things out privately."