The Top 15 Favorite Gay Reality Stars

#5 J.P. Calderon
Appeared on: Survivor: Cook Islands (2006) and The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency (2007, 2008)

Calderon got the cover and in the accompanying interview discussed the impact coming out had had on his life:

All of my fears, everything that I was scared of ... it was the complete the opposite," he said. "It's been great. All of my friends, the volleyball world, absolutely everybody has been supportive. No one has shut me out.

What was the best part of your experience? The best part of my experience with both Survivor and the Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency was that I got to experience places and do things that I never thought possible. It was surreal and an opportunity of a lifetime.

How did it change you? When I was on Survivor the show’s creator and producer, Mark Burnett, told us there would only be one winner, but we would all win in different ways. As cheesy as that sounded, throughout the experience I realized how much of life I had wasted trying to portray an image to live up to the expectations of others. On the JDMA, that show was the breaking point and reassurance I needed to feel confident and accept myself for who I am. Janice Dickinson herself made me realize that a true man wasn't one that was defined by playing sports or working out, but one who was able to be true to himself and happy in his own convictions.

What are you doing now? Since appearing on both shows and with the help of Instinct Magazine, life has been wonderful! I am represented by FORD Models. I have done numerous appearances throughout the country and have done speaking engagements in the GLBT community! Throughout this whirlwind, the thing that has kept me grounded is I still coach Girls Junior Volleyball and have stayed closer than ever with my friends and family.

Your reaction to making the list? No way! This is awesome! It’s a total honor! It’s really nice to be voted one of the Top Favorite Reality Stars! It’s nice to know that we are all in support of each other and I am truly thankful to everyone who has supported me. Thank you Afterelton.com!!!

#6 Charlie Herschel
Appeared on: Survivor: Gabon (2008)

When it comes to reality shows, the second most well-known gay/straight bromance just might be the one known as “Charm.” That would be Charlie Herschel and Marcus Lehman from Survivor: Gabon. When the two found themselves on the same tribe, they quickly formed a bond and became fast friends. Viewers – especially gay men – responded very favorably to both men for showing there was no reason gay and straight guys couldn’t be great friends. This despite the fact CBS often edited footage to make it appear that Charlie had a crush on Marcus, something Charlie emphatically said he did not. In fact, after being eliminated, Charlie told RealityBlurred.com:

Literally, every interview I had with a producer — every interview, even ones when he was gone, they would ask me, ‘Do you have a crush on Marcus?’ And in every interview, I would say, ‘I do not have a crush on Marcus.’ … I’m used to building a wall in my mind between me and people I cannot date; Marcus is a straight man, and it never even crossed my mind. I just don’t go there when it’s not a possibility.

What was the best part of your experience? I survived 27 days with one outfit, barely any food and no comfort . . . and I still managed to be patient and pleasant – I didn't think I had that in me. It was an exciting surprise to learn how I handle stress. Every day in Africa was an adrenaline rush, out of body, surreal dream that I still can't believe happened to me!

How did it change you? I think I am exactly the same, but my friends say I am more comfortable with myself and less inhibited. 

What are you doing now? I am a lawyer at the same corporate law firm I worked at before Survivor. And I'm running the Atlanta Half Marathon with Marcus on March 29!

Your reaction to making the list? Smiling!