Here's a late introduction to the gay competitors of "Dance Your Ass Off"

My reality TV schedule is pretty full with the "Is he or isn't he?" game Bravo is playing with PC on NYC Prep and waiting for Kevin to get screentime on Big Brother. Thus, despite some initial buzz, I haven't gotten to check out Oxygen's weight loss/dance competition Dance Your Ass Off aside from the parts that have been featured on the clip shows.

However, it turns out that the show includes two out guys, as Oxygen let us know that Ruben and Miles are gay. Ruben is a former dancer and Cirque du Soleil wardrobe manager who avoids the media events that go with the job because of his appearance. Miles, meanwhile, is a Coast Guard veteran who doesn't want to end up looking like his father.

Ruben and Miles

So far we're about halfway in the season, so lets take a quick look at how Ruben and Miles have done, so far.

I'm surprised I haven't heard about Ruben being gay sooner, since his partner of 17 years, John, is prominently featured in his introduction. I guess all the other gay media watchers were also busy yelling at the TV when a Bravo logo came onscreen. Ruben tells us John is currently battling cancer, which brings up that classic reality TV moment where the audience questions the priorities of a competitor. I think, however, this may be the first time we've wondered if a gay man should have stayed home to take care of his partner instead of being on TV.

So far, Ruben has been a pretty strong competitor, coming in first or second for the hugest overall score (a combination of what the judges think of his dancing and his weight loss) every week. (Including pole dancing week when second place went to Miles.) Ruben and John's relationship will add to the drama next week, as there's a call home at stake and John is headed into the hospital for treatment.

Ruben with his partner, John

Unfortunately, Miles hasn't performed as strongly. He started the competition in a tie for the top dance score but this week he got the worst score from the judges, leading to his elimination. That leaves Ruben as the last guy in the competition.

Has anyone been watching? What do you think? I'm actually finding the drama a bit addicting, though the dance performances are already losing their charm for me, though I continue to be mesmerized by the cringe-inducing costume choices.