Meet VaLentine: Half of The First Gay Couple of Color to be Cast on 90 Day Fiancé: Love in Paradise

When it comes to finding love, some will stop at nothing, and go to great lengths just to find “the one”. That was the case for VaLentine and Carlos, the first gay couple of color to be featured on the 90 Day Fiancé franchise, 90 Day Fiancé: Love in Paradise. In a recent interview, VaLentine dishes on his journey for love, potential turmoil, gives advice, and even shares his plans for Pride Month. 

What started as a mutual attraction over Instagram between VaLentine, 47-year-old, L.A resident with Brooklyn roots; and Carlos, a 28-year-old, Columbia native, catapulted into a long-distance relationship between the two. It’s safe to say, it goes down in the DM’s! However, due to the pandemic and lockdowns — over a year and a half eventually passed without them ever having met in person, and while many may find that unbearable, VaLentine felt as though it enabled both he and Carlos to form a strong emotional bond. 

“Months went by, and I was like – I’m still talking to this dude. And not only was I still talking to him… I felt attached!”

When the opportunity arose for VaLentine to join the cast of 90 Day Fiancé: Love in Paradise, he initially had no reservations about having his relationship air out on national television. After the cameras started rolling, he quickly realized how intense the entire process could be but was still committed to fully immersing himself in further exploring the connection he’d built with Carlos.

While many potential issues arose early on in their relationship such as — VaLentine’s stance on polygamy, or both he and Carlos’ history of uncompromisable dominance in a relationship, VaLentine remained hopeful that compromises could be made along the way in the name of love. Despite their on-again, off-again relationship, and their previous disagreements, VaLentine flew from L.A to Columbia with intentions of proposing to Carlos, if all went well.

“Initially when it came to dominance and polyamory, it was a hard stop. However, we just kept talking and as time went by, we found ourselves softening up in those areas.” 

When VaLentine arrived in Columbia, the chemistry between him and Carlos was still as strong as it had been throughout their long-distance relationship. He even found that conflicts they had were worked through much easier and quicker in person than they had been in the past, however, they still had hurdles to face. For starters, Carlos had yet to completely come out of the closet to his family due to their conservative views. VaLentine’s main concern was making sure Carlos felt supported if the news and his introduction weren’t received well.

“My concern was: how am I going to be supportive to him throughout this? But whatever he needed from me; I was going to do it.”

Unlike Carlos, VaLentine’s sexual orientation was revealed at the age of eighteen, resulting in turmoil in relationships with family members that have since been mended. His comfortability with his sexuality was something he’s long ago accepted, and he has no intentions of hiding who he is. 

As seen in the teaser for the season, what seems like a night of fun quickly turns into concern from Carlos about VaLentine’s behavior, however, when it comes to his identity, VaLentine remains unapologetic, and feels as though others should too. 

When asked what advice he’d give to individuals who may be struggling with their sexuality or sexual orientation, VaLentine stated, “I hope they get the courage to come out to their family, or at least live their truest life in the best way possible as it relates to their comfortability at that time. I do not believe in pushing or forcing anyone out of the closet. I will say time is precious – live your best life!” 

In celebration of Pride Month, VaLentine has plans to continue to contribute to the LGBTQ community on a professional level. With history producing the talent on the main stage for events such as the 2019 Long Beach Gay Pride, and as a current chair member on the board of an LGBTQ organization, VaLentine has and continues to make contributions behind the scenes. 

As far as VaLentine’s plans to walk down the aisle anytime soon? To find out, be sure to tune into the second season of the 90 Day Fiancé: Love in Paradise, which premieres June 10th on Discovery.