All aboard!
Tyler Walker is one of the brave yachties to share his coming out story on Below deck. Even in its tenth season, Walker is one of the first openly gay stars of the hit Bravo show.
With Fraser is the first gay Chief Stew Below deckTyler found the confidence to show the world who he really is.
“I’ve always seen it as something more personal between people I connected with like Haley and Frasier. This is me, so I might as well just tell the rest of the world that this is me,” Walker tells PRIDE.
The yachting world is not the most accepting of the LGBTQ+ family, so Walker’s coming out is a big moment for fans to accept a gay member of the boating community.
“I’m looking at Fraser now. Getting to know him and seeing how confident he is in his position…it really gave me a sense of myself. It is a truly frightening experience. I do come from a very religious background. it really scares you.”
Because Walker came from a Methodist upbringing, it took him a long time to come to terms with his sexuality. Now he’s flying his rainbow flag and taking things day by day as he comes to terms with who he is.
“I’ve never felt such a weight lifted off my shoulders. I have never felt happier with who I am, although the conversation with my parents may not have gone as smoothly as I had hoped. They will always love me and they said so. If I get something out of being on the show and I can help one person, that would be absolutely enough for me.”
Also, the star is single and ready to mingle as she is now a new member of the community.
“It’s actually so funny! I’m not talking to anyone in particular. I’m currently single but I had a buzz next to me and it was a notification from Tinder! I need to read this to make sure it’s not too important, you know?”
Also, if anyone is hoping to take Walker on a date…here’s the criteria they need to meet.
“In my personal life, I’ve always been such a happy, cheerful person. If you can make me laugh… [that’s] number one. There’s always something that’s been attractive to me about someone who has a good singing voice. I love listening to music and someone who can sing is amazing. If we can have a relationship, then… perfect.”
Watch the season finale ofBelow deck tonight on Bravo. To see the full interview with Tyler Walker, check out the video below.