Actor Carlo Arrechea used Coming Out Day last Friday to come out as bisexual. 

The Cuban–born actor, 34, moved to the US in 2002, aged 12. He made waves when younger with a prominent role in Nickelodeon Latin America’s live-action series, Grachi. He has also appeared on telenovelas for Telemundo and Univisión, and had a high-profile guest role in 2020 on the TV show S.W.A.T, playing the part of a Cuban boxer. 

Arrechea came out via a letter he wrote to his younger self, which he shared with Out.

“Dear Carliton, do we have to talk about it?” he begins. “Do I need to be exposed, vulnerable, and share my truth? As I write these words, I wrestle with these questions. But deep down, I know the answer: yes.

“Labels — how I despise them. Society clings to these definitions, eager to categorize us by who we love rather than who we are. For so long, I denied parts of myself, unsure how to embrace the complexity of my identity. But I’ve come to realize that while the world may not fully understand bisexuality, my journey is uniquely mine.”

He goes on to say that being vulnerable is powerful.

​​”As an actor, I bear the responsibility of representing the diverse tapestry of the human experience. By sharing my story, I hope to light a path for others who feel lost or unseen.”

He says he doesn’t know if his sexuality will lead him to settle down with a man or a woman. However, going forward “I embrace every facet of my being and refuse to hide any longer. My truth is my strength, and I will share it boldly — not just for myself, but for those still searching for their light. This journey is a testament to the beauty of being true to oneself.”

Teenage dates

Arrechea told Out that arriving in the US at the age of 12 was a culture shock after his childhood in Cuba. He began dating girls in his mid-teens, but was also conscious of his attraction to some men and wanting to kiss them. 

He lost his virginity to a girl aged 15. Arrechea began to explore meetups with men aged 17. He met them via Craigslist and MySpace. 

Arrechea landed his breakout role in Grachi at the age of 21. He appeared in over 130 episodes, making him a recognizable face in the Hispanic-speaking world. Living in Miami at the time, he was regularly recognized. Even if he wasn’t Hollywood famous, it made him wary of what he revealed about his private life. 

“I had always been honest with my circle of friends in Miami,” Arrechea tells Out. “But as a public figure and as an actor, I never shared anything regarding my sexuality.”

His appearance on S.W.A.T in 2029 led to him being considered as a contender for a Primetime Emmy nomination. A former representative warned him to keep his bisexuality private. 

“It was the first time I’ve been even f*cking considered for an Emmy nomination. This was huge for my career. Especially for a role where I was representing my birth country, Cuba, on primetime television. So, at the time, I was like, ‘You know what? I’m not going to say anything.‘”

He’s now changed his mind.

“Why do I have to do that? I just want to be who I am. If somebody doesn’t want to give me a role because I have a different preference of who I sleep with or who I love… then f*ck them.”

He says that his decision to come out already feels like a weight off his shoulders.

“I’ve been really vulnerable. But I already feel so much lighter.”

“Nothing short of extraordinary”

Yesterday, on Instagram, Arrechea posted a reaction to the supportive message he’s received since revealing his bisexuality.

“THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. I didn’t know what to expect when I opened up in such a vulnerable way, but the outpouring of love and support I’ve received has been nothing short of extraordinary. My heart is overflowing with gratitude.”

Main photo: @carloarrechea/instagram.

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