Fact Check: Are TK and Carlos gay in real life?

Published May 7, 2025

•by TruthOrFake

VERDICT

Partially True

# Are TK and Carlos Gay in Real Life? The question of whether actors Ronen Rubinstein and Rafael L. Silva, who portray TK Strand and Carlos Reyes re...

Are TK and Carlos Gay in Real Life?

The question of whether actors Ronen Rubinstein and Rafael L. Silva, who portray TK Strand and Carlos Reyes respectively on the television series 9-1-1: Lone Star, are gay in real life has sparked considerable interest among fans. This inquiry is often fueled by the on-screen chemistry between the characters, who are depicted as a romantic couple. This article will explore the available information regarding the sexual orientations of both actors and the implications of their portrayals.

What We Know

Ronen Rubinstein: The actor who plays TK Strand identifies as bisexual. He publicly came out in an interview with Variety in April 2021, stating, "I fully identify as bisexual" 3. This acknowledgment places him within the LGBTQ+ community, but it does not confirm that he is exclusively gay.
Rafael L. Silva: Information about Silva's sexual orientation is less clear. While he plays a gay character on the show, there is no definitive public statement from him regarding his own sexual orientation. Some sources suggest he is dating a fellow actress, but details are limited 5 6.
Character Dynamics: The characters TK and Carlos are portrayed as a loving couple on the show, which has led to a fanbase that affectionately refers to them as "Tarlos" 5. The representation of their relationship is noted as significant within the context of LGBTQ+ visibility on mainstream television 10.
Fan Speculation: Fans often speculate about the personal lives of actors based on their on-screen roles. This speculation can sometimes lead to misconceptions or assumptions that may not reflect reality. For instance, the intense chemistry between Rubinstein and Silva has led many to wonder if their relationship extends beyond the screen 5 6.

Analysis

The sources available provide a mix of verified information and speculative content.

Credibility of Sources:
- Soaps.sheknows.com is a site known for entertainment news and has provided accurate information about Rubinstein's bisexuality 3. However, it is essential to note that while it offers insights into the actors' lives, it may also cater to sensationalism, which can affect the reliability of some claims.
- Distractify and Us Weekly are also entertainment-focused outlets that report on celebrity news. They often rely on interviews and public statements, but their content can sometimes lean towards gossip rather than hard facts 2 5 6.
- The LGBT Characters Wikia offers a community-driven perspective on character representations but may lack rigorous editorial oversight 4.
Methodological Concerns: The primary challenge in verifying the personal lives of actors lies in the limited availability of direct statements from the individuals involved. While Rubinstein's bisexuality is confirmed, Silva's sexual orientation remains ambiguous due to a lack of public commentary. This gap leaves room for speculation and rumor, which can distort public perception.
Potential Conflicts of Interest: Media outlets may have a vested interest in promoting narratives that attract readership, particularly in the realm of celebrity gossip. This can lead to exaggerated claims or a focus on sensational aspects of their personal lives rather than factual reporting.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The assertion that TK and Carlos are gay in real life is partially true. Ronen Rubinstein has publicly identified as bisexual, confirming his place within the LGBTQ+ community. However, Rafael L. Silva's sexual orientation remains unclear, as he has not made any definitive public statements regarding his identity. This ambiguity contributes to the uncertainty surrounding the claim.

It is important to recognize that while the characters' relationship on 9-1-1: Lone Star is a significant representation of LGBTQ+ love, the personal lives of the actors do not always align with their on-screen roles. The lack of comprehensive information about Silva's sexual orientation means that any conclusions drawn about both actors being gay are not fully substantiated.

Readers should be aware of the limitations in the available evidence, particularly the absence of clear statements from Silva. This situation highlights the challenges in navigating celebrity identities, where speculation can often overshadow factual reporting. As always, it is advisable for readers to critically evaluate information and consider the nuances involved in discussions about personal identities.

Sources

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