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This is couple goals!<\/p>\n
Will Jardell and James Wallington<\/a> are the adorable husbands who are taking fans along for the ride as they embrace their queerness all over the world. After all, the duo is considered reality TV royalty as the first same-sex couple to get engaged at the finish line on season 32 of The Amazing Race.<\/p>\n As the winners of the season, queer representation in the entertainment industry has increased as more gay couples are able to share their stories on other major reality TV shows. With 5 years of marriage under their belt, the handsome hubbies have starred in other hit projects and built an impressive following on social media.<\/p>\n “Who would have thought reality TV would bring us together? We’ve been huge fans of The Amazing Race and we were ready to put ourselves through the ringer. Little did I know, he brought a ring along our journey and got down on one knee at the finish line right after we won. It was such an out-of-body experience. I truly was speechless,” Wallington tells Out.<\/p>\n The Amazing Race has certainly come a long way in terms of LGBTQ<\/a>+ representation. When hit reality show premiered in 2001, CBS labeled Joe Baldassare and Bill Bartek, the first ever same-sex couple to ever compete, as “life partners” as opposed to “gay couple” or “boyfriends.”<\/p>\n Over 30 seasons later, Will Jardell and James Wallington were celebrated for the passionate love story and set the tone for positive LGBTQ+ representation on the biggest TV networks in America.<\/p>\n “We didn’t realize the impact in the moment. We still get amazing messages from fans who watch our season. Hearing the impact its made on their personal lives is honestly touching. The 11-year-old me still can’t believe this is even our reality,” Wallington says.<\/p>\n Now, the couple is showcasing all aspects of their personal and professional lives on their social media pages. In fact, Jardell is documenting his fitness journey in a slew of steamy posts hitting the gym and the pool.<\/p>\n “I’ve been working really hard working out. When I hit 35 years old, I wanted to be in the best shape and best health possible. If that inspires someone to get off their couch and stop watching reality TV, then I’ll keep posting about it. As a kid, I was so self-conscious and I think a lot of it stems from just being gay. Now that I’m older, I have a lot more confidence. I have control of the narrative and be proud of it,” Jardell says.<\/p>\n Fans can follow Will Jardell<\/a> and James Wallington<\/a> on their solo or combined Instagram accounts<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n