The best reality shows are often defined by their hosts. Sure, the casts are what make each season unique, but the greatest programs are the ones whose facilitators skillfuly push the story forward. Unfortunately, few modern hosts have been as unintentionally controversial as The Ultimatum: Queer Love’s JoAnna Garcia Swisher; the heterosexual actress has been criticized for leading a show that focuses on LGBTQ+ women trying to get married.
Her identity has led to many people criticizing the series for not offering that place to an actual Queer person, a critique that many of the current season’s cast of this Chris Coelen show discussed in their reunion — leaving the host in tears. But rather than crying due to sadness, the host broke down in tears for how “her girls” commended her allyship, speaking about the many ways she supported them throughout this difficult process and what a true ally she is for the LGBTQ+ community. For series like this, it’s not uncommon for people to end the reunion episode in tears, but nobody could’ve expected the one crying to be The Ultimatum: Queer Love’s host herself (for all the best reasons).
‘The Ultimatum: Queer Love’ Deserves an Amazing Host
While fans were thrilled when The Ultimatum: Queer Love was announced two years ago, many were confused about the spin-off’s host. That’s not to say JoAnna Garcia Swisher isn’t accomplished enough to lead a show. As the star of Netflix’s hit Sweet Magnolias, her fame and overall kindhearted demeanor made her the perfect candidate to host one of the streaming platform’s many reality series. It wasn’t a lack of fame that baffled people, but how the woman herself hadn’t been a part of any major LGBTQ+ conversations in the media — and wasn’t even Queer!
That’s not to say every host has to perfectly mirror the identities of their contestants, but watchers questioned how a heterosexual person could ever successfully support a group of Queer women who’ve come from such different backgrounds. This criticism only deepened in the current season when the woman’s attempts to discuss finding family (by talking about her husband) or lack of knowledge around certain issues left many fans feeling vilified in their critiques. It left many still calling for her replacement, which is what made it so surprising in the reunion when every single cast member made it clear how much they appreciated her.
JoAnna proved her skills this entire season, but her shining moment truly came in the reunion where multiple contestants came in ready to tear each other apart. She was a firm yet caring moderator, making sure to validate these intense feelings but encouraging them all to remember the vital lessons they learned through this experience. It was an artful approach to a volatile situation, and it led to one of this season’s most tearjerking scenes when AJ Blount thanked her, making it clear that her identity doesn’t mean she shouldn’t be the host — in fact, it’s exactly why she should be.
The women showered JoAnna with appreciation, speaking about the moments on and off-screen where she went above and beyond to support them. Many also pointed out how her being heterosexual means she offers a vital role model for what allyship should look like today. The host, who had acknowledged her privilege as a straight woman throughout the show, burst into tears, explaining how she really does love her cast and that her goal is to always be the best ally she can be. It was a jaw-dropping, heartwarming moment of pure emotion, and it left our host and her contestants (as well as many people watching) crying in happiness.
JoAnna Garcia Swisher Is More Than Just a Host
While The Ultimatum: Queer Love’s reunion showcases what a great host JoAnna Garcia Swisher is, that doesn’t erase the many critiques she’s received over the years. It’s understandable why so many would prefer to see an actual LGBTQ+ person hosting this LGBTQ+ show, and while she tries her hardest, her background means she often can’t grasp the severity of the situations our couples are going through.
She definitely isn’t the perfect host for this series — but that doesn’t mean she isn’t still exceptional. As the contestants themselves stated in this reunion, JoAnna brings a grace to this show that they need, not only offering great advice but providing an amazing model of what an ally should be today. She’s an unexpected but amazing addition to this series, and as the contestants put it so well through their tears in this reunion, viewers are lucky to have such a great person hosting such a trailblazing show.