This season will make global history with the first mixed-gender cast of any Bachelor or Bachelorette franchise in the world. Throughout the season, Brooke will be spending time with both men and women in her quest to find love.
“If it makes people feel uncomfortable in any way, I really challenge them to think about why it does,” she said in a statement.
During her time on The Bachelor in 2018, she addressed her sexuality while talking to leading man Nick Cummins. Here, she revealed she’d had four relationships in her life, with one of them being with a man.
“When I was in those relationships, I looked beyond what they were as female and I really loved [them] for who they were as people.”
Brooke's Instagram page has already been flooded with messages of support. The Bachelorette Australia host, Osher Günsberg has also expressed his excitement about the upcoming season. In a recently released statement, he said: “We are a nation of people from so many different backgrounds, so many different cultures and so many different experiences, yet we all have one thing in common – we all want to be loved in a way that is meaningful to us. I can’t wait to get started on helping our Bachelorette Brooke find that kind of love.”
As for what she's looking for, Brooke has a pretty clear idea.
“My perfect person is someone that loves me for me. I hope they offer shared values and compassion for others. All the dreamy things. I’m so excited and hope that I finally find that person I’ve been waiting for.”
Channel Ten's decision to cast Brooke as this year's leading lady comes after years of enthusiasm to see her handing out the roses, instead of receiving them. There have been growing calls to cast Brooke as the Bachelorette, and the network has taken them on board.
“Times are more progressive and sexuality and gender expression are just so fluid these days. I am not too sure if Australia is ready for it. I hope they are. I certainly am.”
The Bachelorette Australia is coming to Channel 10 soon.
