‘Survivor’ winner Erika Casupanan comes out as lesbian
By Carl Samson
“Survivor 41” winner Erika Casupanan came out as a lesbian in a recent Instagram video, drawing support from fans and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
What she said: Casupanan, who is Filipino Canadian, opened up about her identity in a cheeky Instagram Reel on Dec. 30. In the video, she recalled last year’s attempt at the New Year’s Eve tradition of eating grapes under a table to get a boyfriend.
The tradition, which dates back to late 19th-century Spain, requires one to eat one of 12 grapes — and make a wish — with each of the 12 strikes of the clock bell at midnight of Dec. 31. However, Casupanan said she did not have grapes, so she instead “chugged wine” and realized that year that “I’m a lesbian.”
About Casupanan: Casupanan made history as the first Filipino and first Canadian to become “Sole Survivor” in the CBS reality show. She is also the first woman to emerge victorious in seven seasons.
Casupanan was born in the Philippines and migrated to Toronto. She worked for 10 years in corporate communications and quit her job after being cast in the show’s 41st season, where she won $1 million.
Reactions: Many expressed support for Casupanan in her coming-out. Fellow “Survivor” castaway Richard Ficard Foyé wrote in the comments, “I HAD A GAY ALLIANCE?!”
“Ayo wait…that means…you’re not only the first new era winner, [first] Canadian to win, first woman in six [sic] seasons and first Philippines winner, but also the first lesbian winner? MAN you are full of firsts,” one fan noted.
“WE HAVE A LESBIAN SURVIVOR WINNER!!!!! BRB I’m CRYING from JOY,” another commented.
Tangent: Fellow “Survivor” winner Parvati Shallow, who won “Survivor: Micronesia” in 2008, also came out as queer in an Instagram post on the same day. She shared photos of herself with comedian Mae Martin.
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