Actor Carlo Arrechea comes out as bisexual

Cuban-born actor Carlo Arrechea celebrated National Coming Out Day last week by publicly identifying as bisexual, stating that he “refuses to hide any longer.”

Arrechea, likely recognised for his role as Gio Torres in S.W.A.T., discussed his coming out in an interview with Out magazine.

The actor, who also portrayed Sebastian in Nickelodeon’s Grachi, gave the interview as part of National Coming Out Day and National Hispanic Heritage Month. Arrechea shared a letter he penned to his younger self, highlighting his desire to come out. “Do we have to talk about it? Do I need to be exposed, vulnerable and share my truth?” he pondered. “As I write these words, I wrestle with these questions. But deep down, I know the answer: yes.”

In the letter, according to ‘MSN’, he also expresses his aversion to labels and his uncertainty on how to embrace the complexity of his identity.

“But I’ve come to realize that, while the world may not fully understand bisexuality, my journey is uniquely mine. I’ve always craved the freedom to love openly… and, in this process, I recognize that my vulnerability holds immense power.

“As an actor, I bear the responsibility of representing the diverse tapestry of the human experience. By sharing my story, I hope to light a path for others who feel lost or unseen.

“So, let this be my declaration: I embrace every facet of my being and refuse to hide any longer. My truth is my strength, and I will share it boldly. Not just for myself, but for those still searching for their light. This journey is a testament to the beauty of being true to oneself.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Arrechea mentioned that he began to “explore” his attraction to men at 17, after losing his virginity to a girl two years earlier. He also recounted being molested by two women, who were seven or eight years older, when he was just 10 years old.

Now at 34, he hinted at working on a project where he would play a homophobic character.

He confessed that he considered whether he should come out as bisexual prior to this project but stated: “The whole point is that I’m opening my heart. I’m doing this because I want to live as my authentic self. I should be allowed to do that.”

He added that he already feels “so much lighter.”