If you’ve spent more than five minutes on Bravo-related TikTok or scrolled through the wreckage of the Vanderpump Rules subreddit lately, you’ve seen the question. Is Tom Sandoval gay? It’s a query that has dogged the most polarizing man on reality TV for over a decade. Honestly, it’s one of those rumors that just won’t die, no matter how many long-term girlfriends the guy has or how many times he addresses it on a podcast.
Part of the fascination comes from Sandoval’s whole vibe. He’s a guy who spends more on hair products and forehead Botox than most people spend on rent. He’s got the sequins. The white nail polish. The elaborate costumes. In the "old days" of reality TV, people used the term "metrosexual" to describe him, but in 2026, the internet is way more comfortable jumping straight to speculation about someone’s orientation.
The Reality of Tom Sandoval’s Dating History
Let’s look at the facts first because the "Scandoval" era basically redefined how we look at his personal life. Since we first met him at SUR, Sandoval has been exclusively and very publicly linked to women.
He spent years with Kristen Doute. Then came the nine-year marathon with Ariana Madix, which ended in the cheating scandal heard 'round the world with Rachel (formerly Raquel) Leviss. Most recently, he’s been public with model Victoria Lee Robinson. Even through 2024 and 2025, while the world was still throwing tomatoes at him, he was consistently seen in heterosexual relationships.
Despite this, the "is Tom Sandoval gay" searches spiked during Season 10 and 11 of Vanderpump Rules. Why? Because people love a "secret identity" narrative. When the news broke that his and Ariana’s sex life had essentially flatlined for years, some fans used that as "evidence."
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"I felt like I was her gay BFF," Sandoval famously said during a reunion, describing his lack of intimacy with Ariana.
Critics took that quote and ran with it. They argued that his focus on aesthetics and his deep, often codependent friendship with Tom Schwartz suggested something other than what was being shown on screen. But feeling like a "BFF" in a struggling relationship isn't the same thing as a coming-out party.
The "Tom and Tom" Dynamic
You can't talk about Sandoval’s sexuality without talking about Tom Schwartz. Their "bromance" is the backbone of the show. They’ve shared beds, they’ve shared businesses, and they’ve cried on each other’s shoulders more than they have with their actual partners.
In a 2017 interview on the Daily Dish podcast, both Toms actually addressed the gay rumors head-on. Sandoval pointed out that people say the same thing about Ryan Seacrest or any man who takes "too much" interest in his appearance. He basically called the speculation ridiculous and a byproduct of outdated stereotypes.
The truth is, Sandoval’s brand of masculinity is just... loud. He loves the spotlight. He loves the "extra-ness" of drag culture, the flare of 70s rockstars, and the grooming habits of a pageant queen. In his mind, being a "man's man" doesn't mean you can't wear a lace shirt and a pearl necklace.
Why the Rumors Persist
- The "Metrosexual" Aesthetic: He’s been very open about his grooming rituals, including shaving his forehead and getting regular cosmetic "maintenance."
- Emotional Intensity: He cries. A lot. Usually with a very specific, high-pitched wail that has become a meme in its own right.
- Performative Allyship: He’s always been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, famously standing up against Jax Taylor’s choice of a homophobic pastor. While some saw this as genuine, others felt it was Sandoval trying to secure "hero" status.
- The Ariana Reveal: Sandoval actually outed Ariana’s hookup with Lala Kent on camera without her consent. This caused a massive rift because Ariana felt he was using her bisexuality to look "cool" to his guy friends. It was a messy moment that showed Sandoval is often more concerned with the narrative of sexuality than the privacy of it.
The 2026 Perspective
As of early 2026, Tom Sandoval has never identified as gay or bisexual. He has consistently identified as a straight man who happens to really, really like flat irons and sequins.
Is it possible he's queer and hasn't said anything? Sure, anything’s possible in West Hollywood. But based on every piece of evidence we have—from his messy breakups with women to his own explicit denials—the answer to "is Tom Sandoval gay" remains a "no."
We often forget that someone can be a "theatre kid" soul trapped in a reality star's body without that defining who they want to sleep with. Sandoval is a guy who wants to be the center of attention. Period. If a sequined cape gets him that attention, he’s wearing the cape.
What to Keep in Mind Moving Forward
If you're following the latest Bravo drama, it's easy to get lost in the theories. Here is the most grounded way to look at the situation:
- Respect Identity: Until a person uses a specific label for themselves, assigning one based on their haircut or their "crying face" is just guesswork.
- Watch the Actions, Not the Outfits: Sandoval’s history shows a pattern of infidelity and high-intensity emotional drama with women. That’s his track record.
- Acknowledge the Stereotypes: Much of the "is he gay" talk relies on the idea that straight men can't be vain or emotional. Challenging those tropes is probably more productive than trying to "out" a reality star.
Check the latest episode recaps and official interviews for any new updates, but for now, the Sandoval saga continues to be a story of a straight man navigating the consequences of a very public, very messy life.
To stay updated on the latest casting news for the upcoming season, you can monitor official Bravo press releases or follow the cast's verified social media accounts for direct updates on their relationship statuses.