He finally did it. Joel Kim Booster, the man who basically redefined the modern gay rom-com with Fire Island, has officially traded in his "vacation boyfriend" for a "vacation husband." If you've been following the comedian's journey, you know this wasn't just some sudden Hollywood whim. It’s been a slow burn, a four-year trek that culminated in a wedding so specific and joyful it could only belong to these two.
The man formerly known as Joel Kim Booster fiance—and now officially his husband—is John-Michael Sudsina. You might know him as JM. While Joel is out here winning Emmys and making us cry-laugh on Loot, JM is a powerhouse in a completely different world: high-stakes video game production.
Who Exactly is John-Michael Sudsina?
Honestly, the dynamic is perfect. Joel is the public-facing wit, and JM is the "senior creative producer" type who keeps things running. He’s spent years at Riot Games, the studio behind massive hits like League of Legends and Valorant. He even worked on Arcane, that Netflix show everyone was obsessed with. Before that? He was a producer for The Sims. Basically, if you’ve spent a late night gaming in the last decade, there's a decent chance JM had a hand in your entertainment.
They met in 2021. The setting was Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. If that sounds familiar, it's because it’s the spiritual (and literal) birthplace of Fire Island. They weren't looking for "the one." In fact, they both went into that weekend with a "let's just have fun" vibe. Joel later admitted they were "scream-whispering" life stories to each other in a loud club. By the time the sun came up on the beach, the "vacation boyfriend" tag was already starting to feel a bit too small.
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The Proposal That Broke the Internet
Fast forward to September 2024. Joel took JM to Jeju Island in South Korea. This wasn't just a random vacation; it’s where Joel was born before being adopted. It’s a place of immense personal weight.
On a boat, under the South Korean sun, Joel got down on one knee. He posted the photos with a caption that was classic Booster: "Vacation boyfriend —-> Vacation husband. Try to be normal about this." We weren't normal about it. The gold band was simple, the joy was massive, and the "fiance" era officially began.
That Science-Museum Wedding in San Francisco
Most celebs go for a boring vineyard or a stuffy hotel ballroom. Not these two. On December 30, 2025, they took over the Exploratorium in San Francisco. If you haven't been, it's a massive interactive science museum. It’s quirky, it’s tactile, and it’s a bit weird.
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"We both have a very big sense of play," Joel told The New York Times. "That is sort of the ethos of the Exploratorium."
The details were incredible:
- The Vibe: A "Burning Man after dark" aesthetic with glowing art installations.
- The Traditions: Joel incorporated Korean customs, including his best man carrying wooden Mandarin ducks (symbols of lifelong fidelity) down the aisle.
- The Guest List: A queer comedy royalty summit. Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers (from Las Culturistas) were groomsmen and gave a "joint toast" that was reportedly legendary.
- The Fits: Joel wore a custom Bode suit, while JM opted for Peter Do.
Navigating the Real Stuff
It hasn't all been red carpets and science museums. Joel has been incredibly open about his diagnosis of Type 2 bipolar disorder, which happened shortly before he met JM. That’s a lot for a new couple to handle.
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They’ve talked candidly about the "trial and error" of figuring out how to support each other through the highs and lows. It’s that groundedness—the willingness to talk about the messy parts of mental health and family dynamics—that makes people root for them so hard. Even when discussing their future, Joel mentioned on Katya's podcast (Who's the A------?) that they've talked about kids. They aren't just playing house; they’re building one.
What This Means for the Rest of Us
There is something deeply satisfying about watching a guy who spent years dissecting the pitfalls of gay dating finally find his "endgame." It’s a reminder that even the most cynical wits among us aren't immune to a genuine rom-com ending.
If you're looking for the takeaway here, it's probably about the "sense of play." In a world that demands we grow up and get serious, Joel and JM chose a wedding venue where you’re literally supposed to touch everything and learn how things work. That's a pretty good metaphor for a marriage, honestly.
Real-World Takeaways for Your Own "Endgame"
- Don't discount the "vacation boyfriend." Sometimes the person you meet when your guard is down is the one who actually fits.
- Lean into the "Play." Whether it's a wedding venue or a Tuesday night, keeping a sense of curiosity about your partner keeps the relationship from getting stagnant.
- Be honest about the hard stuff. Joel’s transparency about his mental health didn't drive JM away; it gave them a foundation of radical honesty.
- Make it a "Production." If you’re going to celebrate, do it in a way that actually reflects who you are, not what a Pinterest board tells you a wedding should look like.
Keep an eye on Joel's Instagram for the inevitable "wedding dump" part two—he promised he might never stop posting them, and honestly, we're here for it.