Roberto Manrique: The gay heartthrob who captured hearts around the world

• Roberto Manrique was a sex symbol.
• He caused an uproar when he came out.
• He shared his truth in a video

Roberto Manrique was a telenovela star who became an international heartthrob.

The actor and model caused an uproar when he publicly came out on August 27, 2021.

The star of televnovelas like Flor Salvaje, Sin Senos Sí Hay Paraíso, and Marido en Alquiler felt enormous guilt over his sexual orientation.

He also suffered under the stigma of a judgmental public that made him feel like something was wrong with him.

Ricardo Manrique came out and revealed the truth about his sexuality in a video

Although the Ecuadorian actor initially believed it wasn’t important to discuss his sexuality, after giving it some thought, Roberto Manrique came out in a video on his official Instagram account.

In this video, which quickly went viral, actor Roberto Manrique spoke openly about what he was feeling.

«I don’t really feel like I’m coming out of the closet, but I was deceiving myself,» he stated.

The host of reality shows like Exatlón Colombia and Tumbao acknowledged that his guilt prevented him from loving himself as he was and being genuinely happy.

His family and friends fully supported him

In his search for answers, he turned to meditation where he traced his confusion back to his childhood.

He grew up in a world where he wasn’t allowed to be himself, and where expressing any emotion could lead to judgment and condemnation.

«There’s a part of me that can’t fully flourish until I tell that little Robertito inside that there’s no reason to feel guilty.»

This perception had lingered within him, and even though his family and friends accepted his sexual orientation, this feeling kept him from being truly happy.

«I have a beautiful partner»

Encouraged by his boyfriend, Oliver Ranft, Roberto Manrique decided to publicly come out and introduce his family to the public.

«I have a beautiful partner, a beautiful boyfriend, we’ve been in love for seven years in an incredible relationship (…) and with whom I have a family that includes Mila, for whom he’s her other dad.»

Some who enjoy kicking people when they are down reacted negatively.

However, the messages of support for Roberto Manrique ultimately prevailed, proving that love conquers all.