Married At First Sight (MAFS) 2026 groom Sam Stanton has spoken out about homophobia after experiencing some awful moments in recent times. He shared a long video on Instagram addressed to Tyson Gordon and others who hold the same views, referencing how Tyson made homophobic comments on the show.
“Unfortunately, homophobia is back, and I’m running into it face to face more than I’d like to,” Sam began, before recounting uncomfortable moments. “Recently, at the butcher I experienced homophobia face-to-face, someone being bullied with slurs. I’ve been approached face-to-face on Oxford Street saying, ‘You’re not a gay c-bomb are you?’. Most famously, on the TV show, when I was up against that dude [Tyson].”
The MAFS contestant went on to say people shouldn’t be concerned about how he speaks up for his own rights, because he’s not taking away any rights from others. “It is me advocating for myself and my community, it’s got nothing to do with taking rights away from anybody else,” he added.
Sam decided to share this video as it is currently Pride Month in Australia, a time where the LGBTQIA+ community both celebrate and advocate for more rights.
“People in countries are still unsafe for just being themselves,” he said. “Put yourself in the shoes of someone who is in a country right now where it is illegal to simply just be themselves.”
He finished off by saying the community will continue to be “loud, proud” and “keep fighting for [their] rights”.
MAFS’ Sam praised on Instagram for his post
The comment section was flooded with comments, with some MAFS contestants supporting Sam.
“It’s hard to believe that in 2026 this is still happening. Everyone deserves to be loved, accepted, and free to be themselves. Love is love,” Rebecca Zukowski wrote.
“Proud of you always my sweet Sam. Love is love, the end,” added Bec Zacharia.
“Everyone is human, we all living our best, if your nature and intentions are good, orientation shouldn’t matter one bit,” added Ryan Donnelly.
Fans also shared their appreciation for Sam’s post, with one writing: “I just cannot understand homophobia, there is no logic behind it. Take up the space, nobody should receive hate for just being.”
“Sam, you are a beautiful human. It is not acceptable to be judged for any reason. Hate in any form is what we should be called out for,” another added.
“To me it’s sad that anyone cannot be accepted for who they are. It doesn’t matter what you believe, what lifestyle you have. Inside we are all the same, and what each of us want is to be loved and accepted for who we are, regardless of how we all differ,” a third remarked.
“I’m sorry Sam. Pride is a loud, proud riot, and needs to be. But that includes all of us, including allies, because it’s safer for me to be loud about this than many LGBTQI+ folk,” another commented.
Stream Married At First Sight Australia 2026 on 9Now.
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