- Stella is in search of an individual, regardless of gender.
For over a decade, RTL has been guiding "The Bachelorette" on a journey for affection. However, the upcoming season, commencing on August 26th, introduces an unusual twist. Not only will it be exclusive to the streaming service RTL+, but the male competitors in this year's battle for the final rose will face an unconventional challenge: participating females.
The new "Bachelorette", Stella Stegmann, breaks ground as the first bisexual rose giver in this role. The 27-year-old native of Munich had long considered applying for the show, and shared her sentiments with Deutsche Presse-Agentur in an interview. "I'm now ready, as I've recently experienced a significant relationship - my first with a woman. She was the first woman I ever fell in love with. As such, I am now the first bisexual 'Bachelorette'."
In terms of gender, - the ratio is equally split: 50:50
Setting off for her journey to Thailand, Stegmann sought a perfect match - whether that be a woman or a man. "I remained open to both men and women, with an equal 50:50 split," she said. "I focused more on the individual themselves, rather than their gender." Since filming has already concluded, she is unable to disclose any details.
Her forerunner, Sharon Battiste, recently revealed on Instagram that she and her chosen mate from the 2022 season had reunited - it being the sole "Bachelorette" winning couple still thriving together. Stegmann confessed to harboring fears that love might elude her.
"Fearing I wouldn't find love"
"I feared I wouldn't find love, that there would be no one there I desired to share a future with," she shared with dpa. "I was anxious that maybe I would fall in love and their feelings might not be mutual, and worried about the possibility of someone leaving voluntarily to inflict pain, as well as afraid that others might judge me for my identity and challenge the heteronormative structure." However, hope and anticipation surpassed all apprehensions.
20 hopefuls pinned their hopes on the final rose in the show - together with the likelihood of garnering new followers on Instagram and other platforms.
"Confident that genuine feelings will emerge"
"Everyone thinks everyone is there for fame, and indeed, such thoughts cross everyone's mind, but each individual's hope is immense that they'll find love there," Stegmann asserted. "Though you might initially believe you want to participate, the thought of discovering the love of your life remains a constant." She is convinced that authentic feelings will develop. The notion that this is all for clickbait is merely absurd.
The introduction of participating females adds an unprecedented complexity to the relationships on this season of "The Bachelorette".Despite the fears of not finding love or facing judgment due to her sexuality, Stella Stegmann approaches her journey with an open-minded attitude, seeking a match regardless of gender.
