Judah, a 22-year-old cast member on TLC’s new reality series Suddenly Amish, recently made a personal and meaningful revelation on national television — he came out as bisexual. The moment unfolded during a group activity on the show and has since become one of the most talked-about developments from the series, which follows six modern individuals trying to adapt to life within an Amish community.
The show, set in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, places participants in an immersive social experiment, challenging them to live without modern technology, adopt Amish customs, and navigate cultural values that are far removed from their own. Judah, the only Black member of the cast, had already expressed a desire for a simpler life and a deeper sense of belonging when he joined the experiment.
A Candid Moment on Screen
During a light-hearted group game known as “Shabooya Roll Call,” Judah suddenly declared, “My name is Judah…and I am bi.” This spontaneous announcement surprised both castmates and viewers and became a standout moment in the show.
In a confessional interview immediately following his declaration, Judah explained that he’d long felt like he was living behind a mask. He shared that he wanted to live more authentically and that acknowledging his bisexuality was an important step in that process. “I feel like my sexuality, in the Black community, especially for Black men, isn’t really talked about,” he said, noting the stigma that often surrounds non-straight identities in many cultural spaces.
Cultural and Community Context
Judah’s coming-out moment isn’t just personal — it also highlights broader cultural tensions. Traditional Amish communities generally hold conservative views about gender and sexuality, and Jude’s revelation raises questions about how his identity will be viewed within that context. Fellow cast member Billie Jo even expressed concern about how an Amish community might respond, given traditional values that rarely acknowledge or accept queer identities.
At the same time, Suddenly Amish is framed on TV as an experiment in cultural exchange. The Amish community involved in the show has invited “English” (non-Amish) participants to live among them as a way of exploring change and confronting demographic challenges, including limited opportunities for young people to find partners within their traditional communities. Joaquin’s bisexuality adds another layer to that dynamic, putting a human face on questions of identity, acceptance, and belonging in a world very different from the one he left behind.
Why It Resonates
This public moment has resonated with many viewers because it’s both deeply personal and culturally significant. Reality TV often thrives on dramatic or emotional revelations, but Judah’s coming out touches on real issues of identity, cultural norms, and the courage it takes to embrace one’s truth on a national platform. For fans of the series and for people watching from outside the Amish context, it’s a reminder that authenticity can be powerful — even in environments that might feel restrictive or unfamiliar.
Suddenly Amish airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on TLC.
