Does Rafael L Silva Have a Husband? The Actor Keeps His Love Life Private

Rafael L. Silva's dating life has been a subject of interest since his debut on Fox's "9-1-1: Lone Star" as an openly gay police officer. Although the actor has spoken candidly about his sexuality and queer representation, he keeps his love life under wraps.

Rafael L. Silva is an openly gay Latin X actor among Hollywood's many emerging queer celebrities. The Brazil-born star eased his way into the cinematic industry in the mid-2010s, making his onscreen debut in the 2015 mini-series "Drunk Art Love."

He returned in 2017, playing Jay in the short comedy-drama "Unpaid Interns." That year, Rafael L. Silva graduated from Pace University with a BFA in Acting, specializing in Film, TV, Voiceovers, and Commercials.

The actor and producer then starred in another short film, "Narrator Syndrome," before landing a minor role in "Madam Secretary," opposite Téa Leoni and Tim Daly. More gigs came, with Silva starring in the millennial drama "Fluidity" and the comedy show "The Corps."

But the role that has become Silva's staple is openly gay cop Carlos Reyes on "9-1-1: Lone Star." Carlos starts dating paramedic TK Strands, played by Ronen Rubinstein, on the show, and their romance becomes a central part of the story.

The onscreen lovers became among many icons representing profound queer love and have spoken candidly about their impact. Silva and Rubinstein's relationship also developed off-screen, and fans even speculated if they were dating; however, that isn't the case.

Rafael L. Silva's Boyfriend: His Current Relationship Status Is Unknown

Rafael has an active social media presence; however, most of his content is work-related. At the time of writing, his social media pages showed no signs of a romantic relationship. The 29-year-old also hasn't addressed his love life publicly, so he likely prefers to keep it private.

As for his onscreen partner, Rubinstein is married to Jessica Parker Kennedy. The actor publicly came out as bisexual in 2021, and both Silva and Kennedy showed their full support. And despite concerns from netizens, the couple remains happily in love.

Rafael L. Silva and Ronen Rubinstein Developed a Deep Friendship

Silva was among the first few people Rubinstein came out to. They were on set, collaborating with Gina Torres and Rob Lowe, when Rubinstein confided in him. "We were shooting, and he kind of just blurted it out, 'I'm bisexual,'" Silva recalled.

Silva added that Rubinstein coming out to him strengthened their bond. "The friendship blossomed because he allowed me to see him," he reflected, with Rubinstein adding that it was "freeing and beautiful."

Their chemistry onscreen grew slowly, and fans watched as their love became more passionate. In a joint interview, Rubinstein pointed out that Carlos and TK's communication was among their most significant growth areas as a couple.

Rafael L. Silva Growing Up in Brazil as a Queer Kid

Silva started questioning whether he was queer as a four-year-old living in his native country. "I come from a country where machismo equates to strength and equates to a feeling of superiority over others," he noted.

But being part of the LGBTQI+ community went against those values. Moreover, Silva had to navigate the intersectionality of his identity as an immigrant in America, after moving at 13, and a gay man who happens to be a person of color.

Thankfully, engaging in his craft helped him find his way. The actor is proud to portray a positive representation of Latin X people in the LGBTQI+ as Carlos and has called for more diverse casting in film and TV.