Is Kate Chastain Gay? Unpacking the Below Deck Star's Relationships and Private Life

Since her debut as Chief Stew on Bravo's hit series Below Deck, Kate Chastain captivated audiences with her sharp wit, no-nonsense attitude, and unparalleled ability to manage even the most demanding yacht guests. Over six memorable seasons, she became a fan favorite, known for her candid commentary and hilarious interactions with the crew. But beyond the gleaming galleys and dramatic charter guest demands, a significant amount of curiosity has surrounded Kate Chastain's personal life, particularly her romantic relationships and her stance on sexuality.

For a reality television star, Kate has always maintained a relatively private off-screen existence, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. While many of her co-stars found themselves embroiled in boatmances and public flings, Kate often kept her romantic entanglements under wraps. That is, until a pivotal moment in Season 4 that brought her relationship status squarely into the spotlight.

The Unexpected Romance: Kate Chastain and Ro Hernandez

Before Season 4 of Below Deck, discussions about Kate's romantic life were largely speculative. She was guarded, often deflecting questions about who she might be dating. However, viewers were surprised when Kate openly discussed a burgeoning relationship with a woman named Ro Hernandez. It was a significant reveal, not just for the show, but for Kate herself, who admitted to being equally surprised by the direction her love life had taken.

"I never, ever imagined myself dating a girl. I was never attracted to girls. So I'm a little caught off guard, but she's just a really special person."

This candid admission resonated with many, highlighting the often unpredictable nature of attraction and connection. Ro Hernandez, a former professional soccer player originally from Madrid, added an intriguing dimension to Kate's narrative. The relationship, though relatively new when Kate left to film the show - having only been exclusive for about a month - quickly became a topic of discussion among fans and her fellow crew members.

Kate often spoke fondly of Ro, even praising her on social media. The dynamic seemed promising, a rare glimpse into the usually private life of the Below Deck superstar. Yet, as is often the case with relationships thrust into the public eye, especially those conducted under the unique pressures of reality television and long-distance separation, the fairytale soon encountered rough seas.

The Tumultuous End: A Public Breakup

What began as a heartwarming revelation quickly devolved into a dramatic and public separation. Following the conclusion of Season 4 filming, news broke that Kate and Ro's relationship had come to a very difficult end. In June 2016, Kate Chastain was arrested in Florida on charges of battery by strangulation related to an altercation with Ro Hernandez. While the charges were eventually dropped, the incident sent shockwaves through the Below Deck fan community and marked a significant turning point in Kate's approach to public relationships.

The arrest itself, though legally resolved, understandably put immense strain on an already fragile connection. Kate later reflected on the challenges, attributing much of the relationship's demise to the demanding nature of her job and the time spent apart from Ro. The yachting industry, with its long periods at sea and intense work environments, is notoriously tough on personal relationships, a reality that often plays out on Below Deck itself.

The public nature of their breakup, compounded by the legal troubles, clearly left a lasting impression on Kate. It served as a harsh lesson about the perils of exposing deeply personal matters to the scrutiny of millions, prompting her to re-evaluate her boundaries moving forward.

Navigating Identity and Public Scrutiny: Kate's Perspective on Sexuality

One of the most frequently asked questions about Kate Chastain centers on her sexuality. Was her relationship with Ro Hernandez an indication of a fundamental shift in her identity? Kate has addressed this directly, offering a nuanced and insightful perspective that transcends simple labels.

When discussing her relationship with Ro, Kate made it clear that she wasn't interested in definitive categorizations. She told Bravo's The Daily Dish that she doesn't "really think about labeling" her personal life. This stance suggests a fluidity in her attraction and a rejection of rigid definitions, emphasizing that her connection with Ro was about the individual, not their gender.

"If I break up with this girl, I don't think I would really be interested in dating girls after this. I don't really think about labeling it too much."

This honest reflection is quite refreshing in the often black-and-white world of public discourse. It speaks to a personal journey of self-discovery rather than a fixed declaration. For Kate, the experience with Ro was just that - an experience with a specific person - and didn't necessarily define her future romantic preferences.

A Shift Towards Privacy: Learning from the Limelight

The tumultuous fallout from her relationship with Ro had a profound impact on Kate's willingness to share her romantic life with the public. She openly admitted to feeling "jaded" about the experience and expressed a renewed commitment to keeping her future relationships out of the spotlight. In an interview with People Now, she stated that moving forward, she would "definitely not be as open about who I'm dating."

This decision is understandable. The intense public scrutiny, the online commentary, and the emotional toll of a relationship ending under such difficult circumstances would give anyone pause. For a reality star, balancing the demands of public transparency with the need for personal privacy is a constant tightrope walk. Kate's experience taught her a valuable lesson about protecting her peace and the sanctity of her relationships from external judgment.

Whispers and What-Ifs: The Ben Robinson Connection

Before and even after her relationship with Ro, another enduring storyline involving Kate Chastain's love life has been her undeniable chemistry with Chef Ben Robinson. The two shared a playful, often flirtatious banter that left many fans wondering if there was more to their connection. While they initially had a rocky start in Season 2, their dynamic evolved, leading to strong rumors of a romantic past.

Both Kate and Ben have since confirmed that they did, in fact, "hook up" in the past. However, they've consistently downplayed the significance of these encounters, often framing them as casual or even humorous. Despite the enduring hopes of some fans for a "Bate" reunion, Ben Robinson has been in a committed relationship with Kiara Cabral since 2018, firmly putting any long-term romantic possibilities with Kate to rest. Their relationship today remains one of strong friendship and mutual respect, a testament to their enduring bond beyond the confines of a yacht galley.

Where Does Kate Chastain's Heart Sail Now?

Following her very public experience with Ro Hernandez and her subsequent decision to embrace greater privacy, Kate Chastain has remained true to her word. Her current relationship status is largely unknown to the public, and that's precisely how she prefers it.

While she continues to entertain fans on spin-off shows like Below Deck Galley Talk and engage on social media, any details regarding her romantic life are noticeably absent. It appears that Kate has found a comfortable balance between her public persona and her private life, choosing to share only what she deems appropriate and necessary.

For fans curious about whether Kate Chastain is "gay" or "straight," her own words suggest a more fluid interpretation of her sexuality, prioritizing the individual connection over a definitive label. What is clear is that her past experiences have shaped her perspective on sharing intimate details, making her fiercely protective of her personal space.

In the unpredictable waters of love and reality television, Kate Chastain continues to navigate her own course, leaving the intimate details of her heart for herself alone. And perhaps, that's exactly how it should be.