Ricky Martin's confession of non-traditional sexual orientation broke the hearts of millions of his fans in love with their idol. But the singer himself was finally able to live the way he wanted, without hiding from anyone. He no longer hides his life mates from the public and willingly tells journalists about them. In 2018, Martin announced that he was getting married with his partner, the artist Jwan Yosef.
Acquaintance with Jwan Yosef
Ricky Martin spent a long time gathering courage to openly confess homosexuality. Previously, he did not give specific answers to all such questions, and only in March 2010 he published a frank confession on his official website. Later on the Oprah Winfrey Show, the singer spoke about the years he spent in an agonizing struggle with himself. But still, Ricky was pushed to the decisive step by the realization that he would not be able to set the right example for his sons if he continued to lie to his fans. Before meeting his future husband, the artist had a long-term relationship with economist Carlos Gonzalez Abella. They ended up breaking up in January 2014.
Ricky Martin found his future chosen one on Instagram. The singer was interested in one of Jwan's paintings, and after going to his profile, he was even more impressed and wanted to get to know this talented artist. The artist sent him a message, a correspondence began, which lasted about six months. The men discussed painting, talked about various life topics, and without any sexual overtones. After all, initially Ricky, who collects works of art, liked the work of Yosef. He knew nothing about his age, appearance or sexual orientation.
When it came to meeting in person, Martin flew to London on purpose. From the first glance, he immediately realized that he would like to see Jwan as his husband. As it turned out later, they both thought of each other in a similar vein.
Jwan Yosef is 13 years younger than his partner, he was born in 1984 in Syria. As a child, he emigrated with his family to Sweden, where he began to study painting. In 2009 he graduated with a bachelor's degree from the College of Art at Consfac University in Stockholm. He became a Master of Fine Arts in London after studying at Central Saint Martins College. Yosef also chose the capital of Great Britain for permanent residence and work.
The young artist has participated in group and solo exhibitions since 2007 and has received a number of awards. The highlight of his work is the use of not only traditional canvas, but also a variety of organic glass - perspex. According to him, working with transparent plastic consists of applying layers of paint on both sides, which gives the finished picture a very unusual effect.
Engagement and marriage
The romance between Jwan and Ricky began in April 2016, and in November, the singer revealed on the Ellen DeGeneres show that they were engaged. The engagement took place quite traditionally, and the initiative came from Martin. He knelt down and, holding out a box with a ring to the chosen one, offered to link their lives forever. Jwan agreed. True, out of excitement, the singer did not immediately hear his answer and asked him several times. But all the same, he considers his engagement to be truly beautiful.
The marriage became known at the beginning of 2018. Answering journalists' questions about the wedding, Ricky unexpectedly admitted that he was already married. “Nobody wants to be lonely,” Martin explained his decision. True, the magnificent celebration, which the singer spoke about earlier, has not yet happened. The men simply exchanged vows and then signed the necessary papers. The newlyweds planned to arrange a big three-day holiday in a few months. As expected in such cases, the event was planned to be divided into three parts: a rehearsal, dinner and the party itself.
The singer willingly shares his impressions of married life. According to him, he did not immediately get used to the wedding ring, although he is extremely proud to wear it. Their relationship with Jwan has been strong before, but the official document is of particular importance to Martin. In his opinion, he makes unconventional couples stronger, more confident. The artist believes that in every country it is necessary to allow same-sex marriages, since they are also natural and have the right to exist.
The birth of a daughter
In 2008, the singer became the father of twin boys, whom his surrogate mother gave birth to. Naturally, the new husband helps him raise his sons. Together with the news of the wedding, the artist did not exclude the imminent expansion of the family. And in the last hours of 2018, Ricky announced to fans via Instagram the birth of his daughter, Lucia Martin-Yosef. He supplemented the publication with a photo of a baby in a pink jumpsuit, whose little hands a happy father holds in his hands.
Now fans regularly watch how the singer combines work with fatherly responsibilities. For example, he takes Lucia with him when he leaves on business, or rocks the stroller while the stylist is working with him, preparing him for going out. Ricky isn't afraid to admit that superstar status doesn't excuse him from endless feedings and diaper changes.
For their expanded family, the couple purchased an Art Nouveau home in Beverly Hills. Moreover, the singer, according to him, does not plan to stop at three children. He would like to have at least four heirs or more. In this, the singer sees his global mission as a public person with a homosexual orientation. Martin wants society to learn to accept families like his and Jwan's. So that, looking at two fathers raising children, they say: "This is nothing special."
By the way, when his older sons ask why they have two dads, the singer tells them about modern families. Boys already know that not all parents have to be of different sexes. There are other options for arranging a family, for example, like theirs.
Now Ricky is happier than ever. After all, after many years of hiding his personal life, he is finally enjoying a wonderful sense of freedom.
