The Definitive Answer: 5 Key Facts About Jillian Michaels' Sexuality, Marriage, And Recent Controversies

The question of "is Jillian Michaels gay?" has a clear and public answer, but the details of her life, marriage, and recent public statements are what truly matter. As of today, December 18, 2025, the globally recognized fitness expert is an openly gay woman who is happily married to fashion designer DeShanna Marie Minuto. Her journey to public acceptance and the building of her family has been a significant part of her personal narrative, often overshadowing her career as a tough-love trainer on shows like *The Biggest Loser*.

The former *Biggest Loser* coach has, however, made headlines throughout 2024 and 2025 for reasons beyond fitness, engaging in several high-profile political and social controversies. Understanding her personal life—her marriage, her children, and her identity as a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community—provides essential context for her often-polarizing public persona and commitment to health and wellness.

Jillian Michaels: A Complete Biography and Profile

Jillian Michaels, born Jillian Leigh McKarus, is one of the world's most recognizable figures in the health and fitness industry. Her career spans television, publishing, entrepreneurship, and digital media, establishing her as a formidable businesswoman and life coach.

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• Full Name: Jillian Leigh McKarus
• Date of Birth: February 18, 1974
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Profession: Fitness Trainer, Nutritionist, Author, Businesswoman, Television Personality, Podcast Host
• Known For: Her role as a tough-love trainer on the NBC reality show *The Biggest Loser* and later on *Losing It with Jillian*.
• Key Programs/Products: *The Jillian Michaels Fitness App*, *Body Revolution*, *Lift and Shred*, and books like *Master Your Metabolism* and *Slim for Life*.
• Sexuality: Openly identifies as a gay woman (previously described as bisexual).
• Spouse: DeShanna Marie Minuto (married in 2022).
• Children: Two children, Lukensia Michaels Rhoades (adopted) and Phoenix Michaels Rhoades (biological son of former partner Heidi Rhoades).
• Former Partner: Heidi Rhoades (engaged from 2016–2018).

The Truth About Jillian Michaels' Sexuality and Current Marriage

Jillian Michaels has been an open book regarding her personal life for over a decade, having publicly discussed her sexuality and relationships. The answer to whether she is gay is a resounding yes, and she is a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, though her views on certain topics within the movement have sparked controversy.

A Clear Public Identity

Michaels first came out publicly, clarifying her sexuality and relationship with her long-time partner, Heidi Rhoades, in the early 2010s. While some early reports referred to her as bisexual, she has since become a prominent figure who identifies as a gay woman, using her platform to discuss her family and the challenges of building a family through adoption and co-parenting.

The Marriage to DeShanna Marie Minuto

After a long-term relationship with Heidi Rhoades, which ended in 2018, Michaels found love again with fashion designer DeShanna Marie Minuto. The couple announced their engagement in November 2021. They officially tied the knot in the summer of 2022, marking the beginning of their marriage with multiple ceremonies.

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Their initial, private ceremony was followed by a romantic celebration in Africa, and a third, elegant wedding in Venice, Italy, where Minuto wore a stunning Zuhair Murad gown. This highly publicized series of weddings solidified Michaels' current family structure and relationship status, with the couple now residing in Miami with her two children.

Building Her Family: Lukensia and Phoenix Michaels Rhoades

Jillian Michaels is a dedicated mother to two children, Lukensia and Phoenix, whom she co-parents with her former fiancée, Heidi Rhoades. The process of building their family was unique and reflects the modern realities of LGBTQ+ parenthood, involving both adoption and biological ties.

Their daughter, Lukensia, was adopted from Haiti. The adoption process was described as complex and challenging, but ultimately successful, bringing their first child home. Just days after Lukensia arrived home, Rhoades gave birth to their son, Phoenix, meaning the former couple welcomed both children into their family almost simultaneously.

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Michaels often discusses her family life, emphasizing the importance of co-parenting and providing a stable home for her children, despite the separation from Rhoades. Her current wife, DeShanna Marie Minuto, is now an integral part of this blended family, living with Michaels and the children in Miami.

Recent Headlines and Controversies: Beyond the Biggest Loser

While her core identity remains rooted in fitness and wellness, Jillian Michaels has frequently stepped into the political and social spotlight, especially in the last few years. These recent events provide crucial context for her public profile and demonstrate her willingness to express controversial opinions.

• 2024 Political Stance: Michaels stirred significant controversy by publicly stating that she voted for Donald Trump in 2024. This statement, coming from an openly gay public figure, sparked a major debate and backlash across social media and news outlets.
• Slavery Comments Controversy: In a highly-publicized 2024 interview on CNN’s *NewsNight* with Abby Phillip, Michaels made comments that appeared to downplay the impact of slavery, leading to immediate and widespread backlash. She later accused CNN of "lying" and misrepresenting her statements, defending her position on other platforms.
• The Biggest Loser Documentary: Michaels has been involved in a public dispute with Netflix and the creators of a new documentary series focusing on the darker side of *The Biggest Loser*, the show that made her famous. Her strong defense of her work and the show’s legacy continues to be a point of contention.
• "Complicated Relationship" with Pride Month: Michaels has also expressed a "complicated relationship" with Pride Month, using her platform to question certain aspects of the LGBTQ+ movement, particularly regarding transgender athletes. She believes her position as a gay woman allows her to question certain narratives while still advocating for the community.

These recent headlines indicate that Michaels remains a complex and outspoken personality. Her willingness to engage in sensitive political debates, even while being a prominent gay celebrity, keeps her relevant in the media landscape far beyond her original fitness programs.

Jillian Michaels’ Enduring Fitness Legacy

Despite the controversies, Michaels’ influence on the fitness industry is undeniable. Her brand has evolved from her intense training methods on television to a comprehensive digital ecosystem. Her core message is one of discipline, hard work, and metabolic health, which resonates with millions seeking sustainable weight loss and body transformation.

The success of *The Jillian Michaels Fitness App* is a testament to her enduring appeal, offering custom workouts, meal plans, and community support to users worldwide. Programs like *Body Revolution* and the focus on strength training with *Lift and Shred* continue to be popular LSI keywords associated with her name. Her legacy is not just about weight loss, but about empowering individuals to take control of their physical and mental well-being, a message that remains consistent regardless of the political noise.