‘MAFS’ Season 17 Kicks Off With Lauren Revealing Sexual Fluidity

Returning for its 17th season on Wednesday, Married at First Sight welcomed ten new singles to Denver, Colorado. Hoping to find love with a complete stranger, the couple’s first hurdle is to overcome an eight-week marriage trial period. While no season is without drama, shocking moments, and heartbreak, Lifetime decided to release a special episode giving fans a glimpse into what they should expect this season. And, in true MAFS fashion, the Kicking Off Denver episode didn’t disappoint as cast member Lauren discussed her sexual fluidity.

Besides bringing back fan favorites like Dr. Pepper Schwartz, Pastor Cal, and Dr. Pia Holec, Married at First Sight welcomed the newlyweds who will marry, honeymoon, and live together in hopes of finding that elusive true love. With Denver as the central hub, the clip, featured below, hints at cold feet and one individual standing alone at the altar. Although not giving too much away, this season already has fans making predictions. When it came to cast members Lauren and Orion, one fan commented, “If they don’t make it, perfect love does not exist”.

Get ready for an all-new season of #MAFS, as we kick off #MAFSDenver tonight with our #MatchmakingSpecial at 8/7c pic.twitter.com/Drnce9KBwu

— Married At 1st Sight (@MAFSLifetime) October 4, 2023

Identifying As A “Queen”

Speaking of Lauren and Orion, the couple already found themselves in troubling waters when Lauren discussed her sexuality. Admitting that she isn’t too fond of labels, she added, “I would say if I had to identify as anything it would be queen. I love men. I enjoy women, but I really just want to be married to a man.”

Although Lauren openly shared her thoughts, Orion waited till his confessional to dive deeper into his perspective on sexuality. Given his Navajo background, he explained how the tribes consider marriage the coming of two souls. One is masculine and the other feminine. He revealed, “I have explored that feminine side when it came to going on a date with a man, but that was also like the door where it was like, ‘I’m not gay.'” While sharing his stance, he did say, “If my potential spouse identified as queer, it wouldn’t bother me.”

While weighing in on the couple’s chance at success, one panelist told host Kevin Frazier the couple should “explore those interests together”. “If they’re communicating and they’re honest, and they both understand, who’s to say what they might go off and do…”

MAFS Introduces Polling

After each episode, fans can tune in to the Married at First Sight: Afterparty. Hosted by Keshia Knight Pulliam, the afterparty does more than give exclusive access to the cast. Introducing Polling Party, fans can now vote on show-related questions. During the afterparty, the results of the polling are revealed. And if that wasn’t enough, who can forget the Beyond Decision Day, which shows exactly what happened after Decision Day and the cameras left?

With a new season of Married at First Sight here, which couples do you believe have what it takes? Be sure to share your answers below.