The Real World: Cancun’s most controversial, and openly queer, cast member, Ayiiia Elizarraras, was best known for her hook-ups with female roommates and drama with the boys on the show. AfterEllen.com catches up with our favorite castmate to chat about her girlfriend, sexual fluidity and how she identifies now.
AfterEllen.com: Now that the show is over, how do you feel you were portrayed by MTV? How do you feel they portrayed your sexuality?
Ayiiia: I feel like MTV portrayed me pretty well. I’m not as mean as I look on television but every show has its villain. As for my sexuality, it was on point. I’m 22-years old, and more than allowed to experiment with others.
AE: How did the roommates react to your sexual experimentation (besides the ones that you smooched)?
Ayiiia: My roommate Jasmine found it hilarious. As in the others … well, they were the boys whom I didn’t really speak to at the time. But I’m sure they weren’t surprised … jealous? I’m sure. (laughs)
AE: I know that you were concerned about your family’s response to your exploration of your sexual identity on the show; how did that go over?
Ayiiia: The outcome with my family is something I am still dealing with to this day. My family doesn’t agree with it, understand it or like it, but if they love me as much as they say they do, I know they will accept me.
I know it’s hard for them as well so I’m trying to be as calm and understanding as possible. All I care about is being happy and that’s exactly what I am. I don’t want to change for anyone, I just want to be true to myself whether people like it or not.
AE: On the show, you spoke a lot about sexual fluidity and experimentation. How do you identify now?
Ayiiia: I don’t believe in labeling one another, therefore I don’t call myself a lesbian, straight or bi. I like everybody, no discrimination here. Whoever I fall in love with is who I will fall in love with.
AE: Your YouTube account has garnered a lot of attention from AfterEllen.com readers, and we’re dying to know: How did you meet your girlfriend, Krystal?
Ayiiia: Thank you so much, your readers are awesome. Krystal and I actually met through our booking agent. She was asked to interview me and after a little research, she agreed. She interviewed me, we became friends, started Twittering with one another and, before I knew it, she’d cast a spell over me and I fell very much in love with her. (laughs) She definitely took my breath away and still does.
AE: Who was the best kisser in the Cancun house, and why?
Ayiiia: The best kisser of all of the roommates would have to be Bronne, which is very surprising. He’s awesome. I think he’s a great kisser because you wouldn’t expect it from him, kind of like the underdog type. (laughs)
AE: With whom do you still keep in contact from Cancun?
Ayiiia: I keep in contact with Emilee and Jasmine the most. They will forever be my girls.
AE: Did you hit up any good gay clubs in Cancun?
Ayiiia: I know that Derek did, and we went along with him one night. But Cancun isn’t exactly known for their gay clubs. (laughs) Although I was willing to kiss a beautiful girl at any club, I was lucky enough to have three beautiful girls in my own home.
AE: If you had to get a tattoo of your celebrity crush, who would that be and where would you get it?
Ayiiia: I would have to get the gorgeous Gwen Stefani tattooed on my forearm. I’ve always been in love with her ÔÇò everything from her bright red lips to her fun style.
AE: What has the feedback from fans been like?
Ayiiia: I’ve had nothing but positive feedback from fans, they’ve all been very supportive. Luckily, our generation is very accepting of change. I don’t feel like I have to hide from myself anymore.
AE: How does it feel to be looked up to by some of your young, questioning female fans? Do you have any advice for them in terms of identity acceptance or coming out in a different cultural community?
Ayiiia: I feel very lucky to have young girls look up to me … I wouldn’t necessarily call myself the best influence because I am still learning life lessons, but it’s very flattering, so thank you.
And my advice to anyone who is having trouble coming out is to just be yourself. There’s no bigger relief than just living the life you want to live. Don’t be afraid of being yourself.
