The Real Housewives of New York City just announced an exciting new addition for season 15—Racquel Chevremont, a seasoned model and art curator, is joining the cast as a full-time member.
Known for her influence in the NYC art world, Chevremont will be joining fellow housewives Jenna Lyons, Sai De Silva, Ubah Hassan, Erin Lichy, Jessel Taank, and Brynn Whitfield.
I honestly didn’t think they would be interested in me in the end because they already had a queer woman
, Chevremont told GLAAD, alluding to Jenna Lyons, who became the franchise’s first openly queer housewife in season 14. She further emphasized her feelings by saying, I wasn’t sure if they were going to want two queer women on a franchise that has historically been about married heterosexual women.
A Bold Representation
Born in Brooklyn and raised in the Bronx, Chevremont brings a unique background to the show. With over 20 years of experience as an art curator in institutions and advising corporations, collectors, and artists, she remarked on her journey to becoming a Bravolebrity. My adult life has been about representation and using whatever platform I have to get the voices of queer folks of the diaspora out there
, she noted while explaining her decision.
The inclusion of another queer member is seen as a progressive and authentic reflection of New York City’s diversity. I think it was a bold decision and honestly a more authentic representation of New York City
, said Chevremont when discussing RHONY’s inclusive casting choice.
Family and Visibility
Chevremont hopes to show viewers her loving family dynamic. This show reaches millions of people; it’s important for not only our community to see themselves represented but also for the world to get to know a queer family in a more intimate way
, she stated emphatically.
She also connected this sentiment in interviews, expressing how becoming part of RHONY aligns with her lifelong mission. Using whatever platform I might have to increase visibility and representation has always been important to me
, she mentioned.
A Multidimensional Artist and Advocate
Discovered by photographer Steve Landis for Elite Models in 1993, Racquel Chevremont has graced campaigns for Benetton, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Fila, L’Oréal, and Nivea over the years. Alongside her modeling career, her significant contributions to the art world cannot be overlooked. From working with prominent institutions to her involvement with the acquisition committees at both the Studio Museum in Harlem and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum since 2003, she exemplifies an extensive dual-path career.
Chevremont is candid about her experience with queerness later in life. I’m what you’d call a later-in-life lesbian and when I first came out I lost a lot of people
, she shared. Yet, her professional life remains robust thanks to working in industries where being queer is embraced. Now looking ahead with optimism, she stated: I hope that seeing me and my family will perhaps change a couple of hearts and minds
.
New Chapter Ahead
The newest housewife seems ready to embrace this chapter on reality TV despite some initial hesitations about the intrusive nature of cameras:
It’s strange documenting everything; as a model I’m used to a controlled image—this is raw. It’s a little scary.
The introduction of Racquel Chevremont not only marks an evolving chapter for RHONY but also underscores a broader dialogue on diversity and representation in mainstream media.
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