December saw the launch of the 19th season of *Love is in the Meadow*, introducing eight new couples. As anticipation for the 20th season grows, viewers met the final five farmers on January 27, 2025, including Jean-Baptiste, a 35-year-old cattle farmer who candidly shared his struggle with accepting his homosexuality. Coming from a conservative background, he faced emotional challenges and denial before ultimately embracing his identity and seeking a fulfilling love life.
Last December marked the debut of the 19th season of Love is in the Meadow, a season that became memorable as it brought together eight new couples. As anticipation builds, fans are eager to see if the upcoming season can surpass this achievement. Since January 13, M6 has been unveiling the profiles of candidates for the show’s twentieth season, and viewers have already met most of the participants. The final five farmers were introduced on Monday, January 27, 2025, adding excitement to the unfolding journey.
Jean-Baptiste: A Journey Towards Acceptance
During this final introduction, viewers were particularly touched by Jean-Baptiste, a 35-year-old cattle farmer who manages a pedagogical farm with over 900 animals. In a heartfelt conversation with Karine Le Marchand, he bravely shared his struggles with accepting his homosexuality, describing it as a significant burden that he had to learn to embrace over time. “I grew up like that, but I had to learn to live with it and to be happy with it,” he expressed, revealing the emotional weight of his journey.
Coming from a conservative upbringing, Jean-Baptiste faced challenges in reconciling his identity with his family’s values. “It has been a journey because I come from a fairly Catholic family and I told myself I wasn’t very normal with this attraction. I still built myself a lot in guilt,” he admitted, his vulnerability resonating with many viewers. He recounted how, as a child, he internalized the notion that his homosexuality was something negative, describing it as a “burden” he carried for years. Through his candid discussion, Jean-Baptiste opened up about the difficult moments he faced while trying to suppress his true feelings.
“I Prayed for Deliverance”: Jean-Baptiste’s Emotional Confession
Jean-Baptiste’s story reveals the lengths he went to in order to escape his emotions. “I was completely bottle-fed on the image of a very romantic love, so I wanted to fall madly in love with a woman,” he reflected, sharing the hope that someday his feelings would change. He even believed that through prayer, he could be freed from his struggles: “I told myself that if I prayed hard, I would be delivered from all this.” This denial of his identity had profound effects on his schooling, leading him to change schools frequently due to the difficulty of navigating his feelings for classmates.
It wasn’t until he reached 25 that Jean-Baptiste found the courage to embrace love. “It was me who was refusing myself,” he acknowledged during his conversation with Karine. A transformative five-year journey around the globe allowed him to reflect on his identity and find peace with who he is. However, despite this growth, his attempts at forming relationships were met with challenges. “The boys I met did not want to commit,” he shared. The pivotal moment came when he came out to his parents; although they were initially taken aback, they expressed their concerns about his happiness. Yet, Jean-Baptiste felt their reaction stemmed from a place of love. “I am certain that they love me,” he declared, marking the start of a new chapter in his romantic life, now ready to embrace a fulfilling love story.