Forgiveness does not require forgetting or excusing his actions. Casting called back two hours later, and I began to panic. You don't see all of that and I understand why you don't, I'm not complaining about the editing at all, but that's what my thinking was: there was no thinking. He was outed as a transgender individual by fellow Survivor contestant Jeff Varner during the competition. While I can reconcile the personal slight of him outing me, I continue to be troubled by his willingness to deploy such a dangerous stereotype on a global platform. $69.99 at Best Buy $69.99 at GameStop $70.99 at NewEgg. In truth, Zeke just wasnt ready to come out, which is what made Varners move one of the mostepic reality TV blundersof all time. For both, trans people make easy targets for those looking to invoke prejudice in order to win votes. Jeff Probst looked me square in the eyes and snuffed my torch, extinguishing my life in the game. Dave Quinn is an Editor for PEOPLE, working across a number of verticals including the Entertainment, Lifestyle and News teams. Here is what he had to say. I forgive him for that. I couldn't apologize enough. Zeke Smith has appeared on Survivor: Game Changers twice in two seasons, but he's now making headlines for reasons he's not happy about. I threw myself into preparation. Strategically, I initially found myself the low man on the totem pole. After Nico Santos and Zeke Smith confirmed their relationship, there was a Superstore Academy For Your Consideration Event that was held in March of 2019. I looked to Varner, now the one hunched and quivering, and contemplated the backlash he would face. She called me right before tribal. I knew part of the reason I was brought back is that Probst liked the way I talked about the game, and the expectation was that I would continue to deliver. Zeke Smith didn't want to be known as the "first transgender Survivor star.". He clearly didn't find it necessary . ', Zeke was at first caught off guard, but he persevered, confessing, I am forever grateful that Probst gave me time to collect myself. I still have my original notes from that meeting. I like to shine all the time, and winners need to be able to control their shimmer., Interestingly, Probst said something very similar about Smith in a separate interview with Entertainment Weekly conducted four years ago during Game Changers., I met Zeke in casting and loved him. I could not have responded in the manner in which I did had he not held the wheel while I got my bearings. I never resumed leaping. I gave up caffeine and booze. On April 12, 2017, an episode of "Survivor" aired called "What Happened on Exile, Stays . [Editor note: Season 34 began filming before season 33 aired.] Keeping your gender history private is not the same as a gay person being in the closet. The only people who need to know are medical professionals and naked fun time friends. The message should be clear that hate will always lose.. During his senior year of high school, he ranked as a Top 16 high school debater in the country. Superstore's Nico Santos, 'Survivor' Alum Zeke Smith Are Engaged Beyond his charm and charisma, I thought I recognized a deep-seated insecurity and self-loathing, a glimpse at who I could become were I not careful. I needed an adventure, a jolt to my system I needed to change my life and oh boy, did I! said Smith, adding, My outing and the attention it received, and the platform I gained radically changed my lifes trajectory. But, if were being perfectly honest with one another, Ive struggled with that forgiveness in the months following. He said: "GLAAD and Survivor have completely, One Survivor Alum Has an Epic Idea For a Legends Season. They are humans. I hurt Zeke, he said. And mine is a very positive one because subsequent to my outing, my life has only gotten better.. I am NOT, I repeat, NOT25! Later it would become known that Santos and Smith met when they both were at an after-party for the GLAAD Media Awards and from there they were inseparable. I was invited back immediately for an all-star season, during the course of which I was maliciously outed by a former local network news anchor. As of the time of this writing, more than 40 seasons of Survivor have aired which is a staggering achievement for any show. For example, the shows fans want to know which Survivor couples have stayed together and which ones have split up. Im not wild about you knowing that Im trans. It was like waking up in Westeros, Lord Zeke of the Mustache Lands, fighting to claim the Iron Throne. Though Im not particularly religious, I feel passionately that people of faith should not be denied religious ritual or spiritual community because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and shared what Id learned with Varner over long conversations on the beach. Theres no toilet paper. Oh my God Its too soon! Buck up and make this OK.. In the following exclusive column for The Hollywood Reporter, Zeke one of very few players in show history to compete on back-to-back seasons shares hisside of the journey, his experience as a trans man, the reasons why he pursued Survivor, the thrill of that adventure, and what it was like on the night he was outed on national television and how he powered through it. A persons gender history is private information and it is up to them, and only them, when, how and to whom they choose to disclose that information. After 18 days starving and competing with me, they knew exactly the man I am, and after that Tribal Council, we all knew exactly the man Varner is., Join the live Survivor debate going on right now in our world-famous forums. While that certainly isnt proof that Smith and Santos are still together since they could still be friends after splitting, it makes it seem more likely they remain a couple. 'Survivor' alum Zeke Smith reflects on being outed as transgender on Tribal Council throws the question of life and death into stark relief. I just choose to hope from afar, thank you very much. We have to stop discriminating and minimizing trans people. I found it difficult enough to simply put one foot in front of the other. Everyones best move was unquestionably to get rid of Varner. Growing up in London, Ontario, Canada, Matthew developed a love for storytelling that he loves to share with others through his writing. Early life. Just the dirt and the hunger and the honor of another day playing the worlds greatest game. There was no room for failure. You make it up as you go along, and I struggled with finding the right time to disclose my gender history to those close to me. Zeke seems to take more offense to the reasoning you presented about transgender people than he did about you outing him. Casting called back two hours later, and I began to panic., After he was eliminated in Season 33, Zeke explains, Twenty minutes later, before I could scarf a cheeseburger or peel off my rotting boxers, Probst asked if I was up for doing it all over again in two weeks alongside some of the games best players. zeke smith and hannah shapiro married - ams-technology.pl In Survivor, much is permissible which is typically objectionable, but there are limits, as there should be on a family-friendly reality show on network television. As Survivor: Game Changers continues on, Zeke has kept a mostly low profile. Along with Michaela Bradshaw, he has also appeared in the series Survivor: Game Changers. I knew Id conquer whatever the game might throw at me. As the tears began flowing and host Jeff Probst looked gobsmacked, Varner was eventually eliminated by aunanimous verbal vote. All sound faded. His move, which caused outrage and backlash, not only cost the 50-year-old three-time player to be unanimously voted out of the game by his tribemates but it also cost him his real-life job. He was like, Were not gonna promote it, were not gonna sensationalize it, Im gonna go to bat for you. He kept every single one of those promises.. But you cannot control the hazards you face, be they repeated misfortune or the harmful actions of others. Even those who arent outwardly hateful crinkle their noses at you. Honestly, I held the world at arms length. I cant foresee us sipping martinis together in Fire Island. Our tribe proved unable to unscramble a word, metamorphosis, losing the Immunity Challenge and sending us to Tribal Council. I groped for direction, talking to kill time. The numbers were not in his favor, but they were in mine, and I was excited to be on a tribe with him. He is most well-known for his innovative gamesmanship and witty storytelling on Survivor: Millennials vs GenX and Survivor: Game Changers. Dalton Ross. His terrible utteranceswere not an effect of my actions, but a reflection of his own personal maladies. Varner took to Twitter on Wednesday evening to issue a lengthy apology. In 2018, he was on hand to accept the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Reality Program on behalf of Survivor: Game Changers, saying in his speech how important representation is on TV. Here are some of facts to know about Survivor contestant, Zeke Smith. Survivor player Jeff Varner lost a lot more than the show's $1 million dollar prize when he made the decision to out fellow tribemate Zeke Smith as . Once they became aware of those rumors, Santos and Smith took to Twitter to confirm their relationship with a little bit of humor. But in calling me deceptive, Varner invoked one of the most odious stereotypes of transgender people, a stereotype that is often used as an excuse for violence and even murder. Though he was born and raised in Oklahoma City and currently resides in Los Angeles (where he is tremendously disappointed in the food), Zeke will always consider himself a New Yorker. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. I thank God for that and the gift of being an example as to why you should never do what I did.. Zeke. We didn't know who Zeke was when he showed up. Jeff Varner Felt 'Shame' for Outing Zeke Smith - People zeke smith and hannah shapiro married. You exit to the left, into the darkness, what I called The Abyss. Hope that whatever torments his soul will plague him no more. He played college football at Auburn University where he was awarded the Outland Trophy in 1958. In reality, by being Zeke the dude, I am being my most honest self as is every other transgender person going about their daily lives. Zeke Varner talks to Zeke, Survivors Jeff Probst Reveals How He Spent Quarantine. This season of Survivor, dubbed Game Changers for its 34 outing, had been filmed 10 months ago in the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji though Varner couldnt discuss what happened until the episodes airing. Smith said that he was very scared of being looked to as a role model for the trans community because he wasnt sure he was up to the challenge., But Im very proud of what we were able to do, he added. Zeke graduated from Harvard University with a degree in The Study of Religion. According to what Nico had to say at that time, Santos' relationship with Smith had already hit a major milestone. He thinks he 100 percent has what it takes to win. Last week's episode of Survivor: Game Changers was a big moment for Jeff Varner and Zeke Smith, but also one for the rest of the Nuku tribe -- including Ozzy Lusth. : Who will win Survivor: Game Changers? Survivor player Jeff Varner was fired from his job as a real estate agent at Allen Tate Realtors on Thursday due to backlash from an episode of the CBS show in which he outed fellow player Zeke Smith as transgender. I impressed the hell out of myself. I still to this day don't know why. Better to have acquaintances than no one at all. Survivor airs Wednesdays (at 8 p.m. I can only profusely apologize. With over two decades worth of episodes, Survivor has evolved in countless ways. In an emotional interview with PEOPLE on Thursday, Varner broke down saying his biggest regret was playing into the deceitful stereotypes many have about transgender people. My gut would tell me to fill someone in, but then panic would wash over me. Zeke Smith on 'Survivor': His 5 most strategic moments from seasons 33 When he pulled me in for a hug, I felt compelled to reciprocate, both as a sign that I was willing to forgive him and that the shots he had fired missed. I had no expectation of how this was going to be a tool in the game. And I just hope that those kinds of conversations are happening all over the country. As a result of the fact that Survivor has aired that many seasons, there has been a slew of different people whove gotten the chance to play the popular reality competition game. Wednesday's (April 12) episode of Survivor was dramatic and surprising for both . I am and always have been the guy who tries to be teachers pet or in Survivors case, Probsts Pet, said Smith. I know that forgiveness is difficult. A month? I dont believe Varner hates trans people, just as I dont believe conservative politicians who attack trans people actually care where we use the bathroom. I have been through, I dont know how much therapy. I leapt fueled solely by my belief in myself, because, well, nobody liked me very much. Name Popularity Related Ratings Comments Namesakes. Birth name: Rubin Zarchy: Born June 12, 1915 New York City, New York: Died: April 11, 2009 (aged 93) Irvine, California: Genres: Big band; Swing; Jazz; Occupation(s) Musician: Instrument(s) Trumpet: Rubin "Zeke" Zarchy (June 12, 1915 - April 11, 2009) was an American lead trumpet player of the big band and swing eras. "One of my favorite stories is of a trans guy in the Air Force," explains Zeke. Game Changers was clearly incredible for Zeke, as he revealedon Instagram that he actuallydonated to Sandras Reality Rally campaign and the queen sent him an autographed photo! Im your guy, I told Probst. Zeke Smith, who appeared on back-to-back seasons of the reality series, was revealed to be a transgender man by fellow contestant Jeff Varner in an episode that aired Wednesday night. Smith said it was terrifying to think about being aired on national television, but host Jeff Probst stepped up and reassured him that the show would handle it respectfully. Now thatZekes truth has been revealedto the world, the Survivor: Game Changers castawayhas broken his silence inthe Hollywood Reporter. Watch PEN Fan Forum: Survivor, on the new PEOPLE/Entertainment Weekly Network (PEN) here, or download the free app on your Smart TV, mobile and web devices. How Zeke Smith From 'Survivor' Changed The Course For Trans Players Theres no playbook for being trans. The reality star just revealed that while in college, he transitioned. In a recent interview, two-time Survivor castaway Zeke Smith opened up about his experience on the show, including that he thinks being Jeff Probsts pet was hugely detrimental to his game the first time around but he liked how much Probst liked him and he couldnt resist those baby blue eyes and dimples. I'm going home. Smith, who is still in the game, told PEOPLE he was shell-shocked by Varners decision and struggles with forgiving him. The reason for that is at that time both of them had been sharing images on Instagram of the two of them together. An odd sentiment, I realize, for someone who signed up for two seasons of the CBS reality giant, Survivor. In oneof the most emotional moments in Survivorhistory,Zeke Smith was outed as transgender in last nights episode by Jeff Varner, who felt that Zeke was using the secret to deceive his fellow castaways. Twenty minutes later, before I could scarf a cheeseburger or peel off my rotting boxers, Probst asked if I was up for doing it all over again in two weeks alongside some of the games best players. Gold Derby readers just like YOU often turn out to be our smartest prognosticators, so its important that you give us your predictions. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. There is no deception." When we were in pain and we are in fair, we are dangerous people. Im so grateful and thankful that hes here with me. Even Probst, the most neutral of arbiters, had my back. Zeke Smith is known formaking some big moves on 'Survivor,' but the bravest thing he's done wasn't so public. Now, another contestant has taken that choice away. AP Photo/David J. Phillip Police were called five times before Friday's deadly mass shooting in Texas . I ordered a bundle of bamboo poles and practiced making fire on the roof of my apartment building. At the conclusion of Tribal, Jeff Varners torch was snuffed. Zeke Smith regrets being Probst's "pet. Smith has also found love with one of the stars of Superstore, Nico Santos. Growing up, I set big lofty goals Broadway, a high school debate championships, Harvard and pursued them doggedly. During Zeke's senior year in high school, he ranked at the top 16 in High School Debater. At 28, Zeke joined Survivor: Millennials Vs. Gen X. I told him he was going home. ), 'We're Here' Drag Star Eureka O'Hara Comes Out as Trans: 'I Know Who I Am Without Question', Vicky Krieps on Embracing Her Inner Rebel for 'Corsage' : 'I Always Had Trouble Fitting In', Kim Petras on Finding Success After Being Told She'd 'Never Make It': 'Look at Me Now, Bitches! Together with GLAAD, we changed millions of peoples perceptions of transgender people. Zeke Smith Reflects On How Jeff Probst & 'Survivor' Handled His If the first chapter of the Zeke book of my life is about rebuilding from failure, I was well rebuilt. Follow THR.com/Survivor for more coverage from the season, and let us know what you think of Zekes story in the comments below. Zeke has not always gone after his dreams. I didnt discuss my trans status in my initial video because I wanted the show to desire me as a game player and an eccentric storyteller, not as The First Trans Survivor Player. They did. He also said that it took a lot of self-love work to get to the point of true self-acceptance with his new life, but he feels tremendously proud and humbled by the impact he has had on the world. Asset manager from New York who became a national name as a reality television contestant on the long-running seriesSurvivorin 2017. I loved it. Is Zeke From 'Survivor' Still With Nico Santos? - TheThings A survivor of the Texas shooting that killed 5 people says his family Hes BFFs with Hannah from season 33. ", Zeke Smith and Jeff Probst talk about Survivor's work with GLAAD, "GLAAD's philosophy is that authentic LGBTQ representation accelerates acceptance and saves lives" For more information about GLAAD's work, please visit glaad.org, Tribal Council S34E06 (1 of 4) Survivor: Game Changers, Jeff Varner outs Zeke, Please support me by installing my Puzzles from Survivor app: apps.apple.com/us/app/puzzle-cluster/id1460284314 Alliance Tracker for Survivor app: apps.apple.com/us/app/alliance-tracker-for-survivor/id1486051580 #Survivor #SuvivorSuperFan #SurvivorGeek Twitter: twitter.com/rrTenz survivor.fandom.com/wiki/What_Happened_on_Exile,_Stays_on_Exile Day 18 I don't want to lose Ozzy, because the way I've set it up is to have bigger threats out there than myself. The moment I put that buff, the official Survivor player uniform, on my head, my confidence became real. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. The power was in my hands. I was arguing to everyone at tribal that there was this secret alliance and that they were all being deceived. I went on Survivor because my life had grown stagnant. On top of that, the fact that there have never been any rumors about Santos and Smith going their separate ways makes it probable that they are still happy together. As someone who is not readily perceived to be trans, I possess a great deal of privilege, both because I can control well, used to control who knows my gender history, and also because I dont experience the same type of discrimination, or even violence, that more visible trans people face especially trans women of color. That's when I saw the opening. Zeke Smith surprised boyfriend Nico Santos at the GLAAD Media Awards where they first met four years earlier with a romantic proposal. I am forever grateful that Probst gave me time to collect myself. "I hurt Zeke and that's something that I'll never get over," says Survivor contestant Jeff Varner. See, when I got on a plane to Fiji last March, I expected to get voted out third. We make easy targets. I stopped dreaming. They have a running joke on their Instagram accounts that theyre romantically involved; he even posted a photoof her being proposed to. When it happened at Tribal Council, Smith admitted that it left him reeling I was checked out for about 45 minutes to an hour [after it happened], said Smith. Varner and I connected quickly. When we share our gender history, many see us less authentically doubting, probing or denying our identities. During Game Changers, I regret how much I talked to Probst. Meaning, origin and history of the name Zeke - Behind the Name Most were supportive in theory, but distanced themselves, unsure and a little weirded out by the process. Related: Zeke Smith: I turned on Andrea Boehlke because we were friends years [Sobbing] My God, I'm crying. In mid-2018, there started to be rumblings on the celebrity rumor websites claiming that Survivor's Zeke Smith and Superstore's Nico Santos had become a couple. I didnt know what to say. Yes, castaways still sleep in the dirt and eat only what can be scrounged around the island, primarily coconut. . But forgiveness does not require friendship. I mulled over all the scenarios to save him, but each required me to significantly jeopardize my position. 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