Homophobes are mad about Love Island USA stars Aaron & Rob's bromance

Now that season six of Love Island USA has come to a close, it's time to have a chat of our own...

Throughout the viral season of the popular reality dating competition, fans and homophobes from all corners of the internet have continuously dragged the close relationship (a "bromance," if you will) between contestants and finalists Aaron and Rob. Whether or not you like them personally, these are two men with an incredibly loving and open friendship who have never said anything on the show about being attracted to those of the same sex.

For some reason, though, this friendship has really triggered something not so nice with many critics online. The pair have been friends since the season began, sharing stories, advice, and even their feelings. (We know… shocking!)

Although these are two straight men, the internet has taken their casual homophobia to another level under the guise of using memes and "jokes," with rumors swirling that they are more than friends and with multiple X and TikTok posts implying Aaron (who was previously known for winning the first season of The Traitors UK) would rather date and be in a relationship Rob.

It's sad to see a healthy male friendship taken out of context for being just that, healthy. How can we combat toxic masculinity while in the same breath, tear down healthy, loving male friendships and non-romantic relationships?

The homophobes seem to be running out of juice, and you know it's bad when the target of their ire is contestants on a fun, unserious reality show like Love Island USA. If anything, we can learn from watching these two, because although the girls this season had a strong bond, no one could break Aaron and Rob's loyalty to each other — and that is true friendship if ever we've seen one!

Love Island USA is streaming on Peacock.