As you may know, Rick Steves is an American travel writer, activist, philanthropist, and television personality. He has been actively working to improve people’s travel experiences worldwide for more than 44 years. He has managed to avoid controversial topics to the best of his abilities. But in recent years, Rick has been questioned about his sexuality and most online sources have accused him of being gay/bisexual.
So, what is the reality is the 68-year-old actually gay or is there more than what meets the eye? Stick till the end to learn everything.
Some Interesting Facts About Rick Steves
Full Name | Richard John Steves Jr. |
Birthday | May 10, 1955 |
Birthplace | Barstow, California, U.S. |
Age | 68 |
Father Name | Richard John Steves |
Mother Name | June Erna Steves |
Siblings | 2 |
Sexuality | Straight |
Profession | Writer, Television Personality |
Marital Status | Divorced |
Spouse | Anne Steves (m. 1984, div. 2010) |
Children | 2 |
Relationship Status | Dating |
Girlfriend | Shelley M. Bryan Wee |
Is Rick Steves Gay? The Truth
No, Rick is not gay. He is straight and is attracted to women. Matter of fact Steves was previously married to his wife Anne Steves for almost 26 years, proving that the philanthropist is straight and not into male as others claim him to be.

However, many still believe that Rick is a gay man. So, keep reading the article to learn why the famous activist is being called out by many to be a homosexual.
Why Do People Think Rick Steves Is Gay? Here’s How The Rumors Started
The rumors started back in 2017 when the writer talked about Gay travel in Europe in his socials asking questions if anyone has faced problems while traveling in Europe. He said,
“As racist, bigoted, and right-wing movements are on the rise on both sides of the Atlantic these days, I’d love to host a sharing of experiences that gay travelers are having in Europe.
Similarly, Rick also asked them questions as to where they felt comfortable and not. Many simply answered his query but some started doubting his sexuality even labeling him to be homoexual.

Furthermore, his separation from his wifey of 26 years also led some of the curious-minded to question his orientation. They even said that the reason behind their separation was that Rick came to terms with his sexual preference leaving his partner for a man.
However, this doesn’t seem to be the case as the writer is currently dating his girlfriend of almost three years. Hence, this proves the theory crafters wrong and is proof of him being straight.
He Was Previously Married To Anne Steves For Almost 26 Years
As we mentioned earlier, Rick was previously a married man. He was married to his then-wife Anne Steves. The ex-partner in crime was said to have walked down the aisle in 1984 at St. Thomas in Villanova, Pennsylvania.

They reportedly met in a restaurant in Barstow California back in 1982. So, after dating for about 2 years they decided to take the ultimate commitment marrying in a private ceremony in 1984. The former duo was in a marital relationship for almost 26 years before parting ways in March 2010.
The Duo Are Parents Of Two Children
The former lovebirds Rick and Anne are proud parents of two children a daughter and a son. Their daughter is named Jackie Steves whereas their son is Andy Steves. Both of them seem to be in love with traveling and are quite active on their father’s travel blog
Rick Is Dating His New Girlfriend in 2023
After his divorce from his long-time wife, Rick began dating his girlfriend Shelley M. Bryan Wee. And they have been together for over 3 years. Steves’ gf, Shelley is the Reverend currently serving as Bishop in the Northwest Washington Synod of the ELCA.

As for their first meeting, the duo met back in December 2019.