Jwan Yosef and Ricky Martin Set New Standard for Queer Co-Parenting Post-Divorce

Two years after their high-profile divorce, artist Jwan Yosef and pop icon Ricky Martin are redefining what it means to co-parent as a queer family in the public eye. Speaking candidly in a recent interview with Attitude magazine, Yosef described their co-parenting dynamic as “wonderful,” “solid,” and “calm,” emphasizing how their mutual love for their children has enabled a harmonious partnership despite the end of their marriage .

Martin and Yosef share two young children: Lucia, aged 6, and Renn, aged 5. While Martin is also father to twin sons Matteo and Valentino from a previous relationship, his and Yosef’s focus remains on maintaining a nurturing environment for their shared children. “We live 10 minutes away from each other. We speak every day. We love our kids so much,” Yosef explained, underscoring the proximity and frequency of their communication as pillars of their parenting strategy .

Their joint announcement of the divorce in July 2023 was notable for its warmth and mutual respect. Both Yosef and Martin assured fans and followers that, while their romantic relationship had ended, their commitment to family would remain unchanged. The public statement, shared via Instagram, stressed that the children’s well-being was their top priority—a message that has resonated widely in queer communities and beyond .

Since then, Yosef has spoken openly about the realities of co-parenting, moving beyond the pain of separation to embrace a new chapter defined by cooperation and growth. “It’s not an experience — it’s a way of living,” he said, reflecting on how daily interactions with Martin have fostered a stable and supportive environment for their children .

For Yosef, co-parenting as a queer man has been personally transformative. He described how raising children in today’s society has deepened his understanding of his own identity. “This is a conversation I have with my kids every other day explaining how different families look. It’s educational for them, but it also really puts things into context for myself as a parent,” Yosef said .

This daily dialogue about family diversity is vital not just for the children, but for the broader LGBTQ+ community. Representation matters: seeing queer parents like Yosef and Martin navigate separation with grace and mutual respect offers a powerful counter-narrative to stereotypes about broken families. Their openness helps normalize conversations about the many forms family can take, fostering greater acceptance and understanding.

The queer community has responded with admiration and gratitude, citing Yosef and Martin’s approach as a beacon for others facing similar transitions. Social media conversations, particularly those sparked by Yosef’s interviews and Martin’s Instagram posts, have highlighted the importance of visibility and honesty in queer parenting .

Queer advocates note that the couple’s story challenges lingering stigma around queer families and divorce. Their example demonstrates that separation does not have to mean conflict or instability, especially when both parents prioritize their children’s emotional health and development. Yosef’s reflections on educating his children about diverse family structures underscore the critical role parents play in shaping young minds, particularly in a world still grappling with acceptance and equality .

Yosef and Martin's story stands as a blueprint for queer families everywhere. By centering love, respect, and open communication, they have shown that it is possible to move through change—and even heartbreak—with dignity and purpose. For Yosef, the experience has been “the most amazing thing to be a queer man in our society today to raise these kids into a pretty amazing awareness,” a sentiment that will resonate with parents and allies committed to building more inclusive futures .