Layla Taylor Confirms Dating Kelsie Chesser at VRT Awards

# **Layla Taylor Confirms Relationship with Kelsie Chesser, Red Carpet Reveal at VRT Awards 2026** The Utah‑born reality star and her new girlfriend, Kelsie Chesser, stepped onto the New York City carpet together, turning heads and sparking a wave of comments across social media.

The pair, photographed arm‑in‑arm beside the glittering banners of the Virtual Reali‑Tea (VRT) Awards 2026, made a bold statement about love, visibility, and the power of authenticity.

The VRT Awards, a showcase of emerging talent and celebrated influencers, had already drawn attention for its high‑profile sponsors—Tri‑State Cadillac, CoverGirl, Philo, and Kahlúa—so the couple’s appearance was destined to be headline material.

Layla Taylor, 25, has carved a niche as a charismatic personality on the Utah‑based reality series that first introduced her to a national audience. She and her ex‑husband, Clayton Wessel, were married from 2020 until their divorce in 2025 and share two young sons.

Despite the family’s high‑profile domestic life, Taylor had been tight‑lipped about her private affairs—only hinting at a romance with a woman in an interview on Jay Shetty’s “On Purpose” podcast.

The VRT Awards marked the first time the pair was publicly photographed together, a moment that feels both celebratory and pivotal for a young woman who has spoken candidly about her bisexual identity. The red‑carpet ensemble was a visual conversation in itself.

Taylor arrived in a striking asymmetrical floral corset dress, the pleated skirt falling just above her knees, paired with light‑blue strappy heels that added a pop of color to the night.

Chesser, in contrast, chose a navy‑blue suit, sleek black shoes, and a subtle gold necklace that drew the eye without overpowering the overall look.

Their coordinated presence underscored a shared confidence and a mutual desire to be seen as equals in the public eye. ## Background & Context Before the night of the VRT Awards, Taylor had already begun to map the public’s understanding of her sexuality.

In June, she broke her own silence on the “On Purpose” podcast, stating, “I’m gay and I’m bi and date women and men.” The revelation was a step away from her earlier refusal to identify who she was dating, a decision she explained was born of fear and a need for privacy.

“I’m honestly, I didn’t really know how to formally address for a long period of my life,” she added, highlighting the difficulty of navigating a public persona and a private identity. Taylor’s openness deepened in July, when she shared a clip of her and Chesser holding hands.

The video only revealed Chesser’s tattooed arms, but Taylor’s caption was unmistakable: “You’re glowing lately. Thanks I’m dating a woman now.” She also added, “Chivalry isn’t dead it’s with the lesbians.” This brief glimpse, posted on her social media, set the stage for the more formal announcement that followed.

Within the same month, Chesser herself made a TikTok video, singing along to Beyoncé’s “Partition” and captioning it, “When I slid into my girlfriend’s DMs just hoping she was into girls.” The playful, almost teasing tone of the post, coupled with the clear reference to a girlfriend, confirmed the relationship for both fans and observers.

The couple’s decision to debut together at the VRT Awards aligns with a broader trend of public figures embracing transparency about their relationships, especially within LGBTQ+ circles.

Taylor’s journey—from a hesitant “talking to” a woman on Instagram to a full‑blown public partnership—mirrors a growing cultural shift toward acceptance.

The VRT Awards, with its mix of established brands and emerging talent, offered the ideal backdrop for a moment that could be both personal and cultural. ## What People Are Saying The internet buzzed immediately after the red‑carpet photos circulated.

Fans flooded Taylor’s profile with supportive comments, celebrating the visibility of a bisexual woman openly dating a woman. Many shared their own experiences, framing Taylor’s openness as a beacon for younger fans navigating their own identities.

The comment threads also drew comparisons to other high‑profile couples who have publicly embraced same‑sex relationships, sparking discussions about representation in mainstream media.

Social media managers noted the clever synergy of the event’s sponsorships: Tri‑State Cadillac’s sleek vehicles, CoverGirl’s bold beauty line, Philo’s streaming exclusivity, and Kahlúa’s refined cocktail vibe all complemented the couple’s look.

The blend of high fashion and approachable style resonated with a broad demographic, amplifying the message that love transcends conventional boundaries. The strategic timing—just after the release of Philo’s free ad‑supported streaming—meant that the VRT Awards were accessible to millions, further spreading the story.

Some commentators praised Taylor for “finally in the era” of feeling comfortable with “show[ing] every part of Layla to the world,” a sentiment that struck a chord with followers who admired her vulnerability.

Meanwhile, Kelsie Chesser’s own presence on TikTok—an app favored by Gen Z—helped to bridge the gap between older and newer audiences.

Her TikTok caption, “Thankful she was 🙂‍↕️ #wlw #girlfriend,” coupled with Taylor’s confirming comment, “Folded,” turned the moment into an instant, shareable meme across the platform, showcasing how two different social media ecosystems can converge. ## What Happens Next With the public now aware of the relationship, both Taylor and Chesser face a new chapter of visibility.

Taylor has indicated a willingness to embrace her identity more fully, suggesting she may be “finally in the era” of living openly. This could translate into future collaborations, endorsements, or media projects that foreground LGBTQ+ themes, especially given her influence among young adults.

Chesser, meanwhile, is poised to capitalize on her newfound public profile. Her TikTok presence, already notable for its creativity, could lead to broader opportunities in influencer marketing, fashion, or even acting—especially as the entertainment industry continues to champion diverse stories.

Their joint appearance on the VRT Awards’ red carpet sets a precedent for couples to make public gestures of solidarity, potentially influencing how other public figures approach their relationships.

From a broader industry perspective, the VRT Awards’ sponsorship model—leveraging brands like Philo for exclusive streaming—signals a shift toward hybrid event experiences.

The free, ad‑supported access beginning Oct. 9 allows fans worldwide to witness the ceremony, thereby amplifying the impact of moments like the Taylor–Chesser debut. It remains to be seen how this model will shape future award shows, particularly those that seek to spotlight emerging talent and inclusive narratives.

In sum, Layla Taylor’s public confirmation of her relationship with Kelsie Chesser at the Virtual Reali‑Tea Awards 2026 marks a significant moment for both the couple and the LGBTQ+ community.

Their coordinated entrance, heartfelt statements, and social media interplay illustrate a broader cultural shift toward acceptance and transparency, reminding us that love—when celebrated publicly—has the power to inspire and unite.