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5 Surprising Facts About Gio Benitez: The Openly Gay ABC News Anchor's Life And Recent Faith Journey

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The curiosity surrounding Gio Benitez, the charismatic and dynamic co-anchor of the weekend edition of Good Morning America, often centers on his personal life, particularly his identity as an openly gay man in the media spotlight. As of December 2025, Benitez continues to be a prominent figure at ABC News, using his platform not only to deliver breaking news as a transportation correspondent but also to share his authentic self, including his long-standing marriage and recent, deeply personal spiritual journey.

Gio Benitez has become a powerful symbol of LGBTQ+ representation and visibility in broadcast journalism, gracing the cover of publications like The Advocate and openly discussing his journey from being closeted to embracing his true self. His story is one of professional success intertwined with a commitment to living authentically, which he shares with his husband, actor and TV personality Tommy DiDario.

Gio Benitez: Full Biography and Career Milestones

Giovani "Gio" Benitez is a highly accomplished American broadcast journalist. His career is marked by his extensive work as a correspondent and anchor for ABC News, covering major national and international stories.

  • Full Name: Giovani Benitez
  • Date of Birth: October 29, 1985
  • Place of Birth: Miami, Florida, U.S.
  • Heritage: Cuban-American
  • Education: Graduated from Florida International University (FIU) with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Sociology.
  • Spouse: Tommy DiDario (Married April 16, 2016)
  • Current Role: Co-anchor of the weekend edition of Good Morning America (GMA) and Transportation Correspondent for ABC News.
  • Notable Assignments: Covered the Boston Marathon bombing in April 2013, contributed to World News Tonight and 20/20, and hosted the Fusion channel's version of Nightline.
  • Key Career Dates: Appointed permanent co-anchor of Good Morning America on Saturdays and Sundays.

The Journey to Being Openly Gay in Broadcast News

Benitez's professional ascent has always been shadowed by his personal journey of self-acceptance. Being openly gay is now a core part of his public identity, but he has been candid about the challenges he faced earlier in his life.

1. He Was Closeted Until Age 24

Despite his confident on-screen presence, Gio Benitez has shared that keeping his sexual orientation a secret was one of the most difficult things he ever had to do. He recalled how he stayed in the closet until he was 24 years old. His experience highlights the pressure many face in the media industry and the personal toll of concealing one's true identity for years.

2. The Fairytale Engagement in Paris

Benitez's relationship with his husband, Tommy DiDario, has been a central and public part of his life since they began dating. The couple became engaged on September 17, 2015, in a highly romantic proposal in Paris, France. The public nature of their engagement and subsequent marriage served as a significant moment of visibility for a gay couple in mainstream news media.

3. The Miami Wedding and Enduring Marriage

Gio Benitez and Tommy DiDario married on April 16, 2016, in a beautiful ceremony held in Miami, Florida. The wedding was well-documented and celebrated, further cementing their status as a high-profile power couple within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Their enduring marriage continues to be a focus of public interest, with the couple frequently sharing updates, including their July 2025 vacation to Saint Barthélemy.

His Recent, Deeply Personal Return to Faith in 2025

One of the most recent and compelling updates in Gio Benitez's personal life is his decision to rejoin the Catholic Church, a move that has garnered significant media attention in 2025.

4. Reaffirming His Catholic Faith

After being away from the church for 25 years, Benitez rejoined a Catholic church in New York City. This decision was a deeply personal spiritual journey for the openly gay anchor. He celebrated his confirmation mass, sharing the moving moment on social media, demonstrating that faith and LGBTQ+ identity are not mutually exclusive.

5. Husband Tommy DiDario Served as His Sponsor

In a powerful and symbolic gesture, Benitez's husband, Tommy DiDario, served as his sponsor during his confirmation mass. This event underscores the support and unity within their marriage and sends a strong message of inclusion and acceptance from the Catholic community they joined. Benitez has credited Pope Francis's more inclusive messaging as a factor in his decision to return to the church.

The Impact of Gio Benitez's Visibility

Gio Benitez’s openness about his life, from his Cuban-American heritage to his marriage to Tommy DiDario, has had a profound impact on media representation. As a co-anchor for a major national news program like Good Morning America, his visibility normalizes the presence of openly gay individuals in positions of authority and trust. His willingness to share his personal stories, including his coming-out process, which he discussed candidly on his husband's podcast, provides invaluable support and inspiration to others navigating their own identities.

Benitez is not just a reporter; he is a role model. His work as the Transportation Correspondent for ABC News, where he covers everything from commercial aviation to space exploration, demonstrates his professional gravitas, while his personal life showcases his commitment to authenticity. His recent spiritual journey further illustrates a complex, multi-faceted public figure who is unafraid to explore and share his whole self.

The entity of Gio Benitez represents a shift in American journalism, where personal truth and professional excellence can coexist and even amplify one another. His story, especially the recent updates concerning his faith and continued strong marriage, ensures his place not only as a respected journalist but as a vital cultural figure.

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