One of the most endearing couples 90 Day Engagement: Another Way Season 4 premiere is Gabriel and Isabel.
Gabriel Paboga is a businessman from Florida. He met Isabel Posada on a trip to Colombia. They hit dead, and now they are ready to uproot all their lives to be with him.
While some of his loved ones worry that he is moving too fast, Gabe has his own concerns.
Isabel’s parents did not know that she was transgender. He wanted to make sure he knew before giving his blessing – or not – to their marriage.
Gabriel Paboga introduces himself to the camera, explains his business – which makes, essentially, soft underwear for trans people like himself. The idea is to replace heavy and clumsy packers.
If you want an analogy that cis people can use, think padded bras. Except that it helps the dysphoria. For that matter, cis women who use padded bras may be used to it.
Gabe was quick to show off his sense of humor as he made hands and cut foam.
Gabriel loves creating products that help people live. Not all trans people wear, want, or need a packer, but for those who do, having products made by trans people can make a difference.
Meanwhile, Gabe himself was very happy. He is very nice, handsome, and has a great sense of humor.
And we have to admit that he is a long, late representative 90 Day Engagement franchise.
He also opened up about his personal journey. Not every transgender person has the same experience. One could say the same about cisgender people, although it is less important. Or oppression.
When he was young, Gabriel didn’t know that what he felt was his own sex. He was in awe of women wearing “men’s clothes”. She eventually came out as a lesbian.
Gender and sexuality are complex, often more so than labels allow. But in this case, Gabe just couldn’t process what made him believe he wasn’t a good fit. That is, until he found out about trans people. Gabriel is now free to live his best life.
Gabriel traveled to Colombia, looking for a manufacturing partner related to the business. He met Isabel at the house of a mutual friend. Both have a fast connection.
They had a fun day, hugging and kissing and hanging out. Isabel told the man that she did not have sex on the first date, which suits the man just looking. Gabriel wanted to say he was trans for the first time. That is their prerogative.
Isabel accepts him for who he is. Soon, Gabriel got an apartment nearby so he could visit him regularly.
In June 2020, historic civil rights protests and the COVID-19 lockdown dominated the world.
At that moment, Gabriel started a tradition of celebrating one man’s pride.
Simply put, they celebrate themselves and others in the face of adversity. And they look good doing it.
Gabriel’s friend, Kion, clearly likes him. But he had an understandable question for his friend.
First of all, is it safe for trans people in Colombia? Not everyone will clock (i.e., admit they’re not cis) Gabe, but when someone does, violence and hostility can ensue. But Gabriel says it’s almost the same as in Miami. So…a mixed bag.
This is when Gabriel notes that he wants to tell Isabel’s parents. He doesn’t want to move forward with his intention of marrying Isabel until his family finds out. Kion seemed to agree that this would be for the best.
To highlight his commitment, Gabriel received an “Isabel” tattoo from a friend. That friend is also my sister’s boyfriend, Monica.
Monica shows up… to poke a lot of holes in Gabe’s plans when he pokes holes into the skin.
He worries that his sister is becoming impulsive again. He has his ex-boyfriend’s name tattooed on the back of his neck (he’s blacked out, but still). Is he ready for this part?
Monica also pointed out that Gabriel had previously vowed never to date a woman with children. Isabel has two – a teenager and a tween.
He said that the situation is different, because these children are not small. He can talk to them, and have a good dynamic with them, instead of feeling like a babysitter.
But Monica denied that she was still paying the bills for Isabel’s children. So it’s not as easy as you think.