"Just Us, Husbands": 'The Upshaws' Star Jermelle Simon Quietly Marries Obio Jones in Intimate Ceremony

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Jermelle Simon announced that he and Obio Jones have officially become husbands. The actor, celebrated for his groundbreaking portrayal of Bernard, an openly gay father navigating family dynamics on Netflix's "The Upshaws," shared the news with characteristic simplicity: "No aisle. No audience. Just us, husbands. 10.1.25 🔒"

The couple's decision to exchange vows privately stands as a deliberate statement about their relationship. Rather than orchestrating a large-scale celebration, Simon and Jones prioritized intimacy and intention—values that have defined their public journey together since first confirming their relationship in October 2024.

Simon's path to this moment began with profound personal courage. On National Coming Out Day in October 2024, the actor posted an emotional video to Instagram in which he publicly declared his identity as a Black gay man for the first time. "I have decided to embrace myself fully, all the parts of me," Simon said in the video. "I have decided that the one thing that I thought was the biggest curse in my life is actually the biggest blessing I could ever receive."

Following his coming-out announcement, Simon confirmed his relationship with Obio Jones, a multimedia creator and LGBTQ+ advocate. The relationship became public shortly after, with Simon expressing deep gratitude for Jones's support. He described Jones as his "safe space" and "the person who always supports me, even in the busiest seasons."

In April 2025, Jones proposed to Simon during a private gathering at their home surrounded by close family and friends. The proposal marked another milestone in their relationship, which had blossomed into a partnership rooted in creativity, joy, and emotional honesty.

The couple's decision to marry quietly in October reflected their consistent approach to their relationship: authentic, intentional, and free from external spectacle. By choosing a ceremony with no audience and no grand venue, Simon and Jones prioritized the significance of their personal commitment over public performance.

Simon's journey holds particular significance within the entertainment landscape. His portrayal of Bernard on "The Upshaws" represents a rare and important depiction of a Black, openly gay adult navigating fatherhood, family dynamics, and identity on mainstream television. His real-life coming out and subsequent marriage add depth to his advocacy for LGBTQ+ representation both on and off screen.

Jones, as a multimedia creator and LGBTQ+ advocate, has been instrumental in fostering open conversations about identity and belonging. Together, the couple has cultivated a relationship that serves as a model of intentional partnership grounded in mutual support and creative collaboration.

The announcement of their marriage sparked immediate celebration across social media, with fans, fellow actors, and friends sharing heartfelt congratulations. While the couple has not yet shared additional details about their October ceremony, their union stands as a testament to their commitment to living authentically and choosing each other fully.