| Justin Suarez | |
|---|---|
| Ugly Betty character | |
 Mark Indelicato as Justin Suarez | |
| First appearance | "Pilot" (episode 1.01) |
| Last appearance | "Hello Goodbye" (episode 4.20) |
| Created by | Silvio Horta |
| Portrayed by | Mark Indelicato |
| In-universe information | |
| Species | Human |
| Gender | Male |
| Family | Santos Reynoso (father; deceased) Hilda Suarez (mother) Bobby Talercio (stepfather) |
| Significant other | Austin Marley (boyfriend) |
| Relatives | Betty Suarez (maternal aunt) Ignacio Suarez (maternal grandfather) Rosa Suarez (maternal grandmother, deceased) Yolanda Sálazar (maternal great-grandmother) Mirta (maternal great aunt) Clara (maternal first cousin-in-law once removed) |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Nationality | American |
Justin Suarez is a fictional character on the American comedy-drama series Ugly Betty (2006–2010). Portrayed by actor Mark Indelicato, Justin is raised by his single mother Hilda, both of whom live with his aunt Betty and grandfather Ignacio. A musical theatre and fashion enthusiast, Ugly Betty follows adolescent Justin as he matures and navigates school, while exploring his sexual orientation. Although the character exhibits stereotypically gay interests and flamboyant mannerisms, the show does not address his sexuality until its fourth season, despite constant speculation and support from his family.
Justin was created by series creator Silvio Horta, who partially based the character on his own upbringing as a gay teenager raised by a single mother. The character was created to serve as a comedic foil and advisor to Betty. Deciding Justin was too young to be sexualized, the show's producers opted to leave his sexual orientation undisclosed for much of the series. Indelicato was 11 years old when he was cast as Justin, having auditioned for the role while he was performing in a school musical production. Justin's coming out storyline mirrored Indelicato's personal life; the actor was confronting his own sexual orientation while his character was preparing to come out on the series. Instead of immediately coming out to his family, Justin confides in Betty's openly gay co-worker Marc St. James, who helps him cope with high school bullies and dating. Justin finally affirms that he is gay by dancing with his new boyfriend, Austin, at his mother's wedding at the end of the series.
Before Justin came out, Ugly Betty fans heavily speculated about the character's sexual orientation for most of the show's duration. One of the youngest gay characters on television at the time, Justin was well-received by critics and audiences, who praised the subtlety of his coming out storyline. Critics were also very receptive towards Justin's acceptance by his family, which was welcomed as a refreshing representation of a Latino American family, as well as his friendship with Marc. Several media publications have since cited Justin among the greatest LGBT characters in television history.