Shawn Finch and Alliya de Batista are making major changes to their relationship as they prepare for marriage in 90 Day Fiancé season 11, but they still can’t shake the unhealthy habits that plagued them in 90 Day Fiancé: Love In Paradise season 4. Viewers previously saw Shawn travel to Alliya’s home in Brazil, where the couple attempted to work through several critical issues in their relationship. Shawn is 30 years older than Alliya, creating an inherently unequal power dynamic. In addition, Alliya is a trans woman, and Shawn’s support of her transition often fell short.

Alliya and Shawn are returning to the franchise in 90 Day Fiancé season 11, this time with Alliya joining Shawn in the U.S. Their move, while marking a major step in their relationship, also creates a whole new set of problems. Alliya and Shawn are joined by returning couples Shekinah Garner and Sarper Güven of 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way, along with fellow Love In Paradise couple Jessica Parsons and Juan David Daza. Season 11 will also feature new couples Stevi and Mahdi, Mark and Mina, and Gregory and Joan, as well as throuple Matt, Amani, and Any.

Shawn And Alliya’s 90 Day Fiancé: Love In Paradise Journey
Shawn Battled Complicated Emotions Surrounding Alliya’s Transition
Shawn and Alliya’s time on 90 Day Fiancé: Love In Paradise was marred by Shawn’s struggle to accept Alliya’s gender transition. While he supported her dream of living as a woman, he also mourned the loss of her former identity. Shawn’s hesitation was hurtful to Alliya, who had finally found the happiness she had been searching for her whole life. Fortunately, Shawn eventually realized that if he didn’t accept Alliya as she was, he would risk losing her.

Once Shawn embraced Alliya’s transition wholeheartedly, their romance picked up steam. Alliya introduced Shawn to her family, and he surprised her with a romantic proposal. Unfortunately, just as it seemed their relationship was on the right track, Shawn dropped a bombshell.

This exacerbated the already problematic power imbalance between the couple. Because of Shawn’s age, wealth, and residency in the U.S., Alliya felt powerless to fight for what she deserved.

Shawn revealed to Alliya that he was not committed to monogamy and, in fact, had another lover. Alliya was devastated, but she felt trapped. Despite her desire for faithfulness, Alliya wanted a future with Shawn, and she feared that demanding he change his ways would ruin all the progress they had made. This exacerbated the already problematic power imbalance between the couple. Because of Shawn’s age, wealth, and residency in the U.S., Alliya felt powerless to fight for what she deserved.

Shawn And Alliya’s Toxic Dynamic Continues In The 90 Day Fiancé Season 11 Trailer
Alliya’s Move To The US Adds To Their Complicated Relationship
As Shawn and Alliya return to the franchise and prepare to marry, their power imbalance continues to create problems. Alliya’s now in the U.S. with Shawn, which means she’s dependent on him. It appears Shawn’s unhealthy attitude continues, with him commenting in the trailer about having “done so much” for Alliya. Shawn seems to think bringing her to the U.S. makes her indebted to him, which further strengthens his grasp over her. The move also isolates Alliya from her family and friends and makes her unable to support herself financially.

Despite their impending marriage, TLC’s synopsis of Shawn and Alliya’s story hints he isn’t willing to commit to her still. The couple’s introduction notes that “Shawn has kept much of his relationship with Alliya a secret from friends and family.” Shawn’s secretive behavior suggests he’s not ready to fully welcome Alliya into his life, and it may indicate he’s still not being entirely honest with her.

Can Shawn And Alliya Turn Their Relationship Around?
Shawn Needs To Treat Alliya Better Than He Did In Love In Paradise
While the dynamic between Shawn and Alliya is troublesome, there are some glimmers of hope in their relationship. Alliya’s transition appears to have become less of a pressing issue since Love In Paradise, which means Shawn has hopefully learned to offer his partner unconditional support during this crucial time in her life. The fact that the couple stayed together and moved forward with their engagement is also a sign that, despite their problems, they love each other and strive to build a future together.

Shawn and Alliya have a lot of potential, but the issues arising in the 90 Day Fiancé season 11 trailer are worrying. Alliya deserves to be treated as an equal, no matter her age or immigration status. If Shawn can’t put his ego aside and treat Alliya the way she deserves, the couple will never find the balance essential for a healthy marriage.