In a recent episode, Strictly Come Dancing made the landmark decision to feature a same-sex dance routine between professional dancers Johannes Radebe and Graziano Di Prima. Overall, the performance received hugely positive responses, with viewers on social media sharing how it had moved them to tears and praising the show’s producers for its inclusion.
However, there’s always one, or 189 to be exact. It was revealed today that the BBC received a number of complaints from viewers who felt it was “offensive to feature two men dancing as a pair”. To save viewers who haven’t seen the dance and who are wondering just what might be so shocking about two men dancing – the complaints are basically homophobic. The pair dance together as part of a number which features other dancers dancing alongside them. There’s nothing offensive and it’s all rather lovely.
In response to the complaints, the BBC released the statement, “Strictly Come Dancing is an inclusive show and is proud to have been able to facilitate the dance between Johannes and Graziano during the Professionals’ dance. They are dancers first and foremost, and their sex had no bearing on their routine.” Basically giving the complaints the weight they deserve.
Before the complaints came to light, one of the pair, Johannes, an openly gay man, spoke about the routine in an interview with Hello saying, “I’ve never felt so liberated. For the first time in my life, I feel accepted for who I am. That says so much about the people of this country.
“To be able to dance with a friend I respect and adore is joyous. There’s bromance galore between us, but there were no male and female roles, just free movement. It was beautiful, classy and elegant.”
Johannes made another big impact when he brought Ballroom culture to the main stage, wowing viewers.
Our #Strictly Pros and Judges came to SLAY! 💅 pic.twitter.com/wXsX7a2zNY
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) October 20, 2019
Sadly, the legendary Michelle Visage got the boot from the show last weekend when she performed her own tribute to the Ballroom scene, impressing viewers but failing to get the necessary votes.
© 2019 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
Support GCN
GCN has been a vital, free-of-charge information service for Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community since 1988.
During this global COVID pandemic, we like many other organisations have been impacted greatly in the way we can do business and produce. This means a temporary pause to our print publication and live events and so now more than ever we need your help to continue providing this community resource digitally.
GCN is a registered charity with a not-for-profit business model and we need your support. If you value having an independent LGBTQ+ media in Ireland, you can help from as little as €1.99 per month. Support Ireland’s free, independent LGBTQ+ media.
comments. Please sign in to comment.