The format of Strictly Come Dancing has remained unchanged since 2004, when the programme first foxtrotted into Britain’s living rooms. Writing as a bisexual woman, it’s exciting to see another bisexual woman – a Black, butch, bisexual ex-boxer at that – representing women who date, love, and dance with women, on prime-time television. Last year, the first same-sex couple to compete in Denmark’s version of Strictly tangoed their way to victory. Why, when the programme dresses up in the over-the-top glittery world of queer theatre and subcultures, has Strictly remained steadfastly straight? A genderblind Strictly with same-sex couples dancing alongside mixed-gender couples with women in the lead, and couples, of any gender, switching roles, would transcend the normal format in a truly spectacular fashion.

Source: The Guardian September 05, 2020 07:52 UTC