It's been a big week, particularly if you're a same-sex attracted person competing on an international dancing reality TV competitions.
First, UK TV show Strictly Come Dancing featured its first ever same-sex dance routine, with openly gay professional dancer Johannes Radebe dancing with straight Italian choreographer Graziano di Prima.
“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," Radebe told magazine.
“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,”
Now, Denmark has followed suit, with the local Danish version of Dancing With The Stars - called Vild med Dans - featuring a same-sex dance duo for the first time in its 16-year history.
Gay actor and comedian Jakob Fauerby was partnered with professional dancer Silas Holst for the competition - and they're not only holding their own, they've become front-runners to win the entire series.
Speaking with, Fauerby said that he was honoured to play a role in the historic TV moment.
“I’m proud if I can help a young man or woman out there who feels recognised,” he said, reflecting on past LGBTIQ+ representation in the Danish media.
"If you heard about [LGBTQ+] people in the media back then, it was often because they were dead.”
The 42-year-old added: “We’re just one couple out of 160 in 16 years.
“So for me, if a young boy, boy, girl, or trans person has the opportunity to see that positive representation as part of a TV show, that is empowering in itself.”
