How I Kissed A Girl’s Dannii Minogue helped make groundbreaking queer TV: ‘It had to be done right’
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Dannii Minogue, the Australian star with a career spanning four decades, sat nervously in a meeting room at the BBC’s Broadcasting House in London. Despite her years in the spotlight, she was on edge, discussing the new BBC Three dating show for queer women that she hosts, “I Kissed A Girl.”
This groundbreaking show is the first of its kind in British TV history, following the success of last year’s “I Kissed A Boy” for queer men. Contestants are paired up and go in for a kiss before even speaking to each other. Then, they stay in a masseria in Italy, getting to know each other and deciding whether to stay in their assigned pairs or explore other connections.
Minogue spoke passionately about the show, describing the contestants as hot, sexy, uninhibited, and confident. As an active LGBTQ+ ally throughout her career, she felt a deep responsibility to ensure the show was well-received by the community it represents.
The risk involved in creating a queer dating show was not lost on Minogue. She understood the challenges networks face in showcasing queer lives and romance on TV. She also knew that the LGBTQ+ community could be highly judgmental if the show didn’t meet their expectations.
Before signing on to host “I Kissed A Boy,” Minogue made sure the show was approached with care and respect by BBC Three and production company Twofour. She grilled the executives to ensure that the show would be done right, knowing that her relationship with the queer community was at stake.
Minogue’s dedication to the well-being of the contestants was evident. She made sure that the interactions on the show were genuine and not provoked. With a psychiatrist on set every day and a predominantly queer crew, Minogue ensured that the cast was looked after properly.
As the host of “I Kissed A Girl,” Minogue cheered on the contestants, showing genuine interest in their relationships and ensuring they had a positive experience. She wanted them to be able to look back on the show as a great experience and encourage others to participate.
Minogue’s history of supporting the LGBTQ+ community goes beyond hosting a dating show. She has been involved in HIV charities, performed at Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, and dedicated songs to the community. Her commitment to LGBTQ+ causes is unwavering and deeply meaningful.
Despite her nerves, Minogue is confident that “I Kissed A Girl” will be a hit and hopes it will have a wide-reaching and long-lasting effect on viewers. She watches with pride, surrounded by her LGBTQ+ friends, knowing that the show is a significant milestone in her career.
The first two episodes of “I Kissed A Girl” are streaming on BBC iPlayer, with following episodes airing on BBC Three. As Minogue watches the show unfold, she knows that it has the potential to make a lasting impact on people’s lives.
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