ISRAEL FIRST TO HAVE SAME-SEX DANCING COUPLE

Israel’s version of the popular Dancing with the Stars television competition has become the first to feature a same-sex couple.

Openly lesbian TV sportscaster Gili Shem-Tov has been teamed up with straight professional dancer Dorit Milman. The two are competing in the sixth season of the show in Israel.

“I live with my girlfriend and we are raising my one year old son together. It felt natural for me to dance with a woman. That’s my way of life,” Shem-Tov told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday.

While producers were apparently first taken aback by her request to have a female partner, they quickly agreed; a decision which has lead to international interest and headlines.

“We came to the conclusion it would be fascinating and interesting,” said executive producer, Assaf Gil.

Speaking about who leads and who follows in their routines, Milman responded: “One time I lead her and one time she leads me. But we continue to court.”

“If even just a few people become more tolerant and open-minded as a result, then I have achieved something,” said Shem-Tov.