A gay activist who felt he 'had to be closeted' growing up in a market town was involved in the audition process for BBC's hit new show I Kissed A Boy - and has spoken out about why the dating programme is 'so important for breaking down barriers and LGBTQ+ representation'.
Calum 'McFabulous', also known as Calum McDermott, was teased and called names in school before making the move to Manchester aged 18. His childhood years in the Derbyshire market town of Chesterfield saw him forced in the closet.
The 26-year-old, who has also worked at Manchester-based LGBTQ+ station Gaydio, says that although he was not eventually cast to be on the show, which is the first of its kind in the UK, it is 'absolutely amazing to see mainstream representation of the LGBT community'.
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The BBC Three dating show, hosted by Dannii Minogue, follows ten single men as they head to Europe in the hope of finding their Mr Right. The couples, who are paired up according to their strongest match, must share a kiss the first time they meet.
"I had an audition call with the producers to chat about the show. I remember it just sounded so amazing," he said. "As the first show of its kind, from my perspective, it sounded like such a fun thing to be a part of and it's great to emphasise how important it is in terms of mainstream representation of the LGBTQ+ community.
"I remember hearing rumblings about the show happening and seeing things on social media and now, as a viewer, I just think it is amazing to see on a mainstream channel like BBC Three, exposing people to the realities of gay dating and love.
Calum, who was previously shortlisted as Social Campaigner of the Year at the Multicultural Business and Community Champion (MBCC) Awards 2022, also uses his platform on social media to share posts about human and LGBTQ+ rights.
He said that he first embraced his sexuality when he moved to Manchester. But, in school, he once came out with the phrase 'McFabulous' and says the name stuck. He now uses the surname to 'embrace myself, my individuality and my queerness'.
"I grew up in a small town where I felt I had to be closeted. I have grown in confidence as an openly gay person in Manchester and have been encouraged to help other people know that being LGBTQ+ is normal and okay," he said. "It's so upsetting to think there are people out there who can't live as their authentic selves.
"As a child I felt like I was shoehorned into being called gay without fully being comfortable with who I was and my sexuality. People would make mean remarks and comments. It took until I was in university to realise and to have the confidence to just outwardly be me.
"At the minute there is an imbalance - we are moving so far in terms of inclusivity and acceptance, but there is still a minority of people who have real hatred and discriminatory attitudes to the LGBTQ+ community. Programmes like this are important to break those barriers and show those people that finding true love is possible as a gay person."
He added: "We all know of or look up to someone who is LGBTQ+. Having shows like this on mainstream TV will not only break barriers, but show that an LGBTQ+ issue is something everyone in society should care about."
Speaking about why she wanted to be part of the show, presenter Dannii Minogue said: "I have had the privilege of being involved with the LGBTQ+ community for many years.
"I am a staunch ally, and in return I have always been welcomed with support that always feels like a huge hug. It is an honour to host this show and flex my muscles as fairy godmother/cupid in helping these gorgeous humans in their search for love."
Episode 7 of I Kissed a Boy airs on Sunday night at 9pm on BBC Three. You can catch on BBC iPlayer here.
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