BBC Three is serving up another “hot queer summer” with I Kissed a Boy season two — and we’ve got your first look at the new cast.

Featuring the return of Australian pop icon Dannii Minogue as Cupid — and Laurence Olivier Award-winning star Layton Williams as narrator — the new season introduces 11 fresh “hotties” to the iconic Masseria, including the franchise’s first-ever trans contestant!

Echoing the format of both the original series and its sapphic spin-off I Kissed a Girl, season two kicks off with contestants paired up and kissing the moment they meet.

Throughout the series, the boys will decide whether to stay with their current partner through dramatic “kiss-offs,” or pursue someone new — including incoming bombshells.

The first season of I Kissed a Boy premiered in 2023, making history as the UK’s first-ever same-sex dating show. It was praised for its diverse and inclusive cast, authentic portrayal of queer male culture and a soundtrack stacked with iconic pop bangers.

Minogue also earned widespread acclaim for her hosting skills, unwavering allyship and — of course — her impeccable wardrobe.

Its success led to the aforementioned spin-off I Kissed a Girl, with YouTuber and comedian Charley Marlowe replacing Williams as narrator.

Like the flagship series, it made history as the UK’s first dating show to feature exclusively lesbian and bisexual women, earning praise for both its casting and depiction of sapphic culture.

With the retrospective out of the way, let’s meet the boys!

Scroll down for photos and info on the 11 contestants of I Kissed a Boy season two — plus their quotes, courtesy of BBC Three.

Adam

Age: 27
From: Reading
Occupation: Marketing and brand manager

“How can I even explain Dannii? Icon. She’s a beacon of light, who made me feel so safe, seen and celebrated.”

Aron

Age: 27
From: Croydon
Occupation: Civil Servant and cheerleading coach

“I’m beyond proud to be a part of IKAB. The show is quite literally history in the making. The experiences of queer people aren’t a monolith, and this show peels the layer to show the ways, and celebrate, our unique differences while also recognising the thing that unites us, our queerness.”

Callum

Age: 27
From: St Leonard’s on Sea, Hastings
Occupation: Administrator

“I am so proud to be a part of the show, it’s so much more than just a dating show which is something I realised whilst actually being on it. Younger me would have found navigating my sexuality so much easier if I had a show like IKAB to watch.”

Jack D

Age: 26
From: Glasgow
Occupation: Hospital Pharmacist

“Expect the unexpected is all I can say. Things changed by the hour in the messy massy, so you’ll be seeing a lot of drama. Expect a lot of important conversations as well.  But mainly, expect to see a group of queer guys having a verrrryyy gay old time and having a laugh!”

Jack S

Age: 22
From: Wigan
Occupation: Banking advisor

“As cliched as it sounds, what I love the most about IKAB is the friendships I’ve made. I’ve got proper cool queer mates now who I wouldn’t change for the world. I won.”

Jas

Age: 27
From: Glasgow
Occupation: Finance Analyst

“I Kissed a Boy is so much more than just kisses and I’m glad to have shared my story on such an amazing platform. Representation is and always will be important.”

Jordan B

Age: 25
From: The Lake District
Occupation: Retail store manager

“One thing that’s always guaranteed with Danni is that she will serve you a look to start, a twist for main, but love for dessert.  Danni was like a fairy godmother that helped us all try to find love on a path that’s anything but straight. She’s an icon and I love her.”

Jordon R

Age: 27
From: Leeds
Occupation: Sales manager

“I Kissed a Boy is not just a dating show. It’s where topics are discussed and addressed and represented by people who have lived through different challenges within their queer lives.”

Lars

Age: 23
From: Wolverhampton
Occupation: Hotel receptionist

“I Kissed a Boy isn’t just the fun reality TV show that we all know and love – it is a celebration of queer love in all its forms. And I am honestly so proud to be the first trans person on the show. Growing up, I never saw stories like mine reflected on screen, so to be a part of something that embraces and normalises LGBTQ+ relationships means the absolute world to me. It’s messy, it’s joyful, it’s real and it is exactly the kind of representation we need.”

Rory

Age: 22
From: Galway, Ireland
Occupation: Mental Health Support Worker

“Being so self-critical and ashamed of my sexuality as a teenager in Ireland, going onto I Kissed a Boy was such a full-circle moment for me and my emotional development, and I got to do it alongside a bunch of hotties! J’adore.”

Ruben

Age: 24
From: London
Occupation: Artist and designer

“What I loved most about my time in the masseria is that the world is built for straight people, but I got to live in a world built for gay people! Experiencing gay fantasy land where you can feel safe and comfortable to express yourself in any way you want is something I would recommend to any member of the alphabet army.”

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Jonathan Bailey, Charley Marlowe and T’Nia Miller were among the stars who made special guest appearances at the Just Like Us 2024 charity awards.

On Thursday 11 July in Central London, the annual event celebrated the “exceptional efforts in promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusivity in schools and workplaces”, as well as the teachers and ambassadors who are helping “pave the way for a more inclusive society”.

Founded in 2016, Just Like Us has collaborated with thousands of primary schools, secondary schools and colleges across the UK to improve the lives of queer youth with their annual, UK-wide celebration of LGBTQIA+ awareness, School Diversity Week.

Led by their Ambassador Programme, which trains LGBTQIA+ people aged 18-25 to speak about allyship and their own personal experiences with sexuality and/or gender identity, School Diversity Week sees thousands of schools take part with student talks and assemblies.

Hosted by comedian Sophie Duker and activist Dr Ronx Ikharia, the awards featured appearances from a plethora of stars, activists and community leaders – including Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey, who became a Just Like Us patron last year.

Sophie Duker and Dr Ronx

Jonathan Bailey

In a video message, Bailey said he’s “very, very proud” to be using his platform to enact change via his partnership with the charity, before praising those nominated for working “hard to improve the lives of LGBT+ young people over the past year”.

“As all of us know to varying degrees, growing up LGBT+ is still unacceptably tough and there is so much work that we need to do,” star the Fellow Travelers actor.

“But Just Like Us are doing it, are doing that work, and that’s why it’s brilliant to be here tonight to support, because the work they do is vital.”

Dr Ronx Ikharia, an award winning trans and non-binary emergency medicine doctor, explained how important it is to “show young people the options of existence, in terms of gender, in terms of sexuality, in terms of presentation”.

I Kissed a Girl narrator Charley Marlowe

The cast of BBC Three’s I Kissed a Girl

Their co-presenter, Duker, also shared a powerful message for queer youth about the intersection of being Black and queer, saying: “It is hard to be young, it is hard to minoritised in any way and have people not listen to you.

“What I would say if you’re struggling, is to know that your family, your tribe, your people are out there. They might not be in the places that you expect, but they definitely exist.”

Duker, who memorably won Celebrity Mastermind and Taskmaster in 2022, added: “Those people are there, and they will greet you and they will love you no matter what.

“If you haven’t found them yet, keep looking, keep believing in yourself, keep going to the people you feel safe with, and you will find your tribe.”

Sex Education star Anthony Lexa

Jude Guaitamacch

Sex Education star Anthony Lexa, presenter of Pride Group of the Year, additionally discussed the importance of charities such as Just Like Us and the need for LGBTQIA+ inclusive education.

“Right now, trans youth are being weaponised and our identities are being politicised,” she said.

“I think celebrating joy, and reminding individuals that their gender identity and sexual orientation are just a small part of who they are, and to love, accept and embrace themselves, is so important.

“LGBT+ education and organisations like Just Like Us are the way to do that. It feels so positive and hopeful and beautiful being here today celebrating Just Like Us and LGBT+ youth who have done such amazing work.”

The evening came to a close with a performance from singer-songwriter, disability activist and YouTuber Norma Knight.

T’Nia Miller

Singer-songwriter Kelsey Ellison

Laura Mackay – Chief Executive of Just Like Us – praised the evening and its winners, describing it as a “phenomenal celebration of the incredible work being done to foster LGBT+ inclusivity”.

“Each winner has shown outstanding dedication, passion, and impact in their respective roles,” she said.

“Congratulations to all the winners. Your efforts are truly inspiring and are making a significant difference in the lives of LGBT+ young people, and a huge thanks to everyone who is helping us celebrate their vital work.”

GAY TIMES was the official media partner of the Just Like Us Awards 2024, and the event was sponsored by JP Morgan Chase & Co.

The eight winners of the Just Like Us Awards 2024 are as follows:

Student Ally of the Year, presented by JLU ambassador Beckett

• Charlie Moules, Exmouth Community College

Pride Group of the Year, presented by The Haunting of Bly Manor star T’Nia Miller

• Morgan Oehlschlager, Brynteg Comprehensive School

School Diversity Week (Primary) Award, presented by award-winning activist Jude Guaitamacch

• Darras Hall Primary School, Ponteland, Northumberland

School Diversity Week (Secondary) Award, presented by Your Gender Book author Ben Pechey

• Belper School and Sixth Form College, Derbyshire

Corporate Volunteer of the Year, presented by I Kissed a Girl narrator Charley Marlowe

• Jess Glazov

Ambassador of the Year, presented by author and presenter Megan Crabbe

• Ashfaq Rahman

Mentor of the Year, presented by Char Bailey

• Carl Miller

The post Here all the winners from the Just Like Us 2024 Awards appeared first on GAY TIMES.

LGBTQIA+ icon Dannii Minogue has set the record straight on her sexuality. 

On 5 May, I Kissed A Girl, the queer female equivalent of last year’s history-making series I Kissed a Boy, is set to premiere on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer. 

In the same vein as its predecessor, the first episode introduces 10 contestants who will be matched up and, upon meeting each other for the first time, share a kiss.

Throughout the course of the show, the contestants will decide whether they want to stay with their current partner via a series of “kiss-offs” or match with someone new.

Minogue returns to her role as Cupid, while TikTok star and comedian Charley Marlowe steps in as narrator, taking over for Layton Williams. 

On 1 May, the ‘I Begin To Wonder’ artist participated in a massive Q&A to chat about all things I Kissed A Girl.

However, the next day, multiple news outlets claimed that Minogue came out as queer during the event. 

According to a report from The Mirror, the ‘All I Wanna Do’ artist reportedly said, “I identify as queer in a weird way” while she discussed the lingo used by queer women. 

The publication also recalled a moment in which Minogue was asked about her feelings for the contestants.

“You girls are hot. You know it. I love it. I’m here for it. Is that an answer?” she said in response. 

Shortly after the news made headlines, Minogue took to Instagram to shut down the “coming out” reports.

“Had such a great night at the screening of I Kissed A Girl this week. What a wonderful Q&A with @CatherineBohart. The whole night was filled with fun and laughter celebrating the first cast of IKAG and talking about my role as host and eternal ally to the LGBTQIA+ community,” she wrote. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dannii Minogue (@danniiminogue)

“I have been lucky enough to know and work with the queer community most of my life, and I can’t wait for Sunday night. It’s all about girls who like girls, bring it on!

“To clarify, there was no breakdown and I was not making an announcement that I’m a lesbian or queer, I’m straight and in a long term hetero relationship.” 

Minogue went on to say that her words were taken out of context and used for clickbait purposes, highlighting that the host even addressed her as a “straight woman and ally” during the event. 

Toward the end of her post, the ‘Baby Love’ singer called on fans to redirect their attention from the false stories to the groundbreaking history the show is making.

“Here’s to the first series of I Kissed A Girl, and let’s not let this distract from this incredibly important series for lesbian, bisexual and queer women’s representation on TV,” she said. 

It wasn’t long before fans flocked to Minogue’s comment section with supportive comments and praises of her allyship. 

One person wrote: “Love you Dannii. Such a shame things have been taken out of context for clickbait, but as usual they’ll write whatever rubbish that will sell a story.”

Another fan echoed similar sentiments, commenting: “We knew your words had been twisted. Thank you for your decades of solid gold allyship. We love you, Dannii!” 

For more information about the I Kissed A Girl contestants, click here. 

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Sapphics, rise! The BBC has unveiled the 10 contestants competing on I Kissed a Girl.

The queer female equivalent of last year’s I Kissed a Boy, which memorably made history as the UK’s first-ever same-sex dating series, it is set to premiere on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer from Sunday 5 May.

In the same vein as its predecessor, the first episode of I Kissed a Girl introduces 10 contestants who will be matched up and, upon meeting each other for the first time, share a kiss.

Throughout the course of the series, the contestants will decide whether they want to stay with their current partner via a series of “kiss-offs” or match with someone new.

Australian pop icon Dannii Minogue returns to her role as Cupid, while TikTok star and comedian Charley Marlowe will replace Layton Williams as the narrator.

In a statement, Marlowe celebrated being involved in the “queerest thing I’ve ever seen”: “It just doesn’t feel real.

“I’m such a lucky little lesbian and am so grateful to have this opportunity. It’s also UNREAL to have my loud northern voice blaring throughout the series.”

Minogue also commemorated the announcement, as well as Lesbian Visibility Week, with a short teaser revealing the cast, which you can view here.

You can check out the 10 cast members, as well as the first new arrival, below!

Abbie

Age: 24

From: Brighton

Occupation: Makeup and hair stylist

“What I loved most about the show was how comfortable I instantly felt around all the girls, in a judgement free environment, allowing myself to be vulnerable in conversations around sexuality.”

Amy

Age: 24

From: Surrey

Occupation: Social media manager

“We made Herstory! I can only imagine the sense of validation and belonging that me and my sisters would have felt had we had this kind of representation on our telly growing up (the closet was cramped in our house). From me, you can expect boots, boob and a boatload of banter.”

Cara

Age: 25

From: Ballycastle, Northern Ireland

Occupation: Aesthetician

“Coming from a small town in Northern Ireland, the rare chance to be in an environment exclusively full of queer women was an opportunity of a lifetime.”

Demi

Age: 23

From: Hemel Hempstead

Occupation: Publishing executive

“I was able to be one hundred percent unapologetically myself and I got to experience being part of a close-knit queer community.”

Fiorenza

Age: 22

From: Glasgow

Occupation: Drummer

“I’m very proud to be a part of the show, especially the first season for the girls! It should have existed years ago. We need more representation for lesbian relationships and what the dating life of a lezza entails as it’s such a unique and special thing that should be shown everywhere!”

Georgia

Age: 28

From: Hunmanby, North Yorkshire

Occupation: Professional footballer

“My goal was not to cry on television and I think I made it to day two. It’s amazing that there’s finally a show like this out there. It’s incredible representation and I’m just so glad I got to be a part of it.”

Lisha

Age:22

From: Caernarfon, Wales

Occupation: Psychology undergraduate

“The show is a step forward for the LGBTQ+ community and will hopefully help others have the courage to come out and be true to themselves.”

Meg

Age: 24

From: Goole, West Yorkshire

Occupation: Fire breather

“I loved the opportunity to meet so many beautiful queer girlies and being able to explore my type. I will definitely be bringing some heat to the show… in many ways.”

Naee

Age: 25

From: London

Occupation: Engineer

“I am proud to represent masculine-presenting women of colour who are gay. You do not see a lot of us on TV so I’m proud to be an addition to that little presented category. Viewers can expect their heads to be glued to the TV honestly. It is THAT good.”

Priya

Age: 23

From: Newport, South Wales

Occupation: Hotel customer service

“Being a Punjabi woman, I am so proud to represent my heritage and the South Asian community. This show embodies love, diversity and being unapologetically queer.”

FIRST NEW GIRL INCOMING:

Eva

Age: 22

From: Belfast

Occupation: Fashion graduate

“I used to search and search the internet for any WLW (women who love women) when coming to terms with my sexuality, so something like this is amazing.”

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