The iconic dance competition Dancing With the Stars is stepping into the spotlight once again, but this time, it’s not just for the dazzling performances. The show’s upcoming Season 35 premiering on September 15 on Disney+ and ABC is making history with not one, but two groundbreaking same-sex pairings. This bold move is not only a celebration of diversity but also a significant step forward in LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media.
The first of these historic pairings features openly bisexual reality star Sarah Jane Nader and professional dancer Hailey Bills. This marks the show’s second all-female pairing and only the third same-sex celeb-pro duo in the show’s history. The other groundbreaking pairing includes openly pansexual Olympic gold medalist Amber Glenn and professional dancer Pasha Pashkov.
Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Change
The introduction of same-sex pairings on Dancing With the Stars is more than just a casting decision; it’s a powerful statement that resonates with audiences worldwide. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, seeing same-sex couples dancing together on broadcast television is a moment of validation and representation. Nader who came out during the first season of her reality show Love Thy Nader understands the importance of this representation firsthand.
In an August 2025 interview with Variety Nader shared her experiences with her family and the challenges she faced in being open about her sexuality. She recalled being too afraid to bring a girlfriend home for fear of homophobia. Now, as she steps into the ballroom with Bills, Nader hopes to inspire younger LGBTQ+ viewers to feel seen and accepted.
“I grew up watching this show, and I obviously never saw a same-sex pairing, and so it’s really cool to imagine young me watching me and feeling seen,” Nader told E! News. “And I hope that this happens from this experience.”
From Olympic Ice to the Ballroom
Amber Glenn who recently made history as the first openly queer woman to represent the United States in Olympic singles figure skating, is trading her skates for dancing shoes. Fresh off her performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina where she helped Team USA capture gold in the figure skating team event, Glenn is ready to take on a new challenge.
Glenn’s casting follows a landmark year both on and off the ice. She has been open about the challenges facing LGBTQ+ Americans and has used her platform to advocate for freedom and acceptance. Despite facing Online Hate and threats, Glenn remains committed to representing what she believes in. Her participation in Dancing With the Stars is not just a personal journey but also a continuation of her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
Glenn cited Olympic ice dancing champion Meryl Davis who won Season 18 of the show, as an inspiration. As she steps into the ballroom, Glenn is eager to show audiences a different side of herself, blending athleticism with emotion and storytelling.
A Celebration of Diversity and Inclusivity
The introduction of same-sex pairings on Dancing With the Stars is a celebration of diversity and inclusivity that extends beyond the ballroom. It is a reminder that representation matters and that everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in the media they consume. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, this historic moment is a step forward in the ongoing journey towards equality and acceptance.
As the show prepares to premiere its 35th season the excitement is palpable. With a lineup that includes a diverse range of celebrities, from actors to athletes and reality stars, Dancing With the Stars is set to deliver not just dazzling performances but also meaningful moments that resonate with audiences worldwide.
So, as the music starts and the dancers take the floor, let’s celebrate this historic moment and the power of representation. Because in the end, it’s not just about the dance; it’s about the message it sends and the lives it touches.
