Mhairi Black defends Susan Calman in Strictly Come Dancing same-sex couples row

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Out MP Mhairi Black has weighed in to the row over Susan Calman dancing with a man on Strictly Come Dancing.

The SNP politician, 23, labelled attacks on Calman as “unfair”, ahead of the first live show this Saturday.

Ms Black says LGBT activists should stop attacking the lesbian comedian and focus their criticisms on BBC bosses.

Speaking to PinkNews Mhairi Black MP said: “People need to give Susan Calman a break – the criticism she’s faced has been really unfair.

“She’s always been a champion for equality, she’s a brilliant comedian, a great role model for young LGBTI people, and she has every right to enjoy herself on Strictly whoever she dances with.

“I’m rooting for her,” the re-elected MP said, adding, “she has my full support and I think she’s going to do great.”

However she called on BBC bosses to introduce same-sex dance partners soon – saying people should blame TV producers, not Calman.

“Of course, it’s 2017 and it’s about time big TV programmes are fully inclusive of LGBTI people.

“That includes having same-sex dance partners on Strictly – but the onus is on the programme makers not individual contestants.

“It’s not a question of being PC or tokenistic – and it’s not just Strictly or the BBC – we have to ask ourselves why same-sex couples and LGBTI people still aren’t being properly included and represented on some of these programmes in the first place.

• Dec 01

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