Ezra Sosa has spoken candidly about the importance of representation in the world of dance, especially during his time on the popular television competition, *Dancing with the Stars*. Currently competing in the show’s 35th season with actress Julia Stiles, Sosa is passionate about addressing the lack of same-sex partnerships in a field that has historically been dominated by heteronormative pairings.
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Reflecting on his journey, the 25-year-old dancer stated, “When I joined the show, I never thought there would be a space for an openly gay pro.” Sosa made his debut as a professional dancer in season 33 when he paired with social media personality Anna Delvey. Since then, he has made significant strides in the competition, finishing in third place last season with gymnast Jordan Chiles. Nevertheless, Sosa has his sights firmly set on one particular dream: to pair with a male celebrity as part of a same-sex duo.
Sosa revealed his aspirations during an interview with OUT, affirming, “I definitely want that 100% to happen. That’s actually been my dream ever since I joined the show.” He is proactive in pursuing this vision, actively communicating with casting directors and advocating for same-sex partnerships. “I’m working my magic!” he added, demonstrating his commitment not only to his personal ambitions but also to a broader cause within the LGBTQ+ community.
As the second openly gay professional dancer in the history of *Dancing with the Stars*, following in the footsteps of Louis van Amstel who participated across ten seasons, Sosa feels fortunate to take on this role. He stresses that representation truly matters, stating, “Every single time I choreograph on the show, I’ll always nod to my community or pop culture.” His presence on the programme offers visibility to underrepresented voices and experiences within the entertainment industry.
To date, *Dancing with the Stars* has featured only two same-sex pairings, the first being the trailblazing duo of JoJo Siwa and Jenna Johnson, who competed in season 30. Their partnership marked a historic moment in the show’s legacy, paving the way for discussions surrounding gender and sexuality in dance. Siwa expressed her enthusiasm for competing with Johnson, saying, “I have a chance right now to make history and to break down a barrier. And there’s nothing that I would rather do than that.”
Most recently, newly promoted professional dancer Hailey Bills and her partner Sarah Jane Nader became the second all-female pairing on the current season. However, they faced an early elimination in their debut episode. Bills recounted her experience of being approached by executive producer Deena Katz about the possibility of dancing with a female partner. She noted her eagerness to embrace this opportunity, stating, “Of course, obviously I’m down to dance with a female.”
The discussions surrounding same-sex partnerships have sparked engaging conversations among fans and fellow competitors alike, and viewers hope to see further developments in the future. *Dancing with the Stars* continues to offer a platform for diverse expressions of identity and talent in the dance community, albeit with room for growth.
The show airs live on Tuesday evenings and is also available for streaming the following day on platforms such as Hulu. However, in a notable exception, the upcoming episode will be broadcast on Monday, November 2, to accommodate Election Day. As the season progresses, audiences will undoubtedly keep a close eye on Sosa and Stiles’s performance, as well as the unfolding discussions around same-sex partnerships.
Sosa’s passion for dance, along with his commitment to representation, signals a hopeful future for innovative and inclusive programming in a world that thrives on diversity. His advocacy, both on and off the dance floor, is part of a larger movement striving to create a more accepting space within the arts for all performers, regardless of their sexual orientation.