Israel's First: Gili Shem Tov and Dorit Millman are the first two women couple to compete on "Dancing With The Stars"

So 30 different countries have versions of Dancing With The Stars.

But in all 30 countries, including the U.S.A., there's never been a two-man or two-woman couple in the competition.

Now, on Israel's Rokdim im hakohavim (yes, literally 'dancing with the stars' in Hebrew) TV presenter, sportcaster and openly gay woman Gili Shem Tov and professional dancer Dorit Milman, an openly heterosexual woman, will be competing as a couple.



There's so much that's fascinating about this.

One, is that sometimes we can feel smug in the U.S.A. about how we're the world leaders on this or that... and here Israel has left us in the dust.

Two, Dorit is not a lesbian, or queer herself. But she's an ALLY. And the fact that she and Gili are teaming up, to break through this barrier, is really heartening.

And Three, I love Gili's quote: “I have realised that dance is about co-ordination and energy between two people, whether female or male." and that's such a great message to get out there.

Oh, and Pamela Anderson has been announced as one of the guest judges of this year's season, and that promises to be quite a "Grrl power" moment!

Here's their first dance on the show:



Now, whether they're the best dancers or not is kind of beside the point. Where the show really makes it's impact may very well be the opening credits sequence, where Gili and Dorit are featured right alongside every other competing couple!



And in America, ABC network said it was waiting to see how this goes over in Israel before the US show does it as well. But it's already being talked about... Ryan Seacrest told Portia DeGeneres (Ellen DeGeneres' wife, who changed her last name from De Rossi) on his November 9th radio show that the U.S. version of Dancing With The Stars is

"planning to feature a same-sex couple. You're at the top of the list."

Thank you Israel!

Namaste,
Lee