Special edition of 'Dancing with the Stars'
On December 28, 2023, a special edition of the show 'Dancing with the Stars' was held in Ukraine, which became significant because, for the first time, an LGBT couple performed on stage: Oleksandr Demenko and his partner Artur. This edition was dedicated to raising funds for the evacuation of soldiers, making it particularly important in the context of current challenges.
Participation of veterans and soldiers
In the number, apart from Oleksandr and Artur, veterans and soldiers with prosthetics also participated, including:
- Ivan Voynov
- Solomiya Voynova
- Pavlo Tovsty
- Vyacheslav Kutyin
- Hanna Kutyina
- Volodymyr Malykhin
- Oleg Slyvar
This team demonstrated not only dance mastery but also the strength of spirit, emphasizing the importance of supporting the military.
'The first LGBT couple on the main stage of the country. You wouldn’t believe how we were nervous while being on the site for 10 hours. But it was worth it.' Oleksandr Demenko
Volodymyr Zavadjuk, the organizer of the show, emphasized the importance of the mission, stating: 'This is a mission.' Oleksandr also thanked Volodymyr Zavadjuk and the 1+1 TV channel for the opportunity to perform, noting: 'Superhumans, you are amazing! The first steps have been taken. More to come. Thank you for this opportunity and the pickaxe with which we are breaking this rock!'
The special edition of 'Dancing with the Stars' not only became an important cultural moment but also enabled the collection of funds to support soldiers in need of evacuation. This underscores the social responsibility of the show and its role in popularizing important initiatives in society.
The broadcast of the special edition of 'Dancing with the Stars' became an important step towards inclusion and support for the LGBT community in Ukraine, highlighting the significance of such initiatives in difficult times. This performance not only helped raise funds for the military but also became a symbol of change in a society striving for greater openness and acceptance of diversity.