Following last night’s shock exit, DIVA caught up with the BBC Three star to find out more about her time on the show
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY BBC THREE
Sapphics everywhere sat in shock last night (19 May) when Dannii Minogue revealed that Priya and Naee would have to send one couple home on the latest episode of I Kissed A Girl. In a surprising twist, Abbie and Lisha were chosen to leave the Masseria.
If you haven’t been watching BBC Three’s new sapphic dating show I Kissed A Girl, where have you been? This summer, a group of singletons have entered Dannii Minogue’s Italian Masseria in the search of love. Naturally, the entire LGBTQIA community has gone wild for the show.
Abbie and Lisha were matched right from the beginning, securing their relationship with their initial steamy kiss. Fans watched as the pair navigated their difficulties, having a number of slightly uncomfortable chats while the rest of the group watched on.
Following their departure from the show, DIVA caught up with Lisha to find out more about what it was like being on the groundbreaking series.
We absolutely love I Kissed A Girl! Why did you sign up for it?
I’m from a small town and opportunities like this don’t come very often. I’ve always been a relationship kind of girl, and I’ve never found the one that’s right for me. I thought I might as well give it a chance and see what happens. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.
Growing up in a small town, what was your experience coming out?
I came out at a very young age – I was 13. I was one of the first people in school to come out, so it was like a big shock to everyone. I took one for the team! After I came out, a lot of people came out after me so I don’t regret coming out so early. I had my family to support me. I wouldn’t change it – it’s made me who I am today.
When you were going in for that first kiss on the show, what was going through your mind?
I thought she was definitely my type. She was beautiful. Thinking back, I can’t remember! I was panicking so much. It was nerve-wracking. It was weird to see it watching it back.
I Kissed A Girl is such a groundbreaking show. Why do you think this kind of representation is so important?
It’s so important because growing up I was one of the first to come out. I didn’t have anyone to look up to. I did it on my own. At the time, something like this would have helped me be in such a better place. I would have been so much more confident.
We see some really amazing conversations about identity happening on the show. What was it like to be part of those conversations?
Those conversations were quite deep, and they needed to be on TV. Some people don’t get to experience that. I hope it will make people speak out, and speak about these things.
Thinking back to your younger self, what do you think she would have felt like if she’d been able to watch a show like this?
She would have been so proud. I’ve always wanted to come out and share my experiences with people. I know how it feels to be in that place where you don’t want to speak and be yourself. It’s taken all these years to actually find myself. I’m so proud that I’ve been able to do that and go on a show like this and just be myself.
On the show you talk about how partners in the past haven’t let you embrace your feminine side. Could you talk a bit more about that?
I used to have really long hair, and I used to dress more masculine presenting. But I also wake up in the morning some days feeling feminine. I’m a girl at heart like Fiorenza said! In past relationships, I’ve also always had to be that masculine part of the relationship. It’s taken a toll on me, and I couldn’t express how I was feeling. Going on the show, I really wanted someone to accept me for who I am. If I want to be a little bit girly, I can be a bit girly! And not be ashamed of it.
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