DIVA caught up with this lover girl to find out more about her time in the Masseria
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGES BY BBC / TWO FOUR / JAMES STACK
How would Nikita describe her time in the Masseria? “My hottest, gayest summer yet!” We’re sold.
As a self-proclaimed lover girl, Nikita came onto the show looking for a new adventure. While she was initially paired up with Elisha, they soon realised that they were just destined to be friends. However, things did start to get steamy when the new girls arrived in the Masseria.
We caught up with Nikita to find out more about her time in the Masseria.
Why did you want to go on IKAG?
I remember watching IKAG season one and being obsessed with it. It was the first queer dating show I had ever watched. When the time for season two came along, I was just coming out of a relationship, and the stars aligned. I wanted to have that experience and find connections, whether that was friendships or romantic connections.
Could you tell us a bit about your own coming out story?
Apparently, I told my dad I was gay when I was nine, but I cannot recall this!
What did you learn about yourself on the show?
I learned that I don’t have a type. I’m a personality person. I’m quite proud of myself for sticking to my guns and giving everyone time to get to know them, even if it was a platonic thing. The things I learnt most were through other people, being in this space with loads of queer people from all walks of life and actually embracing that.
Why is representation like IKAG so important?
It’s so important to have stuff like IKAG so people can see themselves on TV. Representation matters so much. Growing up, there was never an Indian queer person on TV. There wasn’t even that much Indian straight representation. To have that – and to actually be that – is such a unique and exciting opportunity. I hope there will be more queer media to come in the future.
What do you hope viewers take away from the show?
Trust the universe and alignment. It’s all meant to work out the way it does, even though in the moment, it might not feel like it. You might feel really torn, conflicted or confused, but just stay strong in yourself and in your gut.
Four new episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer on 23 June at 6 am, with episodes one and two airing on BBC Three on 23 June, and episodes three and four on 24 June from 9 pm. Following this, two brand-new episodes will be available every Tuesday at 6 am on iPlayer and 9 pm on BBC Three.
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