DIVA caught up with this new arrival to find out more about her time in the Masseria
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY BBC/TWOFOUR
The second series of I Kissed A Girl (IKAG) has provided us with so many incredible examples of representation. From femme to stud rep, non-binary visibility and conversations about religion, it’s given a whole generation of queer people new role models, crushes and style icons to fangirl over.
New arrival Josie arrived late to the party, ready to provide even more masc4masc representation in the Masseria. The rugby player not only gave us a masterclass in flirting, but also opened up conversations about women’s sports.
Although her time in the Masseria was cut short, audiences have fallen in love with this contestant. DIVA caught up with Josie to find out more about her time on the show.
Why did you want to go on IKAG?
I’ve been very rooted in my queerness in the last couple of years. I found my queer circle. I found my opinions and my voice and what it means to be queer to me. Just to have the opportunity to go and be that representation was so healing and affirming. If I’d have been able to see myself or any of the cast on my screen when I was younger, maybe I wouldn’t have had such a hard time coming to terms with it.
Why is the representation on the show so important?
There are people in this world who do not have a voice. They don’t have a safe, stable place to express themselves and truly understand themselves. To be able to just see themselves slightly in the media could bring that queer joy to someone that everybody wants. Queer joy is so special and so beautiful.
What did you learn about yourselves?
The show was a huge moment in my life. It allowed me to reflect on where I am in my life. I’ve been single for four years. My last relationship was with a man four years ago. It just triggered this thing in me to really start to understand who I am, why I work the way I do, who I attract, and who I’m attracted to and why.
What has it been like to see the response online?
There are so many people who have followed me for ages but never reached out who are now saying such lovely things. The first DMs were like, “Step on me!” Then, after a few more episodes, I got these lovely messages about how I represented myself and how I spoke.
What was it like to walk in Pride in London?
For me, walking in London Pride was so surreal. My first ever Pride was London Pride four years ago. I stood on the sidelines, and I watched the march, and I cried. I’d never seen all of the people who love each other so much in this community come together. Our community is so connected, and we need each other, and we rely on each other so much.Without community, we wouldn’t be where we are now.
What does queer platonic friendship mean to you?
I appreciate being surrounded by queer people because we’re not afraid to have real conversations about real things happening in the world. We’re so opinionated, and we’re so political. I just feel like every time I’m around queer people, somebody tells me something that I didn’t know before. They hold you accountable whilst also making you feel safe.
What representation do you want to see in the media?
I think that mainstream media still wants a palatable queer person on their screen. I would love to see a real true butch on TV. I would love to see genuine POC love portrayed on TV. I want to see queer disabled people on TV. In this day and age, I don’t think TV is where we’re going to see it. I think that social media is so powerful these days and the people who have a platform need to use it to speak.
You can watch the final episodes of I Kissed A Girl tomorrow (14 July) on BBC iPlayer or BBC Three.
Love media made by and for LGBTQIA+ women and gender diverse people? Then you’ll love DIVA. We’ve been spotlighting the community for over 30 years. Here’s how you can get behind queer media and keep us going for another generation: linkin.bio/ig-divamagazine
Did you know that DIVA has now become a charity? Our magazine is published by the DIVA Charitable Trust. You can find out more about the organisation and how you can offer your support here: divacharitabletrust.com
