The Next Step: A Teen Drama Breaking LGBTQ+ Barriers
In 2025, teen dramas are no longer shying away from portraying queer love stories, and The Next Step is a standout example. The Canadian show, featured on CBBC, recently made headlines after airing a same-sex kiss scene between characters Jude (Molly Sanders) and Cleo (Dano Virago), sparking both praise and controversy.
Dancing into Visibility
Jude and Cleo’s relationship had been gradually building throughout series seven. In one pivotal scene, they perform a duet that showcases not only their chemistry but also the emotional intimacy of young queer love. Before their kiss, the characters shared heartfelt monologues with the audience:
Jude: “When I dance with Cleo, I forget about everything. It’s just her. We are dancing together and all I see is her.”
Cleo: “When I dance with Jude, I feel safe and free at the same time. When we dance together, it’s like magic.”
The moment is tender, authentic, and unapologetically Quiera rare depiction in children’s programming.
Public Response: Praise and Pushback
The scene received over 100 complaints from viewers who felt it was inappropriate for a CBBC audience. Yet on social media, especially Twitter, the response was overwhelmingly supportive: fans celebrated the show for normalizing LGBTQ+ relationships and representing queer teens in a relatable way.
CBBC responded thoughtfully, stating:
“The decision to include this moment…was taken very carefully and with much consideration…we believe that the storyline, and the kiss, was handled with sensitivity and without sensationalism…every child feels like they belong, that they are safe, and that they can be who they want to be.”
This emphasizes that showing queer relationships on screen is not about sensationalism, but about inclusion, representation, and fostering empathy.
The Next Step’s same-sex kiss is more than a storyline it’s a step forward for queer visibility in youth media. For LGBTQ+ teens, seeing themselves reflected on screen can be empowering, affirming, and lifechanging. The scene also challenges outdated norms, proving that young audiences can handle complex and diverse stories responsibly.
Other teen shows worldwide are following suit, including Heartstopper and Never Have I Ever, signalling a broader shift toward authentic LGBTQ+ representation.
Representation in youth media matters it validates queer identities for young viewers. Sensitively portrayed queer moments foster empathy, belonging, and inclusion. Controversy often reflects societal discomfort, not the inappropriateness of LGBTQ+ content.Storylines like Jude and Cleo’s pave the way for more diverse narratives in children’s programming.
By including a same-sex kiss between Jude and Cleo, The Next Step demonstrates that children’s media can be inclusive, respectful, and educational, all while celebrating the love stories that exist in real life. This is a reminder that representation is not optionality’s essential.
