"Princess Charming" Irina hose: "I did not want to court a woman with men"

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Irina Schlauch, 30, from Cologne: The lawyer is looking for her great love on the lesbian dating show "Princess Charming"

Photo: Rene Lohse / TVNOW / picture alliance / dpa

SPIEGEL:

You are the first »Princess Charming« in the world. The program starts this Tuesday on the TVNow streaming service operated by the RTL media group.

Previously there was "Prince Charming", but never a lesbian dating show.

Why is that?

Hose:

I suspect that nobody has dared to do it yet.

Perhaps out of fear that women are not entertaining enough or that there aren't enough viewers to watch a lesbian dating show.

Compared to lesbian women, gay men are often more open, prefer to present themselves and celebrate their sexuality more.

That already offers great entertainment value.

But I can already reveal this much: It will also be very entertaining in our season.

SPIEGEL:

TVNow has been criticized because originally there should have been a »Princess Charming« with an »attractive bi-lady«, meaning that men and women would have been on the show.

What do you think was the problem?

Hose:

Maybe the station thought that a bisexual variant could appeal to even more people, i.e. men and women.

SPIEGEL:

Following criticism from viewers, TVNow changed the concept.

Do you understand those who started the shit storm on social media?

Hose:

I can understand the displeasure.

I would not have applied for a bisexual variant.

Not because I hate men - this prejudice clings to many lesbian women, but it usually cannot be confirmed.

For me it was because I didn't want to court a woman with men.

I first applied as a candidate.

For me, a bisexual variant would not have been right from the point of view of the point in time, since, in the interests of justice, a purely male dating show should be followed by a purely female variant.

SPIEGEL:

What gave you the idea of ​​taking part in the dating format?

Hose:

I'm a big fan of "Prince Charming".

It was so nice to see the natural way love between men was portrayed there.

In addition, with my participation I would like to give the lesbian community a stage that was previously barely visible.

At the same time, I would like to encourage others to stand up for their homosexuality.

more on the subject

• Lesbian Visibility: Where Are the Young Queer Women? By Arabella Wintermayr

• New dating show: "Princess Charming" is looking for a woman for life

• New season "Prince Charming": "Ah, this is probably the Lutschkeller" by Anja Rützel

SPIEGEL:

How did those around you react?

Hose:

Some have expressed themselves critically.

Not because of the format, but because of the media attention that such a show generates.

Everyone should think twice about this step.

However, my friends and family support my participation and are one hundred percent behind my sexuality and me.

SPIEGEL:

How would you describe the atmosphere at »Princess Charming« compared to other dating formats?

Hose:

Despite the competitive situation, everyone treated one another very respectfully and supported one another.

With a few exceptions, there was no drama or bickering.

A really great sense of community has developed between us, which cannot be taken for granted.

SPIEGEL:

Are you in a relationship with someone from the show now?

Hose:

I'm very happy right now.

(laughs)

SPIEGEL:

Gay and lesbian couples have been allowed to marry in Germany since June 2017.

Where do you see a legal need to catch up in terms of LGBTIQ +?

Hose:

It is still difficult for lesbian couples to raise a family.

When a woman has the child, her partner is not automatically entered as a "co-mother".

A lengthy adoption process follows.

Even for trans people, a lot has to change in terms of equality.