The Challenge: Cast learned they/them pronouns for host Brihony Dawson
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Non-binary host of The Challenge Brihony Dawson says the entire cast and crew have learned to use she/them pronouns
Brihony Dawson, the non-binary host of Channel 10’s The Challenge, has said the show’s cast and crew had to learn to use they/those pronouns.
The 38-year-old made the revelation during a conversation with TV tonight about being the first non-binary person to present a primetime reality show on Australian network TV.
“Non-binary” is an umbrella term for gender identities that are not exclusively male or female. Non-binary people sometimes use they/them pronouns.
Brihony Dawson (pictured), the non-binary presenter of Channel 10’s The Challenge, has said the show’s cast and crew had to learn how to use their pronouns
The Challenge, which premiered in America in 1998, has been described as a mix of Big Brother and Survivor. A $200,000 cash prize is up for grabs for the winners.
“I didn’t have anyone like me in the public eye when I was growing up,” Dawson said.
Dawson has presented the AFLW Grand Final and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, but The Challenge marks their first time fronting a primetime entertainment show.
They were full of praise when they spoke about the support they received on the set of The Challenge, which was filmed earlier this year in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
“The crew had written ‘she/they’ on the desk as a constant reminder because they wanted to do it right,” said Dawson.
The 38-year-old made the revelation when speaking to TV Tonight about becoming the first non-binary person to headline a prime-time reality show on Australian network TV.
They said their role on the show will hopefully set an example for other people who may be “questioning something about their gender.”
The stars of The Challenge have praised Dawson as host.
During Monday’s premiere, a number of cast members, including MasterChef star Conor Curran, showered the host with compliments.
The stars of The Challenge, including Brittany Hockley, have praised Dawson as host
Dawson made a big impression when they introduced themselves to the contestants at the start of the season.
Love Island’s Audrey Kanongara commented, “Brihony is a great ball of energy.”
Radio host Brittany Hockley added: “They look like they won’t take s**t.”
“Brihony are Australia’s first non-binary host and to me that’s incredible,” added Conor, “but every time I see them I’m probably going to hear something I don’t want to hear.”
The Challenge, which premiered in America in 1998, has been described as a mix of Big Brother and Survivor. A $200,000 cash prize is up for grabs for the winners