Straight TV presenters kiss live on air for $50,000 charity donation

Words: Alastair James; pictures: YouTube

A televised kiss between two straight TV presenters on Australian TV has drawn some mixed responses from viewers and the LGBTQ community.

Gran Denyer and Ben Fordham kissed during a live fundraiser called Australia Unites, which was to benefit flood victims on behalf of the Red Cross. 

More than $25,000,000 Australian dollars was raised on Saturday (12 March) with a $50,000 donation promised from an anonymous “major Australian corporation” if the two men, who identify as straight and are both married, kissed on live TV.

“That just happened”

After the kiss, Denyer told the audience watching: “That just happened, Australia. If you can’t donate $5 for that you don’t know what quality entertainment is.” 

According to Q News, it’s not the first time the men have kissed on TV before. In 2019, they “pashed” (meaning a passionate kiss) on live radio. 

On Twitter after Saturday’s smooch, Fordham thanked Denyer for his “pash rash”.

Thanks to everyone who has supported the flood telethon #australiaunites and thanks ⁦@grantdenyer⁩ for the pash rash 💋 pic.twitter.com/2qJlHFOkfd

— Ben Fordham (@BenFordham) March 12, 2022

Some viewers found the spectacle amusing, with one person tweeting: “Benny Fordham and Grant Denyer Pashing. Now we need more Variety like that on TV let alone this broadcast.”

Benny Fordham and Grant Denyer Pashing. Now we need more Variety like that on TV let alone this broadcast. #AustraliaUnites

— Madsen Paunga (@mvpmadsen) March 12, 2022

However, others found the display insensitive, with one person saying they were “uncomfortable about the way that men kissing men and people cross dressing is being encouraged as a joke for charity.”

“Please don’t mock and joke about these things in the name of entertainment,” they added.

I’m uncomfortable about the way that men kissing men and people cross dressing is being encouraged as a joke for charity on the Australia Unites. Please don’t mock and joke about these things in the name of entertainment #floodappeal #australiaunites

— Nicole Mugford (@NicoleMugford) March 12, 2022

Watch the moment below:

Attitude’s new-look March/April issue is out now.