Groundbreaking Dating Show Celebrates British Sign Language and Deaf Culture

"Hold My Hand" is a pioneering dating show that exclusively utilizes British Sign Language (BSL), marking a significant milestone in television representation for the deaf community. Presented by deaf identical twins Hermon and Heroda Berhane, the show aims to not only facilitate romantic connections but also to showcase the culture and identity of deaf individuals. Hermon emphasizes the importance of visibility, stating, “People have never seen our culture, our identity, the way we discuss the things.” The show features contestants who are either deaf or children of deaf adults (Codas), fostering a sense of community among participants.

The Guardian

The Berhane twins aim to challenge misconceptions about deaf individuals, particularly the belief that they cannot communicate effectively. According to a collaboration with Tinder, 71% of young adults expressed discomfort dating someone who primarily uses BSL. The British Deaf Association reports that there are approximately 150,000 BSL signers in the UK, of which 87,000 are deaf. Heroda explains, “It’s just another language... be curious about and lean into, learn, be open and don’t be afraid.” The show encourages hearing audiences to engage with deaf culture, highlighting the emotional depth and authenticity of communication beyond spoken words.

The Guardian

The first series of "Hold My Hand" consists of three episodes, including a dedicated installment featuring LGBT+ singletons. Contestants participate in various activities designed to foster openness and connection, such as a “this or that” round discussing preferences in intimacy. The twins describe the communication style of deaf individuals as “very open, very blunt, very straight to the point,” aiming to dispel the notion that deaf people are fundamentally different from hearing individuals. Hermon asserts, “We’re all the same. We’re human,” emphasizing the shared experiences of love and vulnerability.

The Guardian

LumoTV CEO Camilla Arnold notes that the show represents a shift in how BSL is perceived in mainstream entertainment, stating, “For too long, the use of British Sign Language has been treated as an afterthought.” The producers believe that "Hold My Hand" has significant mainstream potential, as it not only entertains but also educates viewers about deaf culture. The show is set to premiere just before Valentine’s Day, aiming to reach a broader audience and foster understanding between deaf and hearing communities.

The Guardian

Despite its innovative approach, the show faces challenges, including the need for careful representation of deaf culture. The Berhane twins acknowledge the balance required in presenting their identity while engaging with contestants. They express a desire for hearing audiences to recognize the depth of communication within the deaf community, which often transcends spoken language.

The Guardian

• “We’ve been waiting to get a show of our own for such a long time,” — Hermon Berhane, Co-Host

The Guardian

• “Us deaf people, we’re very open, very blunt, very straight to the point, very honest,” — Heroda Berhane, Co-Host

The Guardian

• “I really hope that hearing people realise, ‘Gosh, deaf people, we’re the same. There’s no difference. We’re all the same. We’re human.’ What’s most important is the humanistic side. There is love, there is sex, there is joy, there is flirtation, and there’s vulnerability as well. We’re exactly the same.” — Heroda Berhane, Co-Host

The Guardian

• “With this series, we’re flipping that on its head.” — Camilla Arnold, CEO of LumoTV

The Guardian

"Hold My Hand" not only seeks to entertain but also aspires to bridge the gap between deaf and hearing individuals, fostering a greater understanding of the richness of deaf culture.

The Guardian