Ezra Sosa, a professional dancer on Dancing With the Stars, said he never imagined he would join the show while growing up Mormon in Utah [1].
Sosa's journey highlights the tension between traditional religious upbringing and LGBTQIA+ identity. By sharing his experience, he aims to provide visibility for youth facing similar conflicts between their faith and their sexual orientation.
Growing up in Utah, Sosa navigated the expectations of his Mormon community. He said that this background heavily shaped his coming-out journey and initially made a mainstream career in dance feel unlikely [1], [3]. The professional dancer now views his presence on the show as a platform to serve as a role model for LGBTQIA+ youth [1], [3].
Beyond his personal history, Sosa remains active in the competitive dynamics of the series. Regarding potential pairings for Season 35 [4], he offered his perspective on Maura Higgins. "Maura, I can see her with anyone but Gleb [Savchenko]," Sosa said [2].
Sosa has continued to expand his professional reach beyond the ballroom. His career trajectory included an appearance at the 2026 American Music Awards in Los Angeles [4]. This visibility marks a significant shift from his early years in Utah, where he believed his identity and ambitions were at odds with his environment [1].
Throughout his time on the program, Sosa has emphasized the importance of authenticity. He said his path from a restrictive religious environment to a high-profile television career serves as evidence that professional success is possible regardless of one's origin, or identity [3].
“Ezra Sosa said he never imagined he would join the show while growing up Mormon in Utah.”
Sosa's public narrative reflects a broader cultural trend of LGBTQIA+ individuals from conservative religious backgrounds reclaiming their identities in the public eye. By bridging the gap between his Mormon roots and his current status as a professional dancer, he provides a visible roadmap for youth in similar environments, potentially challenging traditional stigmas within religious communities through mainstream media representation.
