Metro Weekly

Australian soap opera “Neighbours” to air first same-sex wedding

Neighbours will feature its first same-sex marriage since it was legalized in Australia

Takaya Honda (Left) and Matt Wilson — Photo: @neighbours / Twitter

Australian soap opera Neighbours is set to make history by airing the first same-sex wedding since the country legalized gay marriage.

Newly released images from the set of Neighbours show characters Aaron and David exchanging vows, becoming the first same-sex TV couple to get married in Australia after marriage equality passed last December.

Matt Wilson, who plays Aaron, and Takaya Honda, who plays David, told RadioTimes they are excited to make TV history.

“We are both ecstatic to be part of this huge moment and it stands alone as the highlight of my career,” said Wilson. “This storyline means a lot to me, my friends and to all the fans who love Aaron and David.”

Honda added: “It is an absolute privilege to be part of what is and what will be a historic moment in Australian television. There have been so many parts of David’s story that have given me a great sense of pride — from discovering Paul Robinson was his dad, to his coming out to now marrying the man of his dreams.”

Executive Producer Jason Herbison said that they risked the marriage equality vote not passing when creating the wedding storyline.

“While that was happening our country was trapped in a divisive referendum,” he said. “Would our story about love and equality even by legal by the time it aired? Thankfully love won and we’re very excited for viewers to see this iconic moment come to life on screen.”

Magda Szubanski, known for her role on the Australian sitcom Kath & Kim as well as being an LGBTQ rights activist, will be officiating the TV ceremony.

Based on the date shown in the photos, the episode will air sometime around September 3rd.

Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism

These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!