A New Years kiss between Ricky Locci and DJ Petrosino in Manhattans Times Square went viral after it aired on the ESPN cable sports network, receiving a somewhat awkward and surprised reaction from the networks anchorman. While the couple says theyve received a lot of online hate after a right-wing social media account shared a video of their broadcast kiss, theyve also received lots of love and were happy to provide positive queer representation to viewers in more conservative areas. Related Boy George gives loving note to a mom who bravely supported her trans son Its been an interesting mix of reactions! Locci told Outsports. Weve had a lot of support, with people saying the kiss warmed their hearts, that they were so happy for us or that they needed to see that, especially after this last year.Locci, a physical therapist on Broadway shows, also runs a personal training company focused on LGBTQ+ health and wellness. His partner, DJ, works in interior design and has previously performed in New York City for over a decade as an actor and dancer. The two have been dating for just over a year. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today The couple said that an ESPN production assistant asked if they wanted their kiss televised, and then had the couple wear two mandatory Planet Fitness-sponsored hats while they awaited the midnight countdown for their now-viral smooch.We thought it would just be shown on the Jumbotrons, Petrosino said. We didnt know it was going to be televised. We kiss all the time, so we didnt think it was that big of a deal. After the kiss, the couple went to a local piano bar and saw ESPN air their embrace. When their friends told the other patrons that it was them on the TV screen, some of the bar patrons cheered in celebration. Soon after the kiss aired, people started contacting the couple through various messaging and social apps, expressing love and support.We got a lot of love, not just some people we knew, but people all over the internet that just appreciated it, Locci told Out magazine.While ESPN anchorman Scott Van Pelt seemed caught off guard when the same-sex smooch aired on his network, Locci said he found his reaction funny, as did many social media commenters who interpreted Van Pelts reaction as either one of disapproval or titillation. Its crazy how you saw people take his reaction and try to make the worst out of it. I guess theyll interpret it the way that they want, Locci said. Noting Van Pelts hesitation when commenting on the kiss on-air, Locci added, It speaks to the nature of the society that weve created that he didnt want to say the wrong thing.Some people are like, Oh my gosh, hes disgusted! And others are like, Hes aroused! Our interpretation was just that he was surprised and didnt want to say the wrong thing.Petrosino added, With it being on a sports network, where people kissing in general is not seen much, its unexpected in and of itself.Given our political climate right now, I think any kind of visibility is important. Even if we think its already been said and already been out there, I dont think we can [push for visibility] enough, Petrosino told Out.Locci agreed, saying that their broadcast kiss may mean even more to ESPN viewers who live in rural areas or red states. ESPNs footage was also shared by anti-LGBTQ+, right-wing social media accounts.We got a lot of hate, Locci told the aforementioned magazine, adding that social media commenters said that they should be slaughtered and accused them of pushing propaganda and corrupting children. Its heartwarming to see that, while everyone else is spending New Years with family and friends, End Wokeness was screen recording gay people kissing https://t.co/RxYyTZT4Cm no context memes (@nocontextmemes) January 1, 2026However, in an emotional Instagram post, Locci wrote, In my 20s I struggled with depression and coming out. In my 30s I kissed my boyfriend on National television after having one of the best years of my life.Loving yourself and finding confidence is a constant work in progress. Some days you can feel like the most confident person in the world and others you can feel like the smallest. Its important to love both versions, he said.Patience is a virtue, Locci told Outsports, and loving yourself is how you can really embrace your queer identity. Then a relationship like the one we have will come along. For some, it may be easy to find. For others, it may be hard. But it doesnt mean that its unattainable. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr. Ricky Locci, PT, DPT, CSCS (@ricky_locci_dpt)Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.