A new report released by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) brings good news for fans of diversity on TV: The number of gay, lesbian, and bisexual characters has been steadily rising for the past few years. Representation on cable channels, especially HBO, is also up. And just imagine if the survey had taken into account queers on reality TV, given that they may actually outnumber straights on certain Bravo and Lifetime programming…
To celebrate, and keep the discussion going, we’ve broken down some of the most visible LGB (because we could still use a hell of a lot more “T” representation) characters and personalities on TV into archetypes. Add your own favorites in the comments and let us know whether you think these types of roles are moving gays forward or reinforcing stereotypes.
The “married” with children gays
Cameron Tucker and Mitchell Pritchett, Modern Family
There is a lot to love about this Emmy-winning comedy, which kicked off its second season last week. Cam and Mitchell are a gay couple in it for the long haul, raising their adopted daughter Lily and serving as perhaps the sanest branch of a wacky extended family tree. One small gripe: Ridiculously enough, we’re still waiting for ABC to let the characters kiss. Word has it that the wait will be over by the fourth episode of Season 2.
See also: David and Keith, Six Feet Under; Susan and Carol, Friends
Comments (18)
O’Hara, Austin, Arizona—real people and imagined that rock. The rest will likely be remembered as the Amos n’ Andy era of gays on telly.
What about Brother’s and Sisters!!!!!! Scotty and Kevin – have been married and they kiss all the time…. So there!
Arliss Howard as Kale Ingram
http://www.amctv.com/originals/Rubicon/cast/kingram
For the lesbian achiever category, I’d like to nominate Joyce Ramsay from Mad Men — who I just discovered is played by Zosia Mamet, David Mamet’s daughter.
How does Ellen not talk about her sexuality? She featured her wedding on her show, for Christ’s sakes!
No Thirteen/Olivia Wilde from House?
Seriously?
I’m sorry, did I miss something?
No NPH? Whaaaaaat?
Also, @Chakka, I read it as “A bunch of America approves of Ellen, but not so much of her personal life, unfortunately”
Actually, never mind. I guess NPH doesn’t play a gay man on TV, just in real life. But I agree with the Thirteen comment.
No Omar from “The Wire”?
[...] Flavorwire: A Field Guide to Gays and Bisexuals on TV. [...]
I’ve only watched Ellen sporadically, but in nearly every episode I have seen she mentions her wife or features a story that has to do with LGBT issues. I fail to see how she’s not talking about her sexuality or appearing asexual…
Re: “Lionel, United States of Tara”
His name is Marshall.
Re: My last comment.
My bad. You were talking about a different character.
Frat Boy Jock Gays – Calvin, Heath and Grant on “GREEK” (ABC FAMILY) – (see Jack McPhee of Dawson’s Creek)
Ellen and Portia’s wedding had a cover and full layout in People Magazine. I’m not sure how much more open and mainstream you can get.
Aww no Torchwood?
[...] response to the report, Flavorwire published their own slideshow marking some of their favorite LGBT characters on TV, organized into [...]
Watching too much TV can become a very nagging addiction and therefore drastic measures like discontinuing the cable connection can be counterproductive. Extremely few people can completely give up watching TV on an impulse and if they can, chances are, they were never truly addicted. You need to give yourself some time to get rid of this habit. But you should also be resolute and determined in your effort to get rid of TV addiction.
Post a new comment