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GLBT trends and characters in television past and present
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This week marked the 30th anniversary of the momentous first march on Washington for gay rights. October is also GLBT History month, with National Coming Out Day observed on October 11th. In light of these important historic events, it is important to explore the changes that have occurred over the years, including the changes in television.
GLBT themes and characters of television past:
In 1977, "Soap" debuted as a parody of daytime soap-operas. It was one of the earliest American primetime series to include a regular gay character, Jodie Dallas, played by Billy Crystal, who was also TV's first gay dad. It was controversial for dealing openly with topics such as homosexuality, marital infidelity, impotence, interracial marriage and same-sex parenting. However, over the seasons, the character of Jodie was portrayed more as a bisexual man and was eventually linked romantically to women, in order to stay closer to the audience's comfort level. "Soap" ran for four seasons until 1981.
Also in 1977 was the popular sitcom "Three's Company." The show, which finished its run in 1984, centered around three roommates, Jack, Janet, and Chrissy. Because of the landlord Stanley Roper's intolerance for co-ed living arrangements, Jack, a straight bachelor, was allowed to move in only after he told Roper that he was gay. Although Roper's wife Helen figured out Jack's true sexuality early on, she kept his secret.
"Brothers" premiered in 1984 and ran until 1989. It centered around the lives of the three Waters brothers, Lou, the oldest; Joe, the middle, and Cliff, the youngest. In its premier, Cliff ran out on his own wedding and later revealed to his family that he is gay. Throughout the first season, Cliff took a stand on many same-sex issues and discussions, and spoke in a heartfelt and thoughtful way. The show avoided stereotypes of either sexuality for the most part. "Brothers" was known for being meaningful and character-driven. Though the first two seasons focused on gay storylines, they were presented with all points of view portrayed, making it recognized for being clever and complex.
GLBT themes and characters of television present:
"Brothers and Sisters" premiered in 2008 as centered on family. Kevin Walker (Matthew Rhys) and Scotty Wandell (Luke Macfarlane) have portrayed one of the most realistic gay couples on network TV. "Brothers and Sisters" placed them beyond stereotypes and as main characters, rather than regulars who come and go. The show included the first gay wedding between two lead characters in a drama series. You can tune in Sundays at 10 p.m. on ABC as Kevin and Scotty decide whether or not to have a child.
September saw the series premier of "Modern Family," which demonstrates the changes in current familial trends, which can be seen by the show's tagline, "One big (straight,gay,multi-cultural, traditional) happy family." Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) are a gay couple that first appear to be mere cliches. However, the show has so far resisted making them caricatures of a gay couple by giving them a genuine quality which makes them realistic, but also entertaining to watch. To explore the new show, which has been receiving positive reviews, tune in Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on ABC.
Providing some competition to "Modern Family" has been "Glee," which also premiered in September. The show focuses on a highschool choir group, full of teenagers who feel very much like outcasts. One of the more hard-to miss characters is Kurt Hummel, played by Chris Colfer. Although Hummel is flamboyant, and fashionable, he is also portrayed with a poignance and sensitivity that makes the character relateable. The character recently struggled with whether or not to admit his sexuality, eventually coming out to his father. This approach to what could easily have become a stereotypical portrayal of sexuality makes the character believable in what is otherwise an over-the-top role. "Glee" airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on FOX.
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